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J.D.’S BAR-B-QUE
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Contents
Contributors
September 2021
32 Judy Abbott
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que
12 Tommy Allegood 22 Ryan Blythe
On the Cover
Chip Allen started his barbecue empire when he purchased a small stand and opened for business on Sept. 19, 1999. On the cover, he and manager Bri Blalock greet diners.
18 Lauren Bolden 49 Jennifer Bonn 23 Steve Coleman 14 Wayne Dennard 47 Greg Fonzeno
Pages 28 & 29
21 Malinda Howe
Cover photo: www.TellItUSA.com
16 Tiffany Hughes 20 Rob Macmillan 26 Susan Schulz 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 13 Kim Wigington
In Every Issue
4 Around Acworth 8 Local News 15 Celebrations
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20 Rob’s Rescues
A Better Breakfast
Serve up the most important meal of the day by trying healthy substitutions, like this cheesy spinach frittata.
32
Peonies, Please!
Consider adding these large showy flowers to your perennial garden.
38
First-Day Smiles
Celebrating the start of the new school year, with pictures suitable for scrapbooks. 2
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
32 Growing Gardeners 34 School News 42 Community Calendar 44 Library Events 46 Senior Events 48 Acworth Parks 50 Cobb Photographic Society 52 Downtown Dining Guide 54 Directory of Advertisers
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Around Acworth Letter From the Editor
September is here! Which means, pumpkin spice lattes are back, football season is here, and you survived the August back-to-school rush! (Insert your favorite celebratory emoji here – I’m a big fan of the red dress dancing lady or the raised hands.) My husband and I entered a new phase, as our lives now are dictated by the school calendar and not our work schedules. I’ve already learned that pre-K doesn’t care if it’s my deadline week – my daughter’s “about me” one-pager of photos and stickers isn’t going to finish itself. We did this to ourselves as our little firecracker started K4 early. And, yes, my un-crafty self spent at least two hours filling out that cute back-to-school chalkboard like any good Pinterest mom. We love sharing those first-day photos, images you snapped just before walking your student to the bus, or heading out the door for carpool. See Pages 38-41 for this month’s dose of cuteness. Don’t miss Parker Grace’s uniform-clad self – and check out that chalkboard art! To commemorate National School Picture Day, which is Sept. 9 this year, each member of the Aroundabout Local Media team found an elementary school picture to share on our staff page (Page 56). We’d love for you to get in the spirit by sharing your school photos on Facebook or Instagram — use the tag @AroundAcworthMagazine on Facebook and @around_acworth on Instagram. Let’s see if we can start a social media wave of pictures of awkward adolescents with toothless grins and bad hairdos. I’m hoping the collection of breakfast recipes on Pages 16-17 will give you some new ideas for fueling your family at the start of each day. And, don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! On Page 18, Lauren Bolden encourages us with her experiences. As we move into fall and start to think about Thanksgiving and Christmas, take a moment to show your thankfulness for the small businesses that make our community great. And, as always, I’m thankful for our readers and advertisers who support us each month.
Welcome!
Kelly Black is joining the Aroundabout Local Media (ALM) team as chief strategist. Kelly will be developing and implementing strategies for the growth of ALM and will be responsible for sales for Around Canton.
Kudos!
On Aug. 16, Chuck Groover with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police presented the Acworth Police Department with its state certification renewal. Sgt. Lisa Montcalm took the lead with this program to ensure the police department met all the certification standards. With more than 600 law enforcement agencies in Georgia, 137 are state certified. Read more about this in Chief Wayne Dennard’s article on Page 14.
Kim Watt was recently named the new director of Acworth’s Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department. Perviously, she served as the assistant director for the department and director of the Acworth Tourism Bureau Authority.
Kim Watt
Ribbon Cuttings
The Fountain
4843 N. Main St. 678-403-8898. On Facebook: The Fountain – Acworth
Kindness Challenge of the Month
Two Thumbs Up: Write a positive review for a local, small business that you love. Reviews can be posted on various websites or on the business’ individual social media pages. This benefits the local business and potential customers.
Katie Beall Katie Parker attended Walker Park Elementary in Monroe, Georgia. Little did this kindergartener know she would be managing editor for Aroundabout Local Media one day. Share your school photos with Around Acworth on Facebook.
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Westside Farm at Cobblestone
4416 Westside Farm Place. 678-388-1400. www.westsidefarmatcobblestone.com
Caribbean Soul Bar & Grill — 11:30 a.m. Aug. 25 3365 Acworth Oaks Drive, Suite 1 678-909-2058. www.caribbeansoulbar.com. (Photo not available at press time.)
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Around Acworth | Around Canton | Around Kennesaw Around Woodstock | TowneLaker www.AroundaboutLocalMedia.com
Our Mission
Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.
Results With Us
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Get Social With Us! @aroundacworthmagazine @around_acworth
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Chief Strategist, Sales & Marketing Kelly Black 770-615-2779 Kelly@AroundaboutMagazines.com Market & Advertising Specialist Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@AroundaboutMagazines.com Copy Editors Bill King, Eliza Somers
Around Acworth, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s mission is helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. It distributes a total of 17,000 free copies. Approximately 16,600 are directly mailed to homes and businesses, and an additional 400 are placed in racks around the community. Around Acworth also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Acworth welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 10th of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Acworth is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2021 Around Acworth
1025 Rose Creek Dr., PMB 380, Ste. 620 Woodstock, GA 30189
www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com
www.AroundAcworthMagazine.com 6
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Volume 6, Issue 2
America’s Community Magazine
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Local News
Celebrate Constitution Week with DAR Sept. 17 marks the 234th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Join members of the Liberty Hill Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to hear the Constitution Week Proclamation at Acworth’s regular meeting of the mayor and Board of Aldermen at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at City Hall. Bring a bell and join DAR members, at 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at City Hall, to celebrate the signing of the Constitution.
Art House Happenings
Jean and Charles Courtney with their daughter, Jeanie Krenz, middle, at the anniversary celebration.
Couple Celebrates 71st Wedding Anniversary Dogwood Forest Acworth residents, Charles and Jean Courtney, recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. The couple, who moved into the senior living facility this summer, got married June 25, 1950, when Charles was 19 and Jean was 17. At the time, he had just enlisted in the Air Force and had to get permission from his commanding officer to get married, which was required. As a military family, the Courtneys moved every few years, including stints in England, South Dakota, California and Texas, while Charles also served remote tours of duty throughout his almost 29-year military career. He retired from the military in 1978 and began teaching electronics at Arkansas College of Technology. Charles retired from teaching in 1999, and the Courtneys moved to Georgia to be near their youngest two children and grandchildren. At 88 and 90, Jean and Charles have four children, nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and are settling into their next chapter together. 8
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
The Acworth Arts Alliance welcomes Lovona Brantley, a new instructor who has spent numerous years in the community. Brantley was the owner and operator of the Acworth Gallery, which was located on Lemon Street. She will teach intermediate/ advanced watercolors and a youth painting class at the Art House. The Art House annual Holiday Gift Shop will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Acworth Community Center, in Tanyard Creek Overlook. More than 20 member artists will be participating.
Innovative Fitness Announces 2021 Grant Recipient Innovative Fitness awarded the second annual 2021 Chris Conti Memorial Grant to the City of Chatsworth, benefiting the city’s police and fire departments. This year, all nonprofits, public safety organizations, and public high schools in Georgia were invited to apply. The new fitness center will be housed within the Chatsworth Police Department. The police force presently consists of 19 sworn officers and two administrative staff members in a city of 4,300 residents. The fire department maintains 14 full-time and 14 part-time employees. The newly designed fitness space will consist of the latest cardio, strength and functional training equipment aimed to promote and encourage physical fitness among the police and fire workforce. “Physical fitness and strength are critical tools for a firefighter,” Chatsworth Fire Department’s Chief Charles M. Baxter said. “Fitness equipment that will allow our personnel to develop their strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance will have a direct positive impact on our ability to serve the citizens in our community.” Innovative Fitness inaugurated the Chris Conti Memorial Grant (CCMG) in 2020 to honor the memory of its co-founder. The creation of the CCMG aligns with the company’s motto, “See a need, fill a need,” and will carry on Conti’s generosity and desire to give back to others in his community. Innovative Fitness is a national supplier of fitness equipment and athletic flooring and provides a full range of services to their clients in commercial and residential settings.
ChattahoocheeTech.edu 770-528-4545
Business
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Local News
Oscar Johnson ready for take off.
Oscar Johnson with Michael Searcy, director of community relations for Celebration Village.
92-Year-Old Veteran Lands Helicopter
Oscar Johnson kissing a flag next to his three daughters during the recognition ceremony.
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After landing, Oscar Johnson was presented with a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on July 4. AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
After 20 years serving our nation as an Army combat specialist, an operative with the Central Intelligence Agency, and as the personal helicopter pilot to the vice president of the United States, Oscar Johnson, Jr. spent his birthday doing what he loves most, flying! The veteran celebrated his 92nd birthday recently by landing a helicopter at his place of residence, Celebration Village Acworth. After landing, the helicopter was available for the nearly 450 people in attendance to see, followed by a recognition ceremony. Johnson’s 92 years are filled with legend and lore, as he was assigned to the CIA with missions in Okinawa, Korea, Virginia, the Philippines, Guatemala and more. He carried a survival kit that included a pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition, gold for barter and a pill that guaranteed death in six seconds in the event of capture. His final assignment before retirement in 1968 was flying Vice President Hubert Humphrey and his wife, Muriel, during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. He has logged more than 37,000 flight hours.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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A Message from the
I
t may feel like summer now, but fall is just around the corner. As the air turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, the city is excited to have people explore our wonderful town and all it has to offer. More important than the changing of seasons, September brings the return of football! We will be having our second annual Pizza, Pints and Pigskins event Sept. 11 starting at noon in Logan Farm Park. Local restaurants will be featuring their best slices of pizza, and you will have the opportunity to vote for your favorite. Football games will be televised, music will be playing all day and the kid zone will be packed full of obstacle courses, bungee jumps and more. The night will end with a free concert from The Return, a Beatles tribute band, beginning at 8 p.m. It’s going to be a great day. If you are interested in reserving a table, you can contact JRM Management at 770-423-1330. Our city has been very intentional over the years about creating an inclusive community. We were so excited to offer the rescheduled Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration on Aug. 1. The Total Package Band played a wonderful concert at Logan Farm Park, and everyone there had a great time. Juneteenth is a day that celebrates the ending of slavery in 1865, and we commemorate African American freedom. This event will be a tradition in our city moving forward, and we look forward to making it bigger and better each year. National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place
from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 each year. It is an opportunity to honor the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage. We are planning a celebration at Logan Farm Park on Sept. 25, so be sure to check out the Acworth Parks and Recreation website for more information, www.acworthparksandrec.org. September also means the return of the Horizon League baseball season. This league is for athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities, and they are given the opportunity to make lifelong friends and feel included in their community. The Horizon name refers to the saying, “the sky is the limit.” There is no limit to what these amazing players can do. If you are unfamiliar with this wonderful program, come out and cheer at a game. The youth and teen athletes play on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the adults play Thursday evenings at Horizon Field beginning at 6 p.m. Another way to show your support is to volunteer to be a buddy at a game. If you’re interested in lending a hand, email lham@acworth.org. As always, for more information on any ongoing projects, events and programs, visit www.acworth.org and sign up for our e-news blasts, like the Visit Acworth Facebook page and follow @VisitAcworth on Instagram. God bless, Tommy
Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS
The September events sponsor is the Holbrook.
Sept. 7
ABA Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.
Sept. 9
Alive After Five
5:30-7:30 p.m. Wiffle ball game at Logan Farm Park. 4405 Cherokee St.
Sept. 14
Morning Jolt
7:45-9 a.m. The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive Networking event that focuses on exchanging referrals.
Sept. 16
Women’s Business Network 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Logan Farm House 4756 Logan Road Catering by Pizza by Fuscos.
Sept. 18
Morning Jolt
7:45-9 a.m. The Cowan Historic Mill 4271 Southside Drive
Oct. 7
ABA Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center 4361 Cherokee St.
The ABA’s monthly women’s network luncheon is a place for women in business to network and build relationships. Last month’s luncheon was hosted by the Cowan Historic Mill, and Pizza by Fuscos catered.
Find Your Circle and Where You Fit BY KIM WIGINGTON
How do we move forward united and strong, when we feel we are a party of one? In my field, I am a minority. I am a woman who founded a Christian school for students with dyslexia when I was 37 years old. Brookwood Christian School does not fit the mold of other Christian and private schools. The other private school headmasters were simply not my peer group, and we all knew it. I still needed mentors, so I began to look to Acworth’s business people who were willing to answer my many questions. What I found was an inclusive community that could guide me toward success. I introduced myself to people, joined organizations, served on boards and made connections in Acworth. I stopped attending those private school headmaster meetings and concentrated on where I could make the biggest impact, my community. The point is that sometimes we need to look outside our perceived circles, and see where we fit. It’s important to find our circle, where we can encourage, support and build up each other. Only then can we move forward, united and strong. Kim Wigington is the president of the ABA, and serves as chairwoman of the Acworth Downtown Development Authority. She is the founder and director of Brookwood Christian School. She and her husband have lived in Acworth for 16 years and have two adult daughters.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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ACWORTH
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Maintaining the Best Industry Practices BY WAYNE DENNARD
review of all of our policies and procedures. For each policy, There are 628 law enforcement agencies in Georgia. the department is responsible for providing evidentiary Of those, only 137 are certified by the Georgia documentation to prove that it is not just in writing, but Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP). The Acworth also in active practice. Police Department is proud to be one of those agencies. Certification managers from the GACP visit the Recently, we completed our recertification cycle. agency and participate in Certification status ride-alongs with officers represents a significant (chosen at random), in professional achievement order to actually see the for law enforcement policies in action. I could agencies. It acknowledges not be more proud of our the implementation of agency, our officers and, policies and procedures that especially, our Office of are conceptually sound and Professional Standards, operationally effective. The which administrates our state certification process is certification program. completely voluntary; when In addition to GACP agencies undertake to devote certification, the division the personnel and resources soon will begin the to achieve certification, you process of working can be sure that they truly toward certification from value the profession, and are the Commission on committed to maintaining the Accreditation for Law best practices in the industry. Chuck Groover with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and Sgt. Enforcement Agencies GACP certification Lisa Montcalm, who oversaw the process for the department. (CALEA). CALEA places the highest value on is a national certifying professionalism, operational agency, and it is the perfect next step for our department’s guidance, positive community support, transparency, continued progress. For simplicity, the two types of ethical conduct and liability protection. These certifications have been compared with the difference cornerstones are vital to our agency’s ability to provide between attaining a bachelor’s degree (state certification) the best possible service to the Acworth community. and a master’s degree (CALEA certification). Like any Achievement of state certification lets the community worthwhile endeavor, it might seem a little daunting, but I know that the trust the residents have in their police am confident that our agency is up to the challenge! department is well placed. Additionally, it enables our city to receive a 20% reduction in liability insurance, since agencies that achieve certification can be expected to produce fewer negative claims. Every police agency is responsible for developing its Wayne Dennard has served as chief since own policies and procedures. Attaining certification by 2012 and has lived in this community for an outside agency is like getting a second opinion. The more than 40 years. certification process is lengthy, and it requires a thorough 14
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Celebrations!
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Email to: Edit@AroundaboutMagazines.com October deadline is Sept. 14. Please specify Around Acworth.
Berkleigh Jones
Age 15 on Sept. 27 We love you very much Love, Dad, Jamie, Jocelyn and Madison
John Stahl
Collyns Lindsey
Age 3 on Sept. 2 Happy birthday, Collyns! We love you! Mommy, Daddy, Ella and Libby
Isaiah Stahl
Age 40 on Sept. 1 Happy birthday! We love you!
Age 15 on Sept. 2 Happy birthday, Zeke! We love you!
Kayla Stahl
Caroline Kitsch
Age 21 on Sept. 18 Happy birthday! We love you!
Age 5 on Sept. 17 Happy birthday Caroline! We love you to the moon and back! MeMe and Chip
Landry Hahn
Age 8 on Sept. 5 Happy birthday! We love you! Mom, Dad, Hudson, Sampson and Ivy
Luciano
Age 7 on Sept. 8 Happy birthday! We are so proud of you. Love, Mommy and Daddy
Richie Borroweic
Age 35 on Sept. 1 Happy birthday, Richie! “Some days you just have to create your own sunshine.”
Reese Adams
Age 9 on Sept. 10 Happy birthday, Reese! We love you bigger than all of the sunlight! Love, Momma, Daddy and Madison
Lincoln Tyson
Age 1 on Sept. 5 Happy birthday! I love you bigger than the sky! Grandma
Jackson Basil
Age 5 on Sept. 12 Happy birthday, Jackson! We love you incredibly! Hunter, Gigi, Grump-pa, Conner and Brooks
Coy Walls
Age 81 on Sept. 16 Happy birthday, Dad! We love you!
Aidan Alspaugh
Age 5 on Sept. 8 Your smiles and laughter fill our hearts with joy. Happy birthday. May God bless you now and always.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Cheesy Spinach Frittata Ingredients
• • • • • • • • • • •
1 tablespoon bacon rendering 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces frozen spinach ½ teaspoon garlic or season salt ½ teaspoon oregano 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese 6 large eggs 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt ⅛ teaspoon hot sauce ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese dash of lemon juice
Directions
Heat a cast-iron pan (8 inches in diameter for best results) over mediumhigh heat. Add the bacon rendering and olive oil to the pan. Add the frozen spinach and break it apart as it cooks. Sprinkle salt, oregano and lemon juice into the pan, stirring to combine. Continue to cook until the spinach is hot. Then, spread it across the bottom of the pan, and sprinkle the feta across the top. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt and hot sauce together. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and feta. Continue to cook without stirring, periodically running the edge of a spatula around the outside edge of the frittata. When the frittata is mostly firm, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and place the pan under a broiler (about 5 minutes). The top of the frittata should be mostly firm by the time the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown.
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AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Start the Day in a HEALTHY BY TIFFANY HUGHES
WAY
It’s 7 a.m. on Monday. You’re eating something quick and hand-held while driving to work. Fast-forward to the weekend, and you’re enjoying a lazy brunch. Either way, breakfast possibilities range far and wide, including all the options for a healthy breakfast. Sure, you can sit down with half of a grapefruit and some dry toast, but eating a healthy breakfast does not mean you have to sacrifice flavor or substance. For instance, when dining out, ask for turkey sausage instead of pork, or order whole wheat toast instead of white. Make an effort to incorporate leafy greens. Spinach wards off toxins, and it supplies you with vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system. It also gives you an early start on your vegetable intake for the day. For instance, add some fresh or frozen spinach to scrambled eggs. Try pairing the mix with toast, or adding to a flour tortilla with some feta cheese. Another healthy change is to swap out the sugar in your oatmeal for locally sourced honey. Honey tastes sweeter than regular sugar, so less is required. It’s full of antioxidants and is lower on the glycemic index, which means honey doesn’t raise your blood sugar as quickly as regular sugar. Frittatas, which are essentially a crustless quiche, are typically made by combining eggs with meat and cheese, and are cooked on top of the stove before finishing under the broiler. They are easy to lighten up, without sacrificing flavor. A typical frittata made in an 8-inch cast-iron pan, consists of at least six large eggs, some type of cheese, and meat, such as bacon or ham. For a lighter option, heat some olive oil and cook 8 ounces of your favorite veggies, seasoning as desired, before pouring in the eggs. For extra protein, stir in cottage cheese with the eggs. Top with shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese before putting under the broiler. By using healthy substitutions for breakfast, you’ll find that it’s easy to create food that is good for you and tastes good. Here are four recipes to start the day a healthy way. Happy cooking!
Tiffany Hughes is an Acworth resident and works for the Booth Western Art Museum. Contact her at creativecook11@yahoo.com.
Quick Banana Smoothie Ingredients • • • • • •
2 cups ice 1 banana 1 cup vanilla yogurt ¼ cup peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste) cinnamon (optional)
Directions
Add the ice, banana, yogurt, peanut butter and honey to the blender. Blend well, until combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk. To make a more frozen smoothie, try using frozen yogurt and a frozen banana. If desired, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of your smoothie.
Berry Yogurt Smoothie Ingredients • • • • • •
2 cups of your choice of frozen berries ½ cup skim milk ¾ cup of vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt 1 banana, peeled honey to taste 4 ounces frozen spinach (optional)
Directions
Pour the berries into the blender, followed by the milk, yogurt and banana. If desired, add frozen spinach (just be prepared for the color change). Process until smooth, adding honey as the mixture is blending.
Freezer French Toast Ingredients • • • • • •
2 baguettes, sliced into 1 inch pieces 8 large eggs 2 tablespoons skim milk 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup sugar
Directions
In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients except the bread. Place the bread slices on a rimmed baking sheet, and pour the egg mixture over each slice. Flip the bread, so that both sides have the opportunity to soak up the mixture. Place the baking sheet into the freezer until the slices are individually frozen. Remove the bread from the baking sheet and place in a resealable bag in the freezer, until ready to bake. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Next, remove the bread slices from the freezer and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake approximately 15 minutes on one side, then flip. The sides should be golden brown when done. Serve with warm fruit, honey or powdered sugar. AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Celebrating National Cooking Day
Why Cooking at Home Feeds More Than Your Belly BY LAUREN BOLDEN
I married my high school sweetheart, Cody, in the fall of 2013. Not long after the wedding, we moved into a small rental on the Cherokee County line. At the time, Cody worked about an hour north in Jasper, and I worked about an hour south in Atlanta. Every morning was a rush against traffic. We would run around, filling thermoses full of coffee and yelling at the dog to “hurry up and pee already,” before giving one another a quick kiss and scurrying off to our separate cars. We pointed our vehicles in opposite directions and drove away from our 800-square-foot brown house. When our vehicles pulled into the driveway, each night at 6 p.m., we were grateful to be home. Cody and I spent the majority of our time in the kitchen. He played the role of sous-chef as I doled out tasks for our dinner each night. He politely nodded along as I tried my hand at managing a kitchen
Lauren whisking homemade whipped cream. 18
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Lauren and Cody baking. Photo by Clay Goswick.
(even if it was just the two of us cooking at home). I instructed him on how to properly ketchup a meatloaf, mash a potato, and country-fry a steak. Following dinner, at least once a week, we made dessert. Cookies, cobblers and eventually pies were added to our repertoire. We thought that we were spending all of our time cooking together to have the joy of eating the finished product, but we didn’t realize that all of the time we spent cooking at home together did more than just fulfill our desire to eat good food. When we opened our first business, our desire to cook and bake together at home was pushed aside. We stopped making dinner together, and instead opted for to-go burritos on the couch. Our tiny kitchen sat empty, and the heart of our home vanished without us even noticing. It took time for us to realize what a gift it was for us to cook, bake or even wash dishes together. The kitchen provided us a place to laugh and have time for just the two of us. We originally believed it to be our haven from the stress of our jobs and our hour-long commutes. Little did we know at the time, cooking together at home was important to us because it taught us how
to work together, it gave us confidence in decision making, and it created space for us to spend time doing something together. Cody and I have since moved from that little brown house, and our kitchen at home has once again become our place. A few times a week, Cody and I will mix up a couple of cocktails, put on a record and make a meal together. He still plays the role of sous-chef, but now we have a dishwashing machine to help with the clean-up. Sept. 25 is National Cooking Day, and although I do not know what I will be having for dinner that night, I do know who I will be making it with. I want to encourage you to grab your partner, your kids or even your pup, and spend some kitchen time together this week. Time spent together is the best time, and using the preparation of a shared meal to facilitate that time is a way to turn something that can sometimes be a chore into a time to laugh, share, and feed your belly and your soul.
Lauren Bolden is a self-taught pie baker who has spent the past five years working to spread joy through pie. LaurenEBolden.com.
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Rob’s Rescues This dog’s tag number is 630521. She is a small 4-year-old Yorkie terrier. She is a very cute, gray dog. She was a stray. She is very sweet, and I bet it would be very easy to take care of her. These cats’ names are Laker and Pennie. They are brother and sister, around 6 years old. Pennie is a bit shy. Laker is a very loving and solid cat. If you are looking for a pair of cats, these are the two cats for you!
Candace Solyst, Rob, Bailey the dog and Kathleen Garrand take a ride on the Pooch Pontoon. Bailey is available for adoption through HSNEGA.
Best Friends on the Lake
I recently had a great trip on Lake Lanier with the Pooch Pontoon (PP) and the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia (HSNEGA), where I interviewed Candace Solyst and Kathleen Garrand. Solyst is the founder of Best Friends on the Lake (www.bestfriendsonthelake.com), which runs PP, taking rescue dogs, and other dogs, out on the lake. Garrand is the foster and behavior coordinator of HSNEGA (www.humane society of northeast georgia.org).
Can you tell me a little about HSNEGA?
Rob with 4-year-old Yorkie terrier.
KG: Established in 1913, it is the oldest nonprofit in northeast Georgia. It is a private no-kill shelter that pulls from highkill shelters, and it takes owner-surrendered pets, too. HSNEGA offers spay and neuter services; there is an adoption center, and we are heavily involved in the Community Cats program.
What does that mean to be a foster and behavior coordinator?
KG: I run the foster program. I get at-risk and heartworm-positive animals into foster homes. Our behavior program provides enrichment services in the shelter for dogs and cats, as well as on-site training.
How did HSNEGA hear about PP? Rob and Laker.
KG: Candace is a long-term volunteer. She came up with the idea, combining her passion for the lake and dogs, and approached us. We try to get volunteers out with the rescue dogs as much as possible.
What is the main focus of PP?
Pennie. 20
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CS: We do rescue rides on Lake Lanier. We enrich the lives of people and their dogs by helping them connect on a deeper level in nature. Shelter volunteers and fosters are welcome to bring their dogs for a free ride, and walk around a private island.
How did you come up with this idea?
CS: I have been going out on the lake for 20 years. I get so much benefit from it, and wanted to share it. In 2017, The Gainesville Times did an article about me and long-term shelter dog, Ruben. I had taken him out on PP to get him out of the shelter environment for a while. That article really was the catalyst for how we have grown.
How often do you bring dogs on PP, and how many have gone so far?
KG: On average, two to three volunteers go out a week. We would love to do it more. Rescue rides started in 2017, and easily 200 dogs have enjoyed rides so far.
How do you select the dogs?
KG: It used to be considered based on who needs it the most. Now, we leave it to the volunteers to decide who is going to benefit the most. Stay tuned for the next part of this interview in the October issue.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
Quality of Life Draws Homeowners BY MALINDA HOWE
Realtors are not only selling homes in Acworth, but selling the quality of life that many buyers are seeking. The city features a live, work and play environment that homeowners want. One family recently sold their home in Legacy Park in Kennesaw and purchased a home on Lemon Street. They relocated to downtown Acworth because they knew it was a safe place for their son, who has autism and likes taking long walks in the neighborhood and kayaking on the lake. Another family, who purchased a home on Academy Street, said they moved to Acworth so their son could attend the magnet program at North Cobb High School. They also enjoy being close to all their favorite local restaurants and shops. Acworth also attracts empty nesters who want to downsize from larger homes around Cobb County. They prefer the walkability, the small town vibe and friendliness the city offers. No matter who you talk to, you will hear the same reasons buyers are choosing to call Acworth home.
• Safe and peaceful
• Walkability
• Lakes
• Shopping and dining
• Friendly and welcoming
• Community events and festivals
• Small town charm • Parks and trails
• People who make a difference
In addition to all these reasons, the people of Acworth also make the area appealing. From the business owners to the teachers, principals, police department, city staff, elected officials and neighbors, they all contribute to our way of life in the Lake City.
Malinda Howe is a broker and owner of Anchor Realty Partners. Howe is also chairwoman of the Acworth Tourism Board.
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Playing in an Unpredictable Environment BY RYAN BLYTHE
September brings college football and the optimism So, where do we go from here? Most economists expect that team weaknesses have become strengths during an increase in hiring as federal benefits expire, and early an offseason dedicated to training and learning from results seem to confirm that. Most job openings in the experience. Considering this special time of year, especially service sector should be fillable, but there still will be in the deep South, how can we evaluate the state of significant challenges for skilled labor. However, the our economy and small businesses 18 months into the service sector once again could see its recovery stalled by pandemic? It’s important to the raging delta variant. Therefore, separate the real economy that many employers are considering most people experience from Wall either vaccination mandates or Street. encouraging vaccinations through Much like our favorite college incentive programs. football teams beginning this It’s likely we will see more season with high expectations, businesses close, events canceled many of us have similar and travel reduced until this expectations for American variant is under control. economic recovery. Businesses have Consumer spending comprises adjusted to the challenges that the 70% of the U.S. gross domestic pandemic has presented. Execution product, so a healthy retail and is better, and many business service sector is critical. Goldman owners have reduced self-inflicted Sachs recently cut its expectations mistakes. But, challenges remain. of economic expansion to 8.5% in For many Americans, the the third quarter and 5% in the unemployment rate matters most. fourth quarter of this year. The The service sector has experienced company expects a return to 2% the most challenges, as 50 million growth in the second half of 2022. jobs were lost over the course of the A major concern, in addition pandemic, according to Armada to the virus, is that the longer Corporate Intelligence. Shutdowns we work remotely, the longer the were expected to be temporary, and recovery of the service sector will while Georgia may have reopened be. Unfortunately, the pandemic partially last summer, many states has become so politicized and did not. In some cases, states lost polarized at this point, there is a essentially a year of productivity limited amount the government According to Yahoo Finance, it takes 30 days, on and growth. can do. Our country has borrowed average, to fill a skilled trades job, such as welding. The uneven recovery has been at record levels, and Congress exacerbated by the billions spent on must wrestle with a contentious extended unemployment benefits, debt ceiling increase that could which made sense when jobs were scarce, and Americans lead to a government shutdown. had limited social opportunities. But, as the economy Just like football teams facing strong headwinds improved, 23 states, including Georgia, opted out early. from elite competition, businesses are playing in an A positive sign, according to Forbes, is the more than unpredictable environment. The government has tried for 800,000 who were newly hired nationwide in July, and the more than a year and a half to manage the pandemic. But, expectation that the trend will continue. the increased unemployment program did not incentivize Since the partial reopening began, businesses have Americans into training and education for new struggled to find labor. For some industries, including employment opportunities. We may well have reached a manufacturing, construction, transportation and health point where businesses will need to finish the job. care, this is nothing new. Unfortunately, many who lost their jobs do not have the skills to take on jobs in those industries. In addition to government benefits, moving education to a virtual format required millions of parents Ryan Blythe is the founder of Georgia Trade School, which for the sixth consecutive year, was to stay at home. And, as mature citizens left retirement named one of the Cobb Chamber Top 25 Small communities, they required additional care from their adult Businesses of the Year. children, too. 22
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The Power of Talking to God BY STEVE COLEMAN
As a pastor, one of the things I’m asked to do on a regular basis is pray. People will ask me to pray for them, over particular needs in their lives. They will email their prayer requests, ask me to deliver a blessing over a meal, and some will stop me in the grocery store to ask me to pray for them. I’m very happy to do any and all of those things. I believe very strongly in prayer. But not only do I believe in it, I also recommend it. As much of an honor as it is to pray for and with people, any believer and follower of Christ has the same access to God’s presence that I do. Exercising that access gives Christ followers two very powerful things: connection to God’s presence and his provisions. I encourage you to review these blessings, and start a new prayer-filled life in which every day, all day, you converse with God in a way that reminds you of his powerful presence and his perfect provisions.
Steve Coleman is an associate pastor and worship pastor at Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth.
connects you to the 1. Prayer presence of God.
Psalm 91:1 tells us, “he who dwells in the shelter of God will abide in the shadow of God.” What a powerful statement. By praying, or talking to God, you are given a spiritual awareness of his presence, and the love and protection that his presence provides. Sometimes, one of the best weapons against fear is taking time to talk to God and to reacquaint yourself with his overwhelming presence. Being connected to the presence of God means you are constantly aware that he is with you. Therefore, when struggles come, you know that your deliverer is already there. When there is darkness, destruction or chaos nearby, you know that he is near.
connects you to the 2. Prayer provisions of God.
My go-to Scripture on prayer is Philippians 4:6, which says (in summary), “don’t worry about things; instead, pray about everything.” Taking your provisional needs to God is an acknowledgment that he is the source for all that we need. The more we do that, the more our dependency shifts from ourselves and others as providers, to God as the provider. We need to make that shift in life. If I am my own provider, I have to work at my job in order to sustain my family. With God as my provider, I am free to work at the same job, but as a ministry to others and as an ambassador for him. This perspective can change your outlook and the way you get up in the morning.
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Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival PHOTOS BY BRITTANY WEIR PHOTOGRAPHY
The fourth annual boat race festival returned to Dallas Landing Park on Aug. 21. Local companies, cities and individuals formed 11 teams and competed to support cancer patients and survivors in the community, while promoting an active lifestyle during and after treatment. This year, proceeds from the Acworth-Cobb Dragon Boat Festival benefited Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, a nonprofit founded in 2011 that has helped hundreds of cancer patients. Many community leaders and residents participated, including Mayor Tommy Allegood. After a slow start, Team Acworth made a hearty effort and finished second in the mayor’s cup race division. Oolong Bubble Teahouse employees, Kyaja Powell and Anna Edicott, are vendor supporters.
First place goes to LoLi Thrivers in the cancer survivors race division.
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Dragon boat team paddles out to compete.
There was a great turnout for the festival, including furry friends like Doja.
The Purple Dragons take second place in the cancer survivors race division.
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Changing the World,
One Orphan at A Time BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
T
here are more than 150 million orphans in the world. Even though this number is staggering, the staff and volunteers at Saving Susan Ministry (SSM), a Kennesawbased nonprofit, work hard to make a difference in the lives of many orphans, one step at a time. Its mission is simple, elevating orphan care in developing countries through local partnerships with Christian families. Each child served is partnered with a loving family, to enrich their education and support them in a holistic way. Parent partnering is the heart of the ministry; it is a unique approach where families are matched with orphans in countries whose borders are closed to adoption due to human trafficking. It is a relational experience that also provides financial support. The commitment to build relationships is key. This is accomplished through regular video calls and caring for the orphan as your own, with the intention to remain with the child until graduation, at least. There are four other programs, in addition to parent partnering.
English learning.
As the child’s grasp of the English language grows, the connection with the parent partner deepens.
Music academies.
Investing in music education enhances the children’s lives in many ways.
Field trips.
These trips are taken to serve the orphan communities and provide the opportunity for parent partners to meet their sponsored children.
Next steps.
Sopheak at the university where she is enrolled.
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All parent-partnered orphans are eligible to apply for funding assistance for university or trade school.
After a mission trip in 2013 to Bileg Solid Rock children’s home in Cambodia, Jay Arntzen met many orphans, but one, Vichika, stole his heart. He couldn’t pronounce her name, so he called her Susan. This little girl inspired him to return with his wife, Tracy, the next year, to present the idea of parent partnering. The nonprofit, Saving Susan Ministry, was formed in 2015, and it has been growing exponentially since, serving orphan communities in Cambodia and Guatemala. Despite the pandemic, SSM has thrived and expanded. “Our vision for the future is a global ministry that changes lives,” co-founder Tracy Arntzen said. “We desire our organization to outlive the founders. We are working toward that goal by launching an associate board of young professionals in their 20s to 30s. These are the future members of our executive board.” The nonprofit’s next steps program also has some exciting news. Two students are in medical school, one is in culinary school and another will graduate soon. “Sopheak was one of our first college students,” Tracy said. “I took her on two college visits in 2017. She is now ready to graduate from Royal University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We couldn’t be more proud! She will be graduating soon with a degree in education, and she has plans to return to school for a law degree, after teaching a year in the orphan community school where she was raised.” “I’m thankful to God that he blessed me with a scholarship
Tracy Arntzen, Saving Susan Ministry co-founder, with Sopheak on her college visit in 2017.
to college,” Sopheak said. “I am learning a lot by living in the city. I haven’t had to worry about the financial part of going to college. SSM leaders are teaching me how to manage my scholarship funds. I am so thankful.” Saving Susan Ministry currently serves 92 orphans, including 12 through its next steps program. For more information or to volunteer, visit savingsusanministry.org or email info@savingsusanministry. org. Donations of musical instruments for the music academy are always welcome. Support the organization by registering for the Saving Susan Sparkle and Shine Green Tie Gala on Nov. 13 at the Marietta Conference Center.
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.
Sopheak will graduate from university this fall.
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A time-honored tradition of cooking with wood makes the difference at J.D.’s Bar-B-Que.
A
three-day decision to buy a small barbecue stand has led to a thriving multi-location business that keeps Chip Allen on the road between Acworth, Woodstock and Canton. Chip moved from his hometown of Tarheel, North Carolina, to Atlanta in 1996, and worked in construction for three years until he found an ad in the local paper that simply stated, “small BBQ stand for sale.” He called on a Wednesday; set up a meeting for Thursday, where he made a handshake deal; and quit his job on Friday. He started working the stand on Sunday, officially launching on Sept. 19, 1999. As a boy growing up in the sandhills of eastern North Carolina, he had been introduced to the lost art of stick burning. This style of barbecue cooking uses 100% oak and hickory firewood as the heat source. He lives by the stick burner’s creed, “if you want good food, cook with wood,” and he still cooks barbecue that way. As a new entrepreneur 22 years ago, having owned the business just a few days, he added his own recipes and decided to give his stand a name. It hit him like a bolt of lightning — he chose the name J.D.’s Bar-B-Que, in memory of his brother Jeff and his father David, both whom he lost at a young age. Eventually, Chip claimed the name J.D., after getting tired of telling the story and answering the question: “Are you J.D.?” SPONSORED CONTENT
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Demand Led to Rapid GROWTH Chip learned about the service side of the business from that small stand. After four years, he moved from the stand to what he describes as a hole-in-the-wall location in Woodstock. It was a small building, with seats for about 40 diners. As more customers discovered J.D.’s Bar-B-Que, Chip decided to open a second location in downtown Acworth, to accommodate the growth. After renovating an old schoolhouse built in 1925, he opened the doors there on Sept. 22, 2011. Back in Woodstock, Chip moved from the hole-in-the-wall spot to a bigger location, just down the street. In 2018, he opened a seasonal seafood restaurant on Allatoona Lake that was in the Netflix television series “Ozark.” It was the Blue Cat Lodge in the series, but he calls it J.D.’s on the Lake. J.D.’s Acworth location.
Waitress Allie Zaring chats with lunch customers
On the MENU PHOTOS: WWW.TELLITUSA.COM
The DIFFERENCE at J.D.’s Throughout the growth and changing locations, Chip has stayed true to his unique style of cooking and service for his customer base. Each of his restaurants has a smokehouse, where customers can see his time-honored tradition of barbecuing in action. “I do it like they did hundreds of years ago; basically, a style of cooking that uses wood as the heat and smoking source,” he said. “It’s cooked low and slow, nothing over 250 degrees, and it takes hours to smoke the meat.” Chip uses cherry wood for whole hogs, and hickory and oak in the restaurants on a daily basis. Diners at the Acworth location can enjoy their barbecue on a large patio in the shade of a 120-year-old oak tree. To take advantage of such a pleasant setting, the restaurant will start to feature live music on the weekends.
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que www.jdsbbq.com
ACWORTH: 4424 S. Main St., 770-974-8434 WOODSTOCK: 6326 Bells Ferry Road, 678-445-7730 J.D.’S ON THE LAKE: 6979 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, 770-213-4127
The menu offers a variety of items but, far and away, the pork barbecue, brisket and ribs are the most popular. The newest choice on the menu is homemade cheddar jalapeño sausage, which is made from scratch. Chip grinds the pork, then adds his own special blend of spices that has made this item a big hit. All of J.D.’s sides are made from scratch, with the spicy collards, mac and cheese, and Brunswick stew the most popular. Chip is looking forward to fall and football, celebrating J.D.’s 22nd anniversary, and feeding families for the holidays. Fresh turkeys, ham, prime rib — along with holiday sides and pumpkin cobbler — will be available for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. This fall also will be a special time at J.D.’s for a new reason: J.D.’s is the official barbecue provider for Kennesaw State University. On game days, J.D.’s will be handling all of the private catering for the university. “The main reason I wanted to open a barbecue restaurant was how it brought people together. The fellowship with barbecue touches people’s souls and builds lasting bonds,” Chip said. “Some of our most loyal customers have been with us from the very beginning, and that is what lets us know that we are doing all the right things to bring the very best barbecue to you. Stop by and see what hard work and dedication taste like.”
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Fall in Love With Seasonal Décor BY ELISABETH STUBBS
Fall is finally just around the corner. The leaves will be changing, and the weather will be cooling down, hopefully! Fall is beautiful in our area, and the change of seasons always is exciting to experience. Incorporating seasonal touches into your home throughout the year makes each season more enjoyable, because you get to participate in the beauty. It doesn’t take much to transition home décor. A few small changes can make a big difference, so let’s get your home ready for the new season. One of our favorite ways to transition décor from summer to fall is to add cozy textiles, such as accent pillows, throws, guest towels and window treatments. Choose warm colors and rich textures, like knits, wools and flannels. In your bedroom, changing the sheets to something heavier, or adding a blanket over the foot of the bed, will make the space warmer. It’s a lot of fun to update your vignettes for the seasons. As the seasons change, rustic touches and accents from nature, including branches, leaves, moss and seasonal fruits, look great as fall décor. Incorporating pumpkins and gourds as the season progresses will display the essence of autumn. Other organic components to include on tables or shelves are apples, pears, acorns, pine cones and kumquats. While summer is all about the sun shining bright, fall is about cozier, warmer lighting. If your home has a lot of natural light, you can dim it a bit with heavier curtains. Candles are a wonderful go-to for fall vibes, but there are safer alternatives. Electric candles offer the same look and feel, and warmers that melt scented wax without a flame are another option. When I think of fall, I think about rich, warm scents. You can 30
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start subtly, with fragrances that have a musky undertone, then bring in more traditional scents, like pumpkin and cinnamon, as we get further into the season. To really create a wonderful aroma, make a simmering pot of cloves, apples, oranges, cinnamon and vanilla. This can be done in a crock pot or on the stove. You can check on the mix periodically to add more water, as needed. When your home is ready for the new season, cozy up indoors, but remember to venture outside,
too. Spending more time outside without the sweltering summer sun is another thing I love about this time of year. Try dining alfresco, or sit outside and read a book; the weather is delicious! Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors and More, one of Atlanta’s top-rated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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Choose Peonies for Your Perennial Garden BY MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEER JUDY ABBOTT
A Monsieur Jules Elie peony bloom. Below, a Festiva maxima peony bloom.
Upcoming Events Join one, or all, of the upcoming Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County fall educational programs. Visit www.cobbmastergardeners.com for more details.
Sept. 10
Invasive Plants Out, noon-1 p.m.
Sept. 14
Fall Outdoor Container Gardening, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21
Building Healthy Soil, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28
Fall Vegetable Gardening, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Peonies can be a beautiful addition to your perennial garden, with their large showy flowers on full display in mid to late spring. Long-lived plants, peonies have been divided and passed on for generations. Due to peonies’ need for a winter chill, they often have been considered more suited to northern climates. However, Paeonia lactiflora cultivars are well-suited to our area. These herbaceous peonies are one of the most easily grown hardy perennials, producing growth during the spring and summer. Then, they die back into the ground in late fall and remain dormant throughout the winter season. The sleep, creep, leap analogy is appropriate for peonies. Juvenile plants take three years to reach maturity and display their full beauty. While peonies will flower during the second year, the third year is when they reach full size and start showing off. Late August to October is when bare-root peonies should be planted. Fall planting allows them to start their normal growth cycle as they enter dormancy in the cooling period of winter. During this period, the roots will have time to establish themselves, prior to the start of the spring growing season. If you plant peonies in the spring, you need to avoid bare-root plants and use container-grown plants instead. Herbaceous peonies are excellent starter plants for beginners, offering a sweet fragrance and magnificent cut flowers. Here are a few of the Paeonia lactiflora varieties that seem to do best in the South: • Festiva maxima has been a garden favorite for more than 150 years. Large, white double flowers with crimson flecks make stunning specimens in the early summer garden, and their strong stems are excellent for cutting. • Kansas double is an American Peony Society Awardrecipient variety, featuring double red blooms on erect stems. It makes an excellent background plant for spring bulbs, or in perennial borders. • Paula Fay has early, semidouble blooms, which are beautiful in the garden, or as cut flowers. The deep pink petals are arranged in five rows around golden centers. • Monsieur Jules Elie was introduced in 1888, and is still a favorite. These fragrant, double light pink blossoms with ruffled petals make a lush display. Peonies prefer to remain in one spot year after year, where they will establish clumps and provide numerous blooms.
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Some growers suggest removing any buds during the first spring to concentrate the plant’s strength on root development. (I am not that disciplined!) If planting double varieties, it’s recommended to remove the side buds every year, leaving only the terminal flower bud on each stem. This practice, called disbudding, helps prevent stem breakage from weight and wind. It’s also good to get in the habit of using grow-through wire cages, placed over each clump before growth begins. The cage is invisible once the plant grows up, and it will help support the plant. When planting peonies, there are five tips to remember: Choose the right variety. Early blooming varieties of herbaceous Paeonia lactiflora are considered best-suited for growing in our area, U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 7. Provide soil, sunlight and shade. Peonies need at least four to six hours of sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade, which helps extend bloom life. Fertile, well-drained garden soil is essential, because peonies will not tolerate wet conditions at any time of the year. Clay soil should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage. Plant at the best depth. Planting depth is critical for good blooming. The eyes of peony roots, or bulletshaped pink buds growing from the crown of the plant, are easily seen on bare root clumps and should be planted, facing up, approximately 1 inch below the soil surface. Since all herbaceous peonies require a period of chilling to complete their dormancy needs, planting just below the soil surface ensures adequate drainage and aids winter cooling. Leave space between plants. Good air movement is important to prevent disease. Extra space should be given around the plants to help water evaporate from leaves and stems. Prevent fungal disease. Fungal diseases are problematic during cool, wet periods in the spring. To prevent disease, affected stems should be cut out and removed to stop spreading. As the plants begin to go dormant in the fall, cut them to the ground or a few inches above, which will allow you to identify their location in the spring. Then, remove all foliage from the garden to avoid reinfection in coming seasons.
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For more information on adding peonies to your garden, visit www.hillsanddales.org, www.walterreeves.com and https://americanpeonysociety.org. Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County Inc. (MGVOCC) is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and supports horticultural education programs and projects in Cobb County. Members have been certified by the University of Georgia Master Gardener program. For gardening questions, contact the Master Gardener Help Desk, UGA Cooperative Extension/Cobb County at 770-528-4070.
Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is a part of the University of Georgia Extension.
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School News Georgia Trade School Honors History Last month, Georgia Trade School (GTS) unveiled a new display in the school’s lobby that celebrates the history of the building. Located on Southside Drive, next to the Cowan Historic Mill, the building was part of the mill complex. According to Abbie Parks’ article in the May issue of Around Acworth, the mill changed names many times and was used for producing fine textiles under several owners and names, including Elizabeth Bartlett Mills (1921), Cherokee Mills (1927) and finally the Acworth (Rothschild) Mill (1941), which continued operations until 1972. GTS instructor Andrew Little adapted a bench from an old loom frame that Olan McCray held onto when the Cherokee Mills closed. McCray’s son, Moose, presented the quilt on display to GTS last year. It was made by his mother, Ruby, from end runs and tapestry pieces his father, who worked at the mill, would bring home. The plaque in the lobby reads, “The Elizabeth Bartlett Mills was established in 1928, the most advanced in Georgia’s manufacturing tapestry, bedspreads, draperies and other fancy weavers. In 1941, David Rothschild bought the mills and the plant consisted of a large weave room and three warehouses. At its height, Rothschild had distribution centers in Los Angeles; Highpoint, North Carolina; and Columbus, with five sales offices in the U.S. and three internationally.”
Mount Paran class of 2021 graduates Sophie Passantino, Caroline Pugh, Audrey Weaver, Kennedy Crenshaw, Jada Crowell, Rainey Hill, Gracie Dinsmore and Logan Watson are part of the school’s strong community.
Mount Paran Recognized Nationally During the 2020-2021 academic year, Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) won several prestigious honors in recognition of its diversity initiatives, as well as its digital publishing campaign for COVIDresponse tactics. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III/Southeast Awards presented Mount Paran with the top honor in the Diversity and Talent Management: DEI Initiatives category. MPCS won the gold award for its Campaign for CommUNITY: Building Equity On Campus. Auburn University earned the silver award, while the University of Florida got bronze. The 2021 CASE District III Institutional awards represent the best in advancement across the Southeast. More than 700 entries were submitted in the 70-plus awards categories. MPCS was one of only eight independent schools in the district to win a CASE award — the majority of the awards were presented to colleges and universities. The focused CommUNITY campaign has assisted the school with its goal of being a more diverse school family. Since the formation of the CommUNITY Task Force in 2012, MPCS has seen a 100% increase in diverse enrollment, doubling diversity within the student body. MPCS also won three awards from the 36th annual Educational Advertising Awards:
• Gold award — COVID Response Materials for family reunion plan. • Gold award — Equality and Diversity Promotion for Campaign for CommUNITY. • Merit award — COVID Response Materials for “What to Expect: A Return to Campus After COVID” video.
The awards, which are sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report, are the largest, oldest and most respected educational advertising awards in the country. This year, more than 2,000 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries. Gold awards were granted to 313 institutions. Judges for the Educational Advertising Awards consisted of a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, and marketing and advertising professionals. 34
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Now through October
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School News
Riders Compete at Regional 4-H Championships In August, three Cobb County 4-H horse and pony members, Emma Bayer, Josy Johnson and Avery Henard, competed at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Perry, Georgia. They joined other 4-H’ers from 13 different states, who all qualified at their state 4-H horse show to compete at regionals. Bayer is a sophomore, attending the Cobb County Online Academy. She placed fifth out of 107 in hunt seat equitation, 13th out of 39 in hunter type geldings, 14th out of 110 in hunter under saddle and 10th out of 59 in dressage training Level Test 3. Johnson, a seventh-grader at Durham Middle School, competed with her horse, Bubbles, and Henard, a seventh-grader attending Griffin Middle School, placed 15th out of 87 in hunter showmanship with her horse, Hershey.
Josy Johnson with her horse, Bubbles.
4-H’ers Win Top Honors at State Congress It was a record breaking year for Cobb 4-H in project achievement. This summer, eight high school 4-H’ers won first place in the district competition to earn their spot to compete at the next level, State 4-H Congress. The competition at the state level includes judging a portfolio of the 4-H’ers work, a professional interview and a presentation. At the State 4-H Congress in late July, two Cobb 4-H’ers, Gunjal and Kajale, placed first in their category, earning the status of Master 4-H’er in project achievement. Gunjal, Quadriyah Williams and Harriss mastered in the Georgia 4-H Food Challenge competition, and Bayer mastered by earning the Senior Hunt Seat Champion scholarship. Congratulations to the State Congress delegates! These students advance to the National 4-H Congress in November.
State Congress competitors:
• Swami Kajale, North Cobb High, international project. • Venya Gunjal, Wheeler High, environmental science project. • EL-Adonis Williams, Marietta High, food for health and sport project.
• CG Chukwuezi, Pebblebrook High, communications project. • Laura Harriss, Hillgrove High, physical, biological and Earth science project.
• Emma Bayer, Cobb Online Learning Academy, horse project. • Quadriyah Williams, Marietta High, food safety and preservation project.
• Isaiah Farrow, Georgia Connections Academy, food fare project.
State Congress participants, from left, Cobb 4-H Program Assistant Cassie McCollum, EL-Adonis Williams, CG Chukwuezi, Venya Gunjal, Laura Harriss, Emma Bayer, Quadriyah Williams, Isaiah Farrow, Swami Kajale, Cobb 4-H Program Assistant Kathleen McElroy and Kennedy Deveaux of Georgia State University. 36
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Debi Smith
REALTOR, Residential Sales Certiied Distressed Property Expert, CDPE Short Sale Specialist
Call for a showing 404-660-6652
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0 0,00 6 3 $ 3 bed, 2.5 bath with HUGE loo upstairs. Every upgrade is in this fabulous home! Atlanta Communiies Real Estate Brokerage 3405 Dallas Hwy., Suite 720, Marieea, GA 30064
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Contact the team at:
info@tellitusa.com or 678-719-2588
YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA STORY TEAM AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
37
Back to School!
We love helping our parents celebrate this special day. Hopefully, these smiling faces will brighten your day.
Caroline Kitsch, Pre-K, North Cobb Christian School.
38
Parker Beall, Pre-K.
Raven Brown, fourth grade.
Kaden (first grade) with dad, Officer Lamar Almon.
Alana Brumsey, kindergarten.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Henry, kindergarten, North Cobb Christian School.
Amiyah Summerour, sixth grade.
SJ Mitchell, third grade.
Ashlynn and Adalynn, kindergarten.
Benjamin, sixth grade, Durham Middle.
Carter Smith, Kindergarten
Calix Johnson, third grade.
Travis Moran, sixth grade, Barber Middle.
Kaliyah Kanour, 12th grade.
Trevian Gragg, seventh grade.
Dan Smith, second grade.
Carter Johnson, Pre-K3.
Lavontai (11th grade) and Arquevious Echols (eighth grade).
Kalen Barnett, seventh grade, McClure Middle.
Jayden Gregory, Pre-K.
Lenox Jackson, first grade.
Sariyah Collier, kindergarten.
Aidan Alspaugh, Pre-K.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
39
Back to School!
continued
Evette, second grade, Vaughan Elementary.
Rayner, kindergarten, Vaughan Elementary.
Luciano Soriano, first grade, Clark Creek Elementary.
Olivia Hunter, third grade.
Julian Hunter, second grade.
Will Hunter, third grade.
Nyema Almon, sixth grade.
Jayden Almon, eighth grade.
Jiyah Skipper, ninth grade.
Ryleigh Ventre, Pre-K, Burnt Hickory Baptist.
Jerimiyah and Santonio, 12th grade. 40
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Jaden Taylor, seventh grade.
Indya Coaxum, ninth grade.
Jackson Hardimon, 10th grade.
Aiden Kinglsey
Amaya (first grade) and Aaron Johnson (eighth grade).
Aubrie Dobbs, fifth grade.
Corrie Bennett, daycare.
Naomi Bennett, Pre-K.
Kia Hardimon, 12th grade.
JD Rainwater, senior, Allatoona High.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
41
Around & About SEPTEMBER
Through Sept. 30
Georgia Funeral Care’s Operation Toy Soldier is an annual toy drive benefiting the children of deployed soldiers in the Atlanta area. Toys for boys and girls, ages infant-18, can be dropped off at Georgia Funeral Care or Northcutt Station Hair Salon in Acworth. Contact Brett@ GeorgiaFuneralCare.com for more information.
Through Nov. 4
The Fun in the Park Photo Contest is open to all photographers, and the entry deadline is Nov. 4. Bring your camera to capture the fun and memories in Cobb parks and facilities. See the rules and download the entry form at www.cobbcounty.org/parks/programs/fun-parkphoto-contest.
Three-13 Salon Super Business 17 The Women’s Conference, presented by
Crane Elder Law Firm, will be a super-powered day of networking with the Kennesaw Business Association’s Super Women in Business at Piedmont Church in Marietta, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Register at https://bit.ly/36FqVKb.
Celebrate the signing of the Constitution at Acworth City Hall with the Liberty Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) by ringing a bell at 4 p.m. The last of the 55 men who put their signatures on the Constitution signed at 4 p.m. Sept. 17, 1789.
Cars on the Lake returns to Dallas Landing 18 Park in Acworth, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The annual
car show fundraiser benefits the Save Acworth History Foundation. saveacworthhistory.org.
The annual Mother Son Camp Out begins at noon on Saturday at Proctor Landing Park in Acworth, and ends at 10 a.m. on Sunday. This event is open to mothers and their sons, 13 and younger. Participants will camp alongside Allatoona Lake while participating in activities and learning about nature. Visit acworthparksandrecreation.org to register.
Special Needs Kids Day At The Lake will be at Glade Marina on Allatoona Lake, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the fun for a day of friendship and generosity, with food, face painting and games. Kids can ride in the boat parade. Bring a life jacket for your child; waivers are required at sign-in. Visit https://bit.ly/3zL3b3S to register for the free event. Shawn Hunton and Electria Barnes relax in the shade during the 2019 Pizza, Pints & Pigskins event. Photo by Ed Selby.
Pints & Pigskins is set for noon-10 p.m. 11 atPizza, Logan Farm Park in Acworth. Admission is
free. Bring the whole family for food and fun. The Return — The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band concert starts at 8 p.m. Reserved tables are available to purchase. For information, call 770-423-1330 or e-mail billwatson@jrmmanagement.com.
Airaoke will commemorate the 20th anniversary of
9/11, and proceeds will benefit Cobb County firefighters. Spectators and singers can purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/airaoke-tickets-154076102771 to join the karaoke contest, silent auction, and win door prizes from 5-10 p.m. at the Cobb County International Airport.
42
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
The annual Rose Garden Gala will be 6-10 p.m. at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Enjoy an evening under the stars benefiting the Smith-Gilbert Gardens Foundation. https://smithgilbertgardens.com/event/ annual-rose-garden-gala.
to Generation Celebration 19 Generation and Expo will be at Covenant
Presbyterian Church in Marietta, 2-6 p.m. This free, Aloha to Aging event will feature children’s activities, diverse vendors, workshops, live music and food trucks. For more information, email EXPO@alohatoaging.org.
The second annual Disability Fall 24 Resource Fair will be at NorthStar Church,
3-7 p.m. Special needs families can register for the free event at https://bit.ly/3BTmtpQ. Visit the Cam and Madi’s Promise Facebook page for details.
Sept. 23-Oct. 3 North Georgia State Fair, at Jim R. Miller
Park in Marietta, features performances by We Are Messengers, Chris Lane, Gabby Barrett, Jon Langston, Chase Rice and Mark Wills. Check the website for specials and attractions. www.northgeorgiastatefair.com.
Ride the Georgia Mountain Lift to experience the sights and sounds from above at the 2021 North Georgia State Fair.
OCTOBER Bingo is designed for 6 Horizon participants with developmental and/
or physical disabilities, ages 13 and older. Join the fall session at 1 p.m. at the Acworth Community Center. Cost is $5. Register online at acworthparksandrecreation.org.
9 in downtown Acworth, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. This
Taste of Acworth returns to Main Street
event, with more than 120 booths, benefits local schools and charities. For more information, call 770-423-1330.
Halloween JamBOOree will 23 beAcworth at Logan Farm Park in Acworth, 3-7
p.m. For more information, call 770-917-1234.
Business Association Golf Tournament 25 Acworth will be held at Governors Towne Club, 4545 Champions
Walk Drive, Acworth. The annual event begins at 8:30 a.m., with registration, driving range, a silent auction and breakfast. The shotgun start is at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit ABA education outreach and Horizon Field. www.acworthbusiness.org.
Fall Classic Car Cruise will be on Main Street in 30 downtown Acworth, 4-9 p.m. For more information,
jchase@acworth.org or 770-917-1234.
NOVEMBER Horizon Ability Gala is coming to Tanyard Creek 23 Overlook at the Acworth Community Center, 6-9 p.m.
Proceeds help Acworth’s Horizon League keep sports league costs lower for special-needs athletes. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3B5dAc8.
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
43
@ the Library Cobb County Public Library System www.cobbcat.org
NORTH COBB REGIONAL LIBRARY 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw
770-801-5320
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7
Meetup for Adults with Special Needs will take
Lost Towns of North Georgia: A Discussion With Author Lisa M. Russell is set for 6-7:30 p.m.
Join the discussion exploring the rich history of some North Georgia towns that are no more, with author and professor Lisa M. Russell. She unearths forgotten towns, such as Cassville, Allatoon and Auraria, as described in her 2016 book, “Lost Towns of North Georgia.” Contact Virginia Everett at virginia.everett@cobbcounty.org, or 770-801-2745, for more information. Join the upcoming discussions of Russell’s other books at 6 p.m. in October and November:
Oct. 12: “Underwater Ghost Towns of North Georgia” Nov. 9: “Lost Mill Towns of North Georgia”
Sept. 15
place in the multi-purpose room, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Adults with special needs are invited, along with their caregivers, to meet new friends and enjoy stories, crafts, games, movement and music. No registration is required. For more information, contact kristin.gwin@ cobbcounty.org
The Art Experience: Find Your Inner Artist is for ages 18 and older, every third Wednesday through December, 6-7:30 p.m. This month, join Leslie Robb in exploring acrylic paint. Registration is required for each program and opens two weeks before the event. All supplies are provided. For more information, email kristin. gwin@cobbcounty.org.
School-Age Storytime is designed for children
Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Sept. 13, 27
in kindergarten-second grade, 4-4:45 p.m. Weather permitting, this event will take place outdoors. Otherwise, activities will be conducted inside the children’s program room. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration for the following week’s storytime will open on the event calendar at 10 a.m. on Thursdays.
Sept. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, Oct. 5-6 Play Café
Weather permitting, drop by the Play Café in the North Cobb Library amphitheater on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for self-directed outdoor play stations, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. No reservation required. Bring your own snacks. For ages 18 months-7 years old.
Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5
Tuesday Family Storytime is 10:30-10:50 a.m. and
11:30-11:50 a.m. All ages are invited for songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration for the following week’s storytime will open at 10 a.m. each Thursday.
Sept. 14
The library celebrates its second anniversary with an open house, 4-5:30 p.m. The grand opening was Sept. 5, 2019. Learn more about future events and services for the community of patrons of all ages. 44
Sept. 14
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Wednesday Family Storytime is 10:30-10:50 a.m. All ages are invited for songs, stories and rhymes that enhance early literacy and social skills. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration for the following week’s storytime will open at 10 a.m. each Thursday.
Sept. 25
“Fall” Into Poetry: A Creative Writing Workshop
will be led by Cheryl Stiles, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Inspired by a series of writing prompts, participants will create the drafts of new poems, review and discuss poems by Georgia poets and learn about publishing poems. Ages 16 and older; registration required. Contact kristin.gwin@ cobbcounty.org for more information.
Sept. 28
The Fall Vegetable Gardening series is on the fourth Tuesday of each month through November, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join the Master Gardeners of Cobb County to discuss how to prepare a fall vegetable bed, select what vegetables to plant and plan when to harvest.
Oct. 5
Tuesday Night Murders: an Agatha Christie Book Discussion meets at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join the inaugural
meeting to discuss “Hallowe’en Party,” Christie’s 1969 book. Copies of the book are available for check out at the library. For more information, contact Virginia Everett at virginia.everett@cobbcounty.org.
A ll atoon a Bu c c a n eer s 2021 va rsi t y Fo ot ba ll Sche d u le
No rt h C o bb C hr i st i an E Ag le s 2 0 2 1 var s i t y F o otb al l S c h e dul e
20 AUG
Harrison
24 sep
Wheeler
20 St. Francis AUG Away | 7:30 PM
27 AUG
Langston Hughes
15 OCT
Sprayberry
27 AUG
Home | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM
3 SEP
Kennesaw Mountain
10 SEP
South Cobb
17 SEP
Osborne
Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM
Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM
22 OCT
kell
29 OCT
Lassiter
5 NOV
Pope
Away | 7:30 PM
Hebron Christian Academy Away | 7:30 PM
3 SEP
10 SEP
Home | 7:30 PM 17 SEP
Bowdon
15 OCT
Walker
Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM
22 Darlington OCT Home | 7:30 PM
Whitefield Academy
Home | 7:30 PM
Home | 7:30 PM
8 OCT
29 OCT
Calvary Day
Mount Paran Christian Away | 7:30 PM
Home | 7:30 PM 5 NOV
Fellowship Christian
Christian Heritage
Home | 7:30 PM
Away | 7:30 PM
N ort h C o bb WA r r io r s
N o rth Pau l din g W o l fpack
2021 va rsi t y Fo ot ba ll Sche d u le
2 0 2 1 var s i t y F o otb al l S c h e dul e
20 AUG
Buford
8 OCT
Harrison
20 AUG
South Gwinnett
8 OCT
Marietta
27 AUG
Milton
15 OCT
Walton
27 AUG
South Paulding
15 OCT
Harrison
10 SEP
Alpharetta
22 OCT
Hillgrove
10 SEP
Roswell
22 OCT
Walton
17 SEP
Etowah
Marietta
17 SEP
Brookwood
24 sep
Home | 8:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM
North Gwinnett Home | 7:30 PM
29 OCT 5 NOV
Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM
North Paulding Away | 7:30 PM
1 OCT
Home | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM
Newnan
Away | 7:30 PM
29 OCT 5 NOV
Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM
Hillgrove
Away | 7:30 PM
North Cobb
Home | 7:30 PM
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
45
Senior Activities COBB SENIOR SERVICES North Cobb Senior Center 4100 S. Main St., Acworth // 770-975-7740 www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services
Sept. 14
Estate Planning. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Properly planning
your estate helps prepare a secure future for yourself and for generations to come. Learn about estate planning, creating a will and the benefits of trusts.
Sept. 15
Baked Potato Bar. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s national potato month, so join friends for a potato lunch! Sponsored by Atherton Place.
Sept. 16
Oldies But Goodies Band. 1-2 p.m. Sing along,
dance and have a good time as the Oldies But Goodies Band plays some favorite tunes, both secular and spiritual.
Sept. 21
Culinary Creations: Just Peachy. 1-2 p.m. Cost is $3. Learn about the origins of the fruit and how to make an easy peach cobbler.
Sept. 22
Cell Phone Tips and Tricks. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn everything you wanted to know about your smartphone, but were afraid to ask your kids!
VETERAN CONNECTION Meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Join veterans for an informal get-together with coffee, doughnuts, camaraderie and special guest presentations at the North Cobb Senior Center. Call Mike Nichols at 770-528-1448 for more information.
NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR SENIOR CITIZENS DAY Free admission all day for seniors 55 and older on Sept. 24 at the North Georgia State Fair at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Senior citizens games and activities will be offered 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The fair doesn’t open until 4 p.m., so seniors can spend the first half of the day enjoying the exhibit hall, ground shows, animals and more. 46
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
ALOHA TO AGING Covenant Presbyterian Church 2881 Canton Road, Marietta 770-722-7641 // www.alohatoaging.org
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. Meets the first Tuesday each month at 2 p.m. Group discussion, for the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner, on helpful tips and resources that provide comfort and encouragement.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group. Meets the first
Monday each month at 2 p.m. Open to family members who are assisting an aging loved one, in or out of the home. Care provided during the meeting, but must RSVP in advance.
CITY OF ACWORTH Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department 770-917-1234 // www.acworthparksandrecreation.org
Sept. 17
Active Adult Day Trip: Blue Ridge. Ages 55 and older are invited to visit Mercier’s apple farm, and explore Main Street in Blue Ridge for lunch and shopping. This trip involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Lunch is not included in the cost of the trip. Bus departs from the Acworth Community Center at 9 a.m. $10 for city residents, $15 for nonresidents.
Mondays
Senior Warriors Gentle Movements. 10-10:30 a.m. Ages 55
and older learn traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and movement. Class is instructed by Omar Welch, who is an instructor certified by the U.S. Tae Kwon-Do Federation.
Tuesdays
Live Chair Yoga With Lauren. 10 a.m., Oct. 5-Dec. 7. For
adults 55 and older. Free for residents, $15 for nonresidents. Zoom classes are also offered. Learn stretch and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques and more during this low impact class.
Wednesdays
Chair Yoga With Mary. 11 a.m.-noon. Also offered on Mondays. Designed for adults 55 and older. This class is conducted in a chair, with gentle movements that concentrate on relaxation and strengthening muscles.
Thursdays
Gentle Yoga With Mary. 1-2 p.m. Also offered on Tuesdays.
Designed for adults 55 and older, but ages 18 and older are welcome. This class is conducted on a mat, with gentle movements that concentrate on relaxation and strengthening muscles.
Live Cardio With Lauren. 10 a.m., Oct. 7-Dec. 9. Active adults are invited to elevate their metabolism by moving rhythmically to music. This class strengthens and tightens muscles using free weights. Free for residents, $15 for nonresidents. Zoom classes are also offered.
Water Skiing and Tubing Safety Practices BY GREG FONZENO
1.
Persons towed must wear a Coast Guard-approved, A common lake activity is towing people on water skis Ke n nmore e s aw M o un ta i n M usta s or III life jacket, TypenI,gII and H a r r is o n HAsoya Northproperly Cobb fitted Wa rr i or s and inflatable tubes. thiss water sport becomes 2 0 2 1 va F o ot b time a l l S chedul e 2021 legal va r sit y F o otb a fastened. l l Sc h ed u l It e also is a good safety 2 0 2 1 va r sit y F oto otbpurchase a l l Sc h e d uand le practice popular, it riss itaygood to review safety issues and wear life jackets that are rated to stay on at various speeds. regulations. In Georgia, you must stay at least 1008feetHarrison from a Georgia, it is illegal to tow East Paulding 24 Lassiter Cobbanyone between 8 North 20In Allatoona 20 Buford 20 sunset OCT Away not underway adrift, the water, AUG sunrise, AUG orHome Away | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:30 aPMperson | 7:30 PMa SEP Homevessel OCTin Home Away | 7:30which PM PM operations. AUGNot and means no| 7:30 night only swimming area, or any other public-use area. is the visibility of the boat operator and the person being The operator of the towing vessel is the responsible towed tremendously impaired, but so is the visibility of party or person any other boater. Cobbif the vessel27 Milton being towed Walton 27 North Forsyth 15 North Paulding 15 causes 8 South 27 Discovery injury property damage. AUGAdditionally, AUG Home | 7:30 PM OCT Away | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Awayor | 7:30 PM OCT AUG (PWC) OCTboat Home | 7:30 PM every Homeor| 7:30 PM personal watercraft All participants should know the hand signals used towing anyone, on any type of device, must have another when towing. When voices cannot be heard, skiers person on board, in addition to the operator, who will and observers need to be to communicate the act as an observer. An observer should have the towed Alpharetta Hillgrove 3 Langston 10able 22 using 15 Pope 22 Marietta 3 Allatoona universal method of hand-signals forPMskiers.OCT Home | 7:30 PM SEP Hughes SEP Home | 7:30 person in sight at allOCT times. there observer OCT Away |on 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM AWAYIf | 7:30 PM is not an SEP Away | 7:30 PM Towing is a fun family activity. If you are participating board, a boat must have a wide-angled, rear-view mirror in this sport, remember to adhere to legal regulations and from which to observe the towed person(s). However, on safety guidelines. a17 PWC, mirrors are29 not Walton permitted as replacements for an Grayson 22 Wheeler 17 Etowah 29 Marietta 10 Sprayberry observer. thatAway a PWC must OCT Home | 7:30 PM SEP Away | 7:30 PM OCT Away | 7:30 PM SEP Home |This | 7:30 PM SEP Home | 7:30 PMtowing a person 7:30 PMmeansOCT be at least a three-seat PWC, in order to accommodate the operator, observer and have a seat to recover the Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and vice towed person. North Gwinnett 5 North Paulding 17 Kell 5 Osborne 24 Marist 5 Hillgrove 24 commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are four more regulations and safety practices to SEP NOV SEPHere NOV SEP NOV Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Home | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Away | 7:30 PM Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake. observe when towing water skis or tubes.
2. 3. 4.
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY SEP 2
REINHARDT 8 PM | HOME
OCT 23
CAMPBELL* 4 PM | AWAY
SEP 11
GEORGIA TECH NOON | AWAY
OCT 30
GARDNER-WEBB* 1 PM | HOME
SEP 18
WOFFORD 6 PM | AWAY
NOV 6
ROBERT MORRIS * NOON | AWAY
OCT 2
JACKSONVILLE STATE 3 PM | HOME
NOV 13
NORTH ALABAMA* 3 PM | AWAY
OCT 9
HAMPTON* 2 PM | AWAY
NOV 20
MONMOUTH* 1 PM | HOME
OCT 16
NORTH CAROLINA A&T * 5 PM | HOME *
CONFERENCE GAME AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
47
Acworth Parks
For more information, call 770-917-1234, or visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
• Acworth Sports Complex. 4000 S. Main St. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. A 42-acre complex with seven baseball fields, two football fields, multiple practice areas, batting cages, restrooms, two concession stands and parking. The complex is home to the Acworth Baseball Association and the Acworth Football and Cheerleading Association. The complex includes Horizon League, which provides team sport opportunities for children with cognitive and physical disabilities. • Acworth Depot Park. 4794 S. Main St. 8 a.m.9 p.m. Home to the Depot Park History Center, this landmark houses electronic displays telling of Acworth's history, including 19 videos, more than 50 oral histories, and static storyboards.
• Baker Plantation Park. 4790 Baker Plantation Drive. Sunrise to sunset. A half-acre neighborhood park in the Baker Plantation subdivision. Playground, two grills and a picnic pavilion.
• Cauble Park. Home of Acworth Beach, Lake Acworth and Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point. 4425 Beach St. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. A 25-acre park with fishing points, public restrooms, a boat ramp (for electric motor-driven boats only), a boardwalk, beach, rental facilities, two playgrounds and an open play area. Rental facilities include four pavilions, a lakeside gazebo and a beach house. No lifeguard on duty. During operating season (April 17-Sept. 6), there is a $10 nonresident parking fee (card payment only) on weekends from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. No pets are allowed on beach areas and must be on a leash at all times while in the park. • Doyal Hill Park. 4410 Cherokee St. 6 a.m.-11
p.m. Serves as an outdoor interpretive history area featuring public art honoring Acworth’s rich African American history. The park contains a sculpture by Ron Huffman, interpretative historical signage, and a plaza.
• Dallas Landing Park. 5120 Allatoona Drive. 8
a.m.-9 p.m. An 82-acre park located on Allatoona Drive off Main Street. Dallas Landing overlooks Lake Allatoona. The park contains a beach, group pavilion, picnic tables, grills, volleyball court, horseshoe pit and public restrooms. The group pavilion is available for rental. Park is open with a daily, charging a $10 nonresident parking fee (card payment only). No pets are allowed on the beach areas and must be on a leash at all times while in the park.
• East Lakeshore Park. 4449 East Lakeshore Drive. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. The 1.5-acre park includes a playground, picnic benches and an open play area. 48
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Acworth Depot Park
• Frana Brown Park. 4901 N. Main St. 6 a.m.- 11 p.m. The quarter-acre park contains a fountain and benches for relaxation. The park also contains the original bell from the Acworth Methodist Episcopal Church South. The church congregation was established in 1905. The park can be rented for weddings or other small gatherings.
• Logan Farm Park. Main entrance is at 4405 Cherokee St. 6 a.m.11 p.m. A 120-acre park that encompasses the parks formally known as Terrace Drive Park and Tanyard Creek Park. Logan Farm Park includes a nature trail that connects to Cowan Road, Terrace Drive, Cherokee Street, School Street, and McClain Circle. Park contains the Acworth Community Center, a lighted one-third mile walking track around a multipurpose recreational field, a half-acre fishing pond, a pavilion available for rentals, restrooms, Amos Durr Community Field, and a large destination playground, as well as two smaller playgrounds. • Newberry Park. 4321 Toccoa Drive. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. The 12-acre park
contains a baseball field, concession stand and batting cages. Home to the Acworth Baseball Association's Senior League. The baseball field is known as the historic Coats and Clark Field and is for kids ages 13 through 16. The park also includes a passive recreation atmosphere great for picnicking and relaxation.
• Overlook Park. 4636 Lake Acworth Drive. 6 a.m.- 11 p.m. The 1.5-
acre park overlooks beautiful Lake Acworth. The park offers great fishing and picnicking opportunities.
• Proctor Landing Park. 5260 Proctor Landing Road. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Proctor Landing is an 82-acre park along the banks of Lake Allatoona. A beach, two group pavilions, picnic tables, grills, two volleyball courts, two horseshoe pits and public restrooms. Group pavilions are available for rental, except Sundays in May, June and July. Park is open with a daily, charging a $10 nonresident parking fee (card payment only).
• South Shore Park. 4555 Ragsdale Road. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. A 30-acre park with a beach and fishing areas. During operating season (April 17-Sept. 6), there is a $10 nonresident parking fee (card payment only) on weekends from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 770-917-1234.
Managing Life Transitions with Mindfulness BY JENNIFER BONN
I have always thought that September is a transitional month. It acts as a buffer to get me ready for the colder weather to come. Instead of an abrupt change, transitions allow us to ease gently into the next phase or activity. By learning how to use them and understanding their value, we can make changes in our lives much easier. When my children were younger, it was important to give them ample warning before a change of activity. I called it the 10-minute rule. When it was time to do something different I would say, “OK everyone, you have 10 minutes until you have to get out of the pool … 10 minutes until bedtime … we are leaving in 10 minutes.” Try this, and watch your children stop fussing and whining when it is time to do something new. Giving them a chance to prepare for a change with a transition works like magic. It can alleviate some anxiety because they know what to expect ahead of time. I recently retired from teaching after 40 years, and I am thankful that a retired neighbor warned me that I would experience a transition. He woke up every night for two weeks after he retired, wondering if he had done the right thing. Hearing his story helped me understand my feelings as the end of the school year approached. I was excited about the new
adventure ahead of me, but each time I thought about leaving my students, I would start to cry. I needed time to leave behind something I was so used to doing and move on to start a new chapter. It helped to know my need for this transition was normal. This time of year, many children are transitioning from high school to adulthood as they start college, trade school or new jobs. This period will teach them how to handle independence, while continuing to learn life skills that further prepare them for adulthood. Transitions provide time for self-reflection, a chance to overcome fear and the possibility to learn how to deal with uncertainty. However, they can also cause stress and a range of emotions. The healthiest thing to do is be mindful of the changes in your life by expressing your fears and emotions, and always ask for help when you need it.
Jennifer Bonn is a freelance writer in Kennesaw and a recently retired 40-year educator. Her book, “101 Tips to Lighten Your Burden,” was recently released and is available on Amazon.
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Cobb Photographic Society Congratulations to each of you who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for the July contest was “waterfalls.” The guest judge was Larry Winslett. The Cobb Photographic Society is a photography club open to photographers of all skill levels. The club meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.
Novice
Judy Ghomley - 1st Place (Singing Rainbow) 50
AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
Color
Paul Shimek - 1st Place (Wet Rocks)
Black & White
Paul Shimek - 1st Place (Behind the Waterfall)
Jeff Westland - 2nd Place (Go With the Flow) AROUND ACWORTH | September 2021
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Downtown Acworth Dining 1885 Grill
The Fountain
Nibbles Grill
Bert & Boo's Bake Shop
Fusco's via Roma Italian Trattoria
Pizza By Fuscos
Center Street Tavern
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que
Southern Coastal 4438 Cherokee St. 770-672-0508 www.1885grill.com/welcome-acworth
Bakery 3900 Old McEver Rd. 470-582-6717 www.bertandboos.com Facebook: @bertboos American/ Traditional 4381 Senator Russell Ave. 770-917-0004 www.centerstreettavern.com
Italian 4815A S. Main St. 770-974-1110 fuscosviaroma.com Facebook: @fuscosviaroma Barbeque
4424 S. Main St. 770-974-8434 www.jdsbbq.com
Dogwood Terrace
Henry’s Louisiana Grill
Doro’s Italian Restaurant
L. Marie’s Southern Cuisine
American/ Traditional 4975 N. Main St. 770-627-4069 www.dogwoodterraceacworth.com Italian 3979 S. Main St.,Suite 250 678-903-2607 www.dorositalian.com
Fish Thyme Restaurant and Bar
Seafood 3979 S. Main St., Suite 5657 770-974-2323 www.newsite.fishthymerestaurant.com
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Cocktail Bar and Pub Grub 4843 N. Main St. 678-403-8898 Facebook: The Fountain - Acworth
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Cajun 4835 N. Main St. 770-966-1515 www.chefhenrys.com Southern
4417 S. Main St. 770-694-1949 www.lmaries.net
Miss L’s Sandwich Shop Sandwiches
4817 S. Main St. 770-966-9709 Facebook: @Miss-Ls-Sandwich-Shop
Grill/Diner-Breakfast Burgers 4628 S. Main St. 404-312-7597 www.nibblesgrillacworth.com Pizza 4815B S. Main St. 678-426-7503 www.pizzabyfuscos.com
Red Top Brewhouse
Pub Grub 4637 S. Main St. 470-893-0425 www.redtopbrewhouse.com
Rico’s Mex Mex Grill
Mexican 3770 Southside Dr. 770-917-9791 Facebook: @Ricos-Mex-Mex-Grill
CHUNKY SOUP · CHILI PASTA SAUCE · BEANS CORN · CANNED Meats CANNED Pasta · Rice Ramen Noodles Peanut Butter Cereal · Oatmeal Our urgent food supply is disappearing quickly! Can you donate today?
MARIETTA · 1280 Field Pkwy CANTON · 111 Brown Ind. Pkwy
www.mustministries.org
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Advertisers September 2021
ACCOUNTING & TAX
ENTERTAINMENT
Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com
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Newsome’s Tax and Accounting 1-888-360-0484 www.newsometax.com
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Williams | Elleby 833-LEGALGA www.gatrialattorney.com
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North Georgia State Fair www.northgeorgiastatefair.com
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
Bay Equity Home Loans Jay White, Area Sales Manager 770-870-0644 www.jayclosesloans.com
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KAMS Auto Service Center 770-956-4060 www.kamsauto.com
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Georgia Funeral Care & Cremation Services 678-574-3016 www.georgiafuneralcare.com
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GOLD PURCHASING
BUSINESS EVENTS ABA Golf Tournament www.acworthbusiness.org/golftournament
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KBA Super Women’s Conference
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CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue www.mostlymutts.org
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MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
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DENTAL Daniel Lee DMD, PC 770-974-4146 www.acworthdental.com
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Gentle Dental Care/Georgia Dental Implants Inside back 770-926-2784 www.georgiadic.com EDUCATION & RELATED SERVICES Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu
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Georgia Trade School www.georgiatradeschool.com
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St. Joseph Catholic School 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org
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The Gold & Coin Exchange Inside front 770-419-0292 www.goldandcoinexchange.com HAIR SALON élon Salon 770-427-8698 www.elonsalon.com
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HEALTH & WELLNESS DNC Nutrition Centers 770-529-6683 www.dncnutrition.com Your CBD Store-Acworth 678-909-5230 www.acworth459.cbdrx4u.com
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HOME & GARDEN Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com Dayco Systems Heating & Cooling 770-336-7888 www.daycosystems.com Georgia Roof Advisors 678-757-3477 www.georgiaroofadvisors.com Legacy Custom Blinds 404-430-5288 www.legacycustomblinds.com Mr. Junk 678-Mr-Junk1 [675-8651] www.mrjunk1.com
Tom Kris & Sons Plumbing 770-529-0799 www.tkandsonsplumbing.com
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PEST CONTROL One Dead Bug 404-704-4685 www.onedeadbug.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY
FUNERAL SERVICES
AUTOMOTIVE
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ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES
North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org
Etowah Film Festival www.etowahfilmfestival.com
Shriver Mechanical 3 770-975-1927 www.shrivermechanical.com
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Brittany Weir Photography 678-514-9267
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Tell It USA 678-719-2588 www.tellitusa.com
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine 678-888-5181 www.governorsmedicine.com
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REAL ESTATE Compass, Liz Mensey Mobile: 404-398-8110 Office: 404-668-6621
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Debi Smith Properties Direct: 404-660-6652 Office: 770-240-2004 debismith.atlcommunities.com
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Anchor Realty Partners Malinda Howe, Broker: 404-444-0225 Deborah Hill: 770-361-9200 Office: 770-917-0322 www.malinda-howe.com
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RESTAURANTS J.D.'s Bar-B-Que 770-974-8434 www.jdsbbq.com
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RETAILERS/ SHOPPING 9
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Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
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SENIOR LIVING/SERVICES Celebration Village 678-594-3570 www.cvillage.com
Inside front
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The Aroundabout Local Media team didn’t want to miss out on celebrating National School Picture Day on Sept. 9, so we decided to share our school photos with you. We’ve never looked younger, wouldn’t you agree? Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to readers. We publish Around Acworth, Around Canton, Around Kennesaw, Around Woodstock and TowneLaker. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers, every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. At Aroundabout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity, sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride, developing safety nets for those in need, and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines,
we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. It’s your community. It’s your magazine. Look on page 6 for our contact information.
OUR PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNERS We work with some of the best professional photographers in the business.
Brittany Weir 678-514-9267 brittanyweirphotography@gmail.com
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Joseph Baum Maniac Agency www.maniacagency.com
Brian Nejedly 470-437-9339 www.briannejedlyphoto.com
Beth Fornuto 770-846-3848 www.bethfornuto.com
