9-23 AroundAcworth webfinal.pdf

Moving in Style

With Charlie’s Angels Movers

On the Cover Charlie’s Angels Movers

Charlie Darrien intentionally chose her business name so it’d be easy to remember, a throwback to the 1970s TV show “Charlie’s Angels.”

Pages 28 & 29

Cover photo by Brian Nejedly

Photography

Advertise With Us

Our business is your business. We succeed when you succeed. And our goal is to help community businesses thrive. Our marketing experts have experience on the national and international level. They’ll help you put together an advertising program that targets your market, and fits your needs, style and budget. Let us put our experience to work for you!

Why choose us?

• Publishing hyperlocal community magazines since 1996.

• Won Excellence in Customer Service and Small Business of the Year awards from the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

• Marketing experts with national, international account experience.

• Editorial team with 50-plus years’ experience with major metropolitan newspapers.

Around Acworth

Kudos

Congratulations to members of the Acworth Public Safety Cadets-Unit 4440 on their performance at the 2023 Summer Showdown. The intense, weeklong competition featured 149 teams, made up of more than 530 cadets, representing 60 agencies from 18 states. One of the Acworth squads was awarded second place in the Force Options category.

Dedication

The Save Acworth History Foundation celebrated its latest plaque dedications commemorating Collins Furniture (1870s-1975) and Hames Grocery (1944-60) Aug. 2 at Depot Park.

Ribbon Cuttings

1. Ripe & Fresh 3345 Cobb Parkway Suite 500 770-878-8179

www.ripeandfreshjuice.com

2. Maple Drive parking lot Mill District, behind Georgia Funeral Care. 68 free public parking spaces.

3. Hill Brothers Flooring 4829 N. Main St. 844-480-4455

www.hillbrothersflooring.com

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

470-263-8414 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

It’s CONTEST Time!

SCAN TO ENTER

Sept. 1-15

WIN FAIR TICKETS!

Learn a new activity to try with your kids at home and enter for a chance to win free tickets to the North Georgia State Fair.

Sept. 16-30

WIN A COFFEE GIFT CARD!

Test your coffee knowledge and enter for a chance to win a gift card for a local coffee shop.

Oct. 1-Nov. 15

ALL THINGS BRIDAL!

Vote for your favorites in our Best for Bridal contest … promote your business for a chance to win!

We Understand Commitment

At Edward Jones, we deliver candid guidance and personalized investment strategies to help you plan for and realize the possibilities of your future – for you, your family and generations to follow.

Letter From the Editor

September is here, which begins my favorite season of the year — LaboweengivingChristyear. I love the cooler weather and all the things that happen between Labor Day and New Year’s Day.

Though fall is considered football season, it’s still baseball season, too, and if you’re a Braves fan, it’s the most exciting time. So I’m still fully in Braves mode until they win the World Series in late October/early November, but I will be watching my Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets every weekend. I might have to switch T-shirts a lot if both teams are playing on the same days.

Halloween always has been a fun time for my family to get together, take the young ones trick-or-treating on the golf cart while the grandparents hand out candy to our visitors and then figure out how to swindle the kiddies out of their good stuff. And years ago, we had decorations that would scare the bejeebers out of trick-or-treaters who ventured into the yard.

I also enjoy attending fall festivals in September and October, and if you do, too, check our roundup of events taking place across north Georgia on Pages 14-16.

As our family expanded, Thanksgiving became difficult to manage because nobody wants to eat

two or three turkey dinners in one day. So we moved our meal to Wednesday night. We don’t have to adhere to a schedule, so we can sit around and talk, have a photo session, do crafts with the kids or, in past years, plan our Black Friday shopping that used to start on Thanksgiving night.

We always celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. After dinner, the adults talk for a while, just to drive the kids crazy by making them wait longer to open presents. Before the first gift is unwrapped, my brother reads the Christmas story from Luke 2. Then, the younger ones open one gift at a time, which is fine, until they’re all done, and it’s the adults’ turn. The kiddos have no interest in seeing what we get, so they get a tad noisy and rowdy. Maybe we should rethink our process.

New Year’s Eve involves counting down with “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” toasting with sparkling grape juice, shooting fireworks and wondering what the new year will bring.

Another holiday occurring in the fall is Grandparents Day. Check out Page 18 for ideas on celebrating this important event. And learn about Yom Kippur and other Jewish holy days on Page 12.

Happy reading!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 8, Issue 1

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING AND INTEGRATED MEDIA

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

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

MANAGING EDITOR

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

CONTENT EDITOR

Mike Anthony | 770-615-3318 mike@aroundaboutmagazines.com

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

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

CONTROLLER

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com

Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIST

Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER

Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST

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

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

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

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

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

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

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

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

Donna Harris

ACWORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Next Frontier of Modern Policing

BY JESSE EVANS

In a world where technology rapidly is transforming the way we live, work and connect, it’s no surprise that law enforcement agencies are embracing these advancements to better serve and protect our communities. Here in Acworth, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professionals committed to maintaining our city’s safety and security. Besides sworn peace officers, we also have civilian personnel who perform specialized functions. Among them is our criminal intelligence analyst, Macey Williams.

Williams utilizes a blend of data analysis and technological innovation to unravel the mysteries that often shroud criminal activities. By dissecting complex data sets, she helps us gain valuable insights that allow us to address emerging threats and solve crimes effectively.

One of the most remarkable tools in our arsenal is the Fusus Real-Time Crime Center. This cutting-edge platform aggregates real-time data from various sources, enabling us to monitor incidents as they unfold and deploy resources swiftly. This rapid-response capability not only helps us prevent criminal acts but also adds another layer of protection for our officers in the field. Through partnership with the Cobb County Police Department and with grant funding provided by the state, our agency is able to utilize the Real-Time Crime Center, which serves as a hub of information, connecting dots that otherwise might remain hidden and allowing us to stay one step ahead.

Equally important is our utilization of Flock licenseplate readers, which play a vital role in tracking and identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity. By automatically scanning license plates and crossreferencing them with databases, our analyst can pinpoint vehicles linked to ongoing investigations quickly. This aids us in solving crimes and also serves as a deterrent to those who might think twice before committing an offense in our jurisdiction.

The synergy between our criminal intelligence analyst, the crime center and the license-plate readers showcases a prime example of how technology can empower law enforcement to ensure community safety proactively. The days of reacting to crime are behind us; we are now equipped to anticipate and prevent incidents, ultimately making Acworth a safer place for everyone.

Moreover, the role of our criminal intelligence analyst extends beyond the confines of data and technology. Williams’ ability to connect the dots and discern the intricate web of criminal activities is something technology alone cannot provide, and she has been an outstanding addition to the Acworth team.

“I love getting to work for the city of Acworth,” she said. “I feel as if I get to be the eyes in the sky to help make sure all of our citizens and officers are safe. I have been working in law enforcement for almost three years now, and nothing has made me happier than working in this community for the last eight months. I am so excited that I am getting to grow this position in order to help be a useful asset for all the departments.”

The importance of combining human expertise and technological innovation cannot be overstated. Our criminal intelligence analyst, armed with tools like the crime center and the license-plate readers, represents the next frontier of modern policing and the benefits that specialized civilian personnel are able to provide to police agencies. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in bolstering our community’s safety, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to embrace advancements that pave the way for a more secure future.

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

Macey Williams

A Message From the

As the summer heat breaks, and we’re greeted with those beautiful early-autumn days this month, Acworth is full of reasons to celebrate. We’re looking forward to upcoming events and joining in the community spirit as fall sports and festivities begin.

We love celebrating with our community here in Acworth, and we value everyone who makes up the fabric of our city. Last month, we addressed seasons, the different paths people travel and how they unite us together. This month, we’re reminded that those seasons create our histories and are bound together by our cultures and experiences. Each of us has unique stories that come together to make a community worth celebrating, one that’s important to its residents and visitors. Our Acworth story is a special one, composed of people from all walks of life and rich in culture and memories of the things that have made us who we are. We celebrate the values and experiences that we can share and grow with each other, and we’re grateful for being able to share it together.

We invite you to Logan Farm Park this month for Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This exciting event will have the whole park dancing on Sept. 23, 5-10 p.m. We are

looking forward to celebrating this special occasion in our community with an evening of lively music and delicious food. One week later, on Sept. 30, the last Downtown Classic Car Cruise of the season returns to Logan Farm Park. This fall event will be held from 3-7 p.m., and we invite all to come out and enjoy seeing the beautiful classic cars.

We’re looking forward to this year’s Fall Town Hall. This annual event takes place at Tanyard Creek Overlook in the Acworth Community Center this fall, and we’ll be sharing information on ongoing and upcoming projects within the city. It’s a great way to learn more about how the city functions and meet the amazing city team that works hard to serve our residents every day. Please click on the Events tab at www.acworth.org for the date, time and other details.

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

May God bless you and your families.

— Tommy

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

Examine Cost of Not Having Life Insurance

It’s probably not on your calendar, but September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. It’s a good time to learn about the benefits of having life insurance and the dangers of not having it. Confusion about the basic elements of life insurance might keep people from getting the protection they need. More than half of uninsured Americans say they have put off purchasing coverage because they don’t know what to buy or how much they need.

The confusion is understandable, but a delay in acquiring appropriate insurance can be costly. It’s generally more affordable to purchase when you’re younger. There are potentially greater costs involved in not having insurance when it’s needed. These costs are personal. What’s it worth to know your family could stay in your home if something happened to you, your children could continue their education plans, and your debts could be paid without burdening your family? If you assign these benefits a price tag, it would be high. That’s the value of owning sufficient life insurance.

How much is enough? You might hear that you need insurance equal to seven to 10 times your pretax annual salary as a ballpark figure, but not everyone is playing in the same ballpark. To get a true sense of how much death benefit you require, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors — your current income, spouse’s income, size of your mortgage, other liabilities, number of children, educational expenses and final expenses for funeral arrangements.

What type? There essentially are two basic types of life insurance: term and permanent. Term is designed to provide coverage for a designated period and is quite affordable for most people, especially when they buy policies as young adults. Permanent insurance, such as whole life or universal life, usually is more expensive than term. Besides providing a death benefit, permanent insurance premiums build cash value, which you can access through loans or withdrawals, giving you additional flexibility, should your financial needs change over time. In choosing between term and permanent, evaluate several issues, such as how long you think you’ll need coverage and how much you can afford in premiums.

Finding out about benefits, costs and types of life insurance can help you make informed choices to protect your family for years. Don’t delay in learning what you need to know.

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

SUBMITTED BY ROBERTO DE JESUS

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

Celebrating Yom Kippur, Teshuvah and Fall Feasts

BY DANIEL ROBITSHEK

Repent! How many times have we seen someone on a street corner shouting that word? Or perhaps we’ve watched a movie where one of the characters is portrayed as a crazed religious figure carrying signs with that word on it, claiming the world is coming to an end?

We have a natural aversion to that word and what it might represent, but did you know that the word for repent in the Hebrew is the word “teshuvah,” which comes from a simple root — lashuv — meaning to turn or to return?

The Jewish Fall Feasts — Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 15-17), Yom Kippur (Sept. 24-25) and Sukkot (Sept. 29-Oct. 6), called the High Holy Days — are a culmination of a 30-day season of teshuvah. The Jewish nation is called to look inward, to self-reflect and return to the “source of life.”

We are encouraged to prepare for the High Holy Days by slowing down and reconnecting with what matters most of all — our vertical relationship with our creator and our horizontal relationships with our fellow human beings. We are called to undergo what is described in Hebrew as “cheshbon ha-nefesh” — literally an accounting of the soul.

This self-examination is not for the purpose of counting all the good and the bad we’ve done, in the hopes that the positive has outweighed the negative. It is, in fact, an acknowledgment that, as part of the human condition, there is good and bad in our hearts, minds and actions.

During this season of teshuva, we are encouraged to walk ourselves

through the difficult and sometimes painful process of turning inward to acknowledge our shortcomings honestly. Then, we are to turn outward and ask forgiveness from those we may have hurt, intentionally or otherwise. Most importantly, we are called to open wide our hearts to our creator, with a sense of humility, owning our flaws and asking his forgiveness.

However, true teshuvah is more than just recognizing our faults and asking for forgiveness. It is an opportunity to hit a spiritual reset button. It is a chance to let go of the greatest sins of all — the sins of apathy and forgetfulness — apathy toward hurting ourselves and others and forgetfulness over our eternal need for God’s love, grace and truth.

Of course, teshuvah is an enduring process, a daily struggle that is not one-and-done. On the contrary, it is a slow-motion activity that should be genuine and lifelong. The 30 days before Rosh Hashana and the subsequent intense 10 days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur offer an opportunity to remind ourselves of this critical need to return to God and godliness and the transformative healing that this teshuvah can provide.

Our Christian friends will recognize this concept in many of the New Testament writings. The letter

to the first-century Jewish believers, Hebrews 12:1-2, states: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Teshuvah leads us to cultivate godliness while eradicating habits that lead into sin.

Yom Kippur is indeed the highest of the High Holy Days — the Day of Atonement, when we present ourselves to God, trusting in his forgiving grace, as it marks the climax of this period of teshuvah. For the believer in Yeshua (Jesus), it is a reminder of the atoning power of his sacrifice, once and for all, and the ongoing cry of the heart to follow that message of forgiveness, with a commitment to living a life of teshuva — a life of turning and returning to our creator.

Daniel Robitshek is senior rabbi, and he and his wife, Tracey, are honored to celebrate God’s love, with Jews and gentiles, at Congregation Beth Yeshua North Georgia.

Fall Festivities Plentiful This Year

After the hottest summer we’ve had in years — maybe ever — the cool, crisp air of autumn will be a welcome relief. Take advantage of the change of seasons by getting outside and enjoying some of the fall festivals and Halloween activities in Acworth and Kennesaw, as well as in neighboring towns in Cobb County and north Georgia.

Celebrate the season of colorful leaves, pumpkins and apples by attending local autumn events or driving a little farther north for a fun day trip in September, October and November.

ACWORTH

Pizza, Pints & Pigskins

Sept. 9, noon-10 p.m., Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St.

Pizzerias from across Cobb County will compete for People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and Most Creative awards. Besides pizza, the event will feature a kids’ zone, televised football games, a Georgia Grown Member Gift Market, a beer garden and live music, including concerts from 5-9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 770-423-1330, billwatson@ jrmmanagement.com or www.jrmmanagement.com.

Taste of Acworth

Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street downtown

This event will include more than 150 booths from local restaurants and businesses, a live entertainment stage, inflatables, a Georgia Grown Member Village and a beer garden. Admission is free. Restaurants will be offering food samples, ranging from $1 to $10. 770423-1330, www.acworthbusiness.org.

2023 Acworth Halloween

JamBOOree

Oct. 21, 3-7 p.m., Logan Farm Park

There will be games, rides, food, music and a costume contest for the kids on the large field in front of the playground. bit.ly/3OQ5vRr, 770-917-1234.

Acworth Craft Beer and Wine Fest

Nov. 4, 1-5 p.m., Logan Farm Park

Vote for your favorite pie at Pizza, Pints and Pigskins.

KENNESAW

2023 Fall-O-Ween

Oct. 7, 4-9 p.m., Swift-Cantrell Park 3140 Old 41 Highway

Kennesaw Parks and Recreation will transform Swift-Cantrell into SpookCentral Park for its annual fall festival. Activities at the free event include a candy trail, a scavenger hunt, crafts, field games, music and a showing of “Hotel Transylvania” (PG) on a giant inflatable screen after sundown. Costume contests for all ages also will take place every 30 minutes, and prizes will be awarded to three winners in each time frame. Concessions will be available for purchase beginning at 3 p.m. www.kennesaw-ga. gov/parks-and-recreation, 770-422-9714.

Participants can sample more than 100 craft beers and 25 wines and enjoy live music, food and college football on big screens. This event is for ages 21 and older; no babies, kids or pets will be allowed. Tickets are $40 in advance and $55 the day of the event. www. acworthbeerwinefest.com.

Taste of Kennesaw

Nov. 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street downtown

The event, which benefits five local charities, will feature samples from more than 20 Kennesaw and Cobb County restaurants, as well as live music, local entertainment, the Georgia Grown Member Village, a beer garden and children’s activities, including a rock wall, inflatable slides and bounces. Admission is free, and food samples will range from $1 to $10. 770-423-1330, Laura@jrmmanagement.com, www.kennesawbusiness.org.

Celebrate Fall-O-Ween at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw.

COBB COUNTY

Taste of Smyrna

Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., near the Village Green downtown

The Taste of Smyrna Festival of Delectable will offer guests samples from more than 20 Smyrna restaurants for $1 to $5, as well as a beer garden, live music and entertainment, and a kids’ zone with interactive inflatables. Admission is free. 770-423-1330, missy@jrmmanagement.com.

2023 North Georgia State Fair

Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Fridays, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-midnight; Sundays, 12:30-10 p.m.

Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road Marietta

The 91st fair features more than 35 rides and carnival games, food, two petting zoos with barnyard and exotic animals, flower shows, noncommercial exhibits, local entertainment, pig races, the Master of the Chainsaw artist and the Human Cannonball. New this year is Sea Lion Splash, Max Power, Jurassic Kingdom, Ready Go Dog Show and the Sub-Zero ride. Fair admission also will include the Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus Sept. 21-24, Demolition Derby Sept. 25 and 28, Full-Throttle Monster Trucks Sept. 26-27 and the American Bull Riders Tour Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Admission is $10. Ages 10 and younger are free. Parking is $5. 770-423-1330, 770-528-8989, www.northgeorgiastatefair.com.

Chalktoberfest Craft Beer Festival 2023

Oct. 14-15, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., the Marietta Square

Enjoy an afternoon of watching more than 85 professional chalk artists transform the streets, listening to live music from local entertainers and sampling more than 120 craft beers and 25 wines. This annual free event also includes food trucks, an artisan market and a chalk-art competition. All proceeds benefit the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. www.chalktoberfest.com.

HarvestFest

Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Glover Park at Marietta Square

The annual festival includes the HarvestFest Arts and Crafts Show; a pie-eating contest for ages 6 and older, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Touch-ATruck, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Scarecrows in the Square, all day; costume contest for all ages as well as pets, 2-3 p.m.; and Halloween Happenings kids’ festival for ages 12 and younger, 1-5 p.m. 770794-5601, www.mariettaga.gov/1258/ Harvest-Fest.

Smyrna Crafts and Drafts Festival

Oct. 28-29, Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 2800 King St., downtown Smyrna

The Smyrna Crafts and Drafts Festival

— formerly the Fall Jonquil Festival — will feature more than 150 arts and crafts booths, 12 food booths, an entertainment stage, a children’s section, a puppet show, big-screen TVs for all the big games and a beer garden featuring a variety of craft beers. Admission is free. 770-423-1330.

NORTH GEORGIA

Helen Oktoberfest

Sept. 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 and Sept. 28-Oct. 29, weekdays, 6-10:30 p.m.; Fridays, 6 p.m.-midnight; Saturdays, 1 p.m.-midnight; Sundays, 1-7 p.m.

Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse

Take part in one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in the country and enjoy German beer, bratwurst, German-style bands, polka dances and a parade during the 53rd annual celebration. Admission for adults is $10 weekdays, $12 Fridays and Saturdays, and free on Sundays and for active and retired military. Kids 6-12 are half price, and younger than 6 are free. www.helenchamber.com/oktoberfest.

Pumpkin Fest

Sept. 23, 24 and 30 and Oct. 1-30, September, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; October, Wednesdays-Fridays, 2:30-6 p.m., and Saturdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pettit Creek Farms, 337 Cassville Road

Cartersville

The annual festival includes unlimited access to the corn maze, hayride, petting zoo and more. Visit the website for admission information. https://pettitcreekfarms.com/ pumpkin-fest-2.

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival

Oct. 6-14, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee

The annual fall festival at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is home to arts and crafts, fair food, educational demonstrations, carnival rides, games and daily concerts. One-day admission is $6 for the arts and crafts festival, $16 for the festival and concert; kids 12 and younger and parking are free. https://bit.ly/3TzESAE.

Sample foods from local restaurants at Taste of Acworth.

The Seattle Wheel is one of the many rides at the North Georgia State Fair.

Helen’s Oktoberfest celebrates all things German.

Fall Festivities continued

NORTH GEORGIA

Georgia Marble Festival

Oct. 7-8, Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Lee Newton Park, Jasper

There will be live entertainment, a parade, a kids’ zone, arts and crafts, quarry tours, chainsaw carving and more. www.georgia marble festival.com.

2023 Taste and Brews Fall Festival

Oct. 14-15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day

Etowah River Park, Canton

Sample Southern-style barbecue and Cajun cuisine, enjoy live music and a kids’ zone, and a variety of arts and crafts and a farmers market. Admission is free. www.tasteandbrews.com.

Blairsville Sorghum Festival

Oct. 14-15 and 21-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day

Meeks Park, 490 Meeks Park Road

Visit this annual festival to find sorghum syrup, arts and crafts, a parade, cloggers, demonstrations, games, activities and live music. Admission is $5; free for ages 12 and younger. https:// blairsvillesorghumfestival.com/.

Georgia Apple Festival

Oct. 14-15 and 21-22, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729

S. Main St.

The 52nd annual festival will feature arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live music, on-site demonstrations, a parade, a classic car show and, of course, apples. Admission is $10; children 12 and younger are admitted free. www.georgiaapplefestival.org.

North Georgia Fair

Oct. 19-29, North Georgia Ag Fairgrounds, 500 Legion Drive, Dalton

Enjoy rides, games, food, entertainment and agricultural exhibits at this 75th annual fall fair. Visit the website for times. www.northgafair.com.

Appalachian Brew, Que and Stew Festival

Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee

The 2023 Appalachian Brew, Que and Stew Festival brings together more than 60 craft breweries from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. There also will be food from area restaurants, regional arts and crafts, lots of Appalachian and Americana music and a beer garden. Advance tickets are $50; gate admission is $55. bit.ly/47rsDNu, 706-896-4191.

2023 Gold Rush Days

Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day

Dahlonega Public Square and Historic District

Join the thousands of visitors who flock to this festival each year to celebrate Dahlonega’s discovery of gold in 1828 and to see the fall colors peaking. More than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors will be on hand for the 69th annual event, which also includes the Gold Rush Days Parade Saturday at 3 p.m. https://goldrushdaysfestival.com/.

Old Clarkesville Market Holiday Show

Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Habersham County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 4235 Toccoa Highway Clarkesville

Visit the market to find handmade arts and crafts, home decor and food vendors. And enjoy live entertainment and have photos taken with Santa. Admission is free. https:// oldclarkesvillemarketcraftshows.com/.

Pick up a variety of apples at the annual Georgia Apple Festival.

Enjoy live music at the Taste and Brews Fall Festival.

Acworth Police Officers Receive Award

Acworth Police Chief Jesse Evans and Lt. Brian Hunt recently presented Officer of the Quarter Awards to Officers Jonathan Crumbley and Jacob Conklin from the public safety liaison unit for their role in locating a missing elderly man from Kennesaw. Because of the officers’ commitment to the community, the missing man was returned safely to his family.

K-9 Officer Jogi Retires

K-9 Officer Jogi recently retired from the Acworth Police Department. K-9 Jogi began working with the department in 2017, assisted with more than 650 arrests and located many people with his tracking skills. He was honored for his service at the City Council meeting in June and will spend his retirement living with his handler, Officer Anthony Trapani.

Employees Graduate From Leadership Academy

Twelve Acworth city employees recently graduated from the first Leadership Development Academy. Graduates of the flagship program were Christie Burgner, deputy city clerk; David Ross, electrical superintendent/assistant director of Acworth Power; police Lt. David St. Onge, Sgt. David LaRocque and Maj. Mark Cheatham; Kathy Vaughan, geographic information system administrator; LaDonna Collins, human resources manager; Matt Sender, assistant director of technology; Nick Fryman, assistant director of parks, recreation and community resources; Travez Richards, court administrator; Travis Tallent, stormwater division manager; and Wayne Tumbleson, customer service manager.

Albright Speaks at Conference

City Manager James Albright represented the city of Acworth and Acworth Power and Public Works recently at the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in Seattle. Albright presented and shared leadership concepts from his blog, Leadership and Main.

Barbecue Festival Benefits Charities

North Cobb Rotary Club

President Dave Schwickerath announced at the June City Council meeting that the 2023 Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, the club’s largest annual fundraiser, held in May raised $56,000 for local charities that it supports. He also thanked city officials and employees for their support in making the event a success.

Graduates of the Leadership Development Academy receive their certificates.

Dave Schwickerath

James Albright

Retired K-9 Officer Jogi

Chief Jesse Evans, right, with Officers Jonathan Crumbley, left, and Jacob Conklin.

01. Connect the generations through music. Take your grandparents to Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Acworth or one of the many concerts at Kennesaw State University.

02. Sign up to take a class together. The parks and recreation departments in Acworth and Kennesaw have all kinds of offerings. Or if you and your grandparents are adrenaline junkies, register for flying lessons at Superior Flight School

03. Schedule a family photo shoot with LaRuche Photo, M. Jae Photography or Beth Fornuto Photography.

04. Go out for lunch or an ice cream at the Acworth Dairy Queen, have dinner at Henry’s Louisiana Grill or Gyro Aegean Grill or try a smoothie from Ripe & Fresh.

05. Help clean out your grandparents’ closets, cabinets or attic and donate unwanted items to MUST Ministries, Acworth Thrift Store or Mostly Mutts Market

06. Visit the North Cobb or West Cobb regional libraries and read to each other. Share passages from your favorite books.

07. Spend time together at the North Georgia State Fair (Sept. 22 is Senior Day) or the Pizza, Pints and Pigskins festival in Acworth.

Ways to Celebrate Our

Grandparents 15

BY DONNA HARRIS

Technically, National Grandparents Day is Sept. 10, but after everything these treasured family members do for their grandchildren, don’t they deserve to be celebrated for an entire month?

Grandparents anchor the family, offering sage advice, babysitting whenever needed, providing emotional support, slipping the grandkids a few bucks under the table, feeding them way too many cookies and lending a sympathetic ear when they feel they can’t talk to their parents. They are worthy of being honored and respected for their wisdom, life experiences and unselfish love for and devotion to their families.

If you’re fortunate enough to still have your grandparents with you, don’t limit your time with them to just one special day in September. Make an effort to spend as much time with them as you can while you can. Need some ideas on how to do that? Take a look at these suggestions of things you can share with them this month. Our wonderful advertisers have got you covered!

08. Volunteer together. Nonprofits like MUST Ministries, Mostly Mutts and Next Step Ministries are always looking for people with a heart for helping others.

09. Treat Grandma to a spa day at Governors MedSpa & Concierge Medicine

10. Go shopping. Find unique items at The Rustic Market or Cotton Mill Exchange, search for hidden treasures at Acworth Thrift Store or Mostly Mutts Market or check out the collectibles at Urbnpop Comics Co.

11. Share a treasured family recipe and make it together.

12. If you and your grandparents are lovers of the arts, catch a performance of the Acworth Cultural Arts Center’s “Death and Taxes” at Roberts School Community and Education Center or take in the exhibits at the Art House in Acworth or the Art Station-Big Shanty in Kennesaw.

13. Buy flowers for your grandma (and grandpa, too, if he’s a lover of all things floral) from Faith Designs Florist.

14. Take them to adopt a new family member from Mostly Mutts and visit Miller’s Healthy Dog Treats to stock up on goodies.

15. Start a scrapbook or photo album of Grandparents Day memories and add to it every year.

Having a photo session, like Robert Green and his granddaughters, Emma, left, and Addi did, is a great way to mark Grandparents Day. Photo courtesy of M. Jae Photography.

COBB’S BEST TEACHERS

New School Year

Brings New Title for ESOL Instructor

SUBMITTED BY COBB SCHOOLS

Little did Elizabeth Goff know that meeting a retired Cobb County principal and her grandson on a bus at Disney World more than 20 years ago would lead to her winning one of the highest honors a teacher can receive.

While on the bus, the retired principal, Mary Anderson, encouraged the aspiring educator to apply for a job at the Cobb County School District. Before she knew it, Goff had landed a kindergarten teaching position at Hayes Elementary School in Kennesaw, where Anderson’s grandson just happened to be a kindergartner.

Two decades later, Goff is teaching English to speakers of other languages at Bells Ferry Elementary School, where she received a special visit from Superintendent Chris Ragsdale in mid-August.

The leader of Georgia’s second-largest school district surprised her — in front of cheering students, fellow educators, her husband, Justin, and her sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Michael Stone — with the announcement that she had been named the school district’s Teacher of the Year (TOTY) for 2023.

“I was very emotional,” said Goff, who also has three children who couldn’t attend. “It was so beautiful and touching to me to look out and see the children smiling up at me, cheering — just beautiful. My colleagues have showered me with so much love and kindness. I teach in an incredible school and district. It was a moment I won’t forget, ever!”

Working as an elementary teacher, Goff recognized the needs of students learning English as a second language. At Bells Ferry, she teaches children from 29 language backgrounds. But she does not work with students for a single school year and then bid them farewell; she works with some of them throughout their elementary school journey.

“We have really long-term relationships with students and families and multiple siblings,” the Marietta resident said. “It’s the best job. I love working with children. Getting a chance to really focus on my instruction with children, developing those relationships over time and getting a chance to watch them progress is incredible.”

The 21-year educator advises new teachers to focus on building relationships at their school.

“Build those relationships, number one, with your students,” she said. “Take time to build relationships with your colleagues, work to get to know one another, share your strengths and collaborate. All those things are really important for success in your first year and going forward.”

As a student, Goff loved everything about school, which led her to become a teacher. She wants her students to have that same love of learning and to enjoy school as much as she did.

“School was a special place for me,” she said. “I had a lot of great memories from school. I never forget my teachers. When I think about what I’m trying to do for my students, I hope that the lessons that I teach, they take them and keep them forever.”

In late July, when Cobb County teachers returned to their classrooms to prepare for the new school year, Ragsdale surprised Goff, along with Annelisa Bellack from Awtrey Middle and Suzette Spinelli from Lassiter High, with the news that they’d been selected the TOTY for the three school levels.

“This is one of my favorite days of the school year,” Ragsdale said. “I always look forward to welcoming our teachers back and recognizing the outstanding educators who make Cobb Schools the best place to teach, lead and learn.”

At Lassiter, 48-year teaching veteran Spinelli was Annelisa Bellack with Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

TEACHERS

at a loss for words when the superintendent told her the exciting news.

“This was the last thing I expected,” the art teacher said. “It’s just surreal to me.”

Spinelli has been named TOTY before at Simpson and Daniell middle schools, but this is her first selection as a district-level winner. She has been teaching in Cobb County since 1983 and loves being at Lassiter.

“Lassiter is where I found my home,” the Kennesaw resident said. “The administration is great because they support us and make sure all the students excel. They make them go higher, and that’s what I promote in my classroom. I make them go to higher levels, even though they’re not comfortable there.”

Great teachers run in the Spinelli family. Chalker Elementary’s 2022 TOTY was Cara Smith, Spinelli’s daughter.

“We thought it would be great for us to be Teachers of the Year at the same time,” Spinelli said. “She won last year, so we missed by a year, but that’s OK.”

At Awtrey, Bellack has had close ties with a district-level winner. Derrick Tucker, a fellow social studies teacher, was Cobb’s Middle School TOTY in 2022.

“I worked with Derek, and the two of us have been in the trenches for a while, and we were a great team,” she said.

Bellack, who lives in Acworth, loves being a teacher in Cobb.

“I love the people here,” the sixth-grade social studies teacher said. “I love that Cobb invests in the teachers. I love all the different ways Cobb supports us.”

As for her favorite moments of being an educator, Bellack reflected on the long-term aspect of her job.

“I love the aha moment when kids get it,” she said. “I love the critical thinking. I love the skills that they come away with. I love seeing them out in public later on and seeing how they’ve grown up and how they’ve changed, how it comes full circle. It’s such a neat thing to be able to see kids grow.”

Goff was shocked when Ragsdale made the Elementary School TOTY announcement at Bells Ferry, where she’s taught for eight years.

“It was hard to think straight,” she said. “I was very surprised and honored to look out and see the faces of my peers smiling and clapping for me. It was the greatest honor. I’m so grateful to be working with such amazing people.”

Cobb County Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Goff, right, is congratulated by Rosalyn Figueroa.

Suzette Spinelli with Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.

Get to Know

Tim Fernandez Secretary-Treasurer

Visit Acworth Board

What are your main responsibilities?

I attend and participate in monthly meetings as a representative of our residents and assist city staff with vision, marketing and branding that will attract visitors who can be an economic driver to businesses within the city limits.

What is your background?

I graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration-human resources. I served in various sales, marketing and senior leadership positions for more than 35 years, with much of that time spent with two international companies, before I retired in December 2019. I reentered the workforce this year after three years of retirement, and I am currently working locally in business development for an architectural/ engineering firm, Croft & Associates. I serve on the board of directors of Chattahoochee Technical College, Acworth Art Committee and Cherokee County Workforce Collaboration. I also enjoy volunteering for city-sponsored events, such as Acworth Arts Festival, Taste of Acworth, the Acworth Turkey Chase/Food Drive and others, as needed.

Why do you like being on the board?

The opportunity to share my experiences and learn from others while helping city staff and fellow board members navigate and manage expectations and opportunities involving tourism, with the goal to support opportunities that benefit Acworth businesses, residents and guests.

What sets Acworth apart?

Acworth is like other cities nearby, as it encompasses a large geographical area that has everything you could need or want located within a five- to 15-minute drive. However, what makes Acworth special is our historic downtown has a strong connection between the business owners and residents. Everyone tries to support and look out for one another. And although the city has grown over the years, the city staff and leaders are accessible. There are numerous opportunities for businesses and residents to take an active part in shaping what the future looks like for Acworth. Residents just need to engage, stay engaged and have patience, as everything in government takes time.

What changes have you seen?

I have been a resident of Acworth for about 10 years now, although I have lived in the general area since 1991. Acworth has become the go-to destination for families to enjoy our beaches, lakes and trails. Cauble Park and Lake Acworth Beach host a large number of visitors every weekend during the spring, summer and fall and are always remarkably busy during the week while schools are out. Main Street Acworth has become a foodie and cold-beverage destination, with establishments like Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Fusco’s via Roma, Pizza by Fusco’s, Miss L’s Sandwich Shop, 1885 Grill, Scoops, The Fountain, Center Street Tavern, Flavors of Hawaii, Red Top Brewery, JD’s Bar-B-Que, Doro’s Italian, Fish Thyme and Generations Pizza.

What future projects excite you?

I am most excited about the renovations planned for Cauble Park/Lake Acworth. The additional walking trails, traffic flow and street improvements, including storm drains, are long overdue and will significantly improve experiences for residents and visitors to this area. I am also looking forward to the addition of a dog park that has been part of the city’s master plan.

What are your goals?

Overall, I just want to do my best in whatever I participate in and to be a good friend who is dependable and available when needed. One of my near-term goals is to purchase a small trailer or Sprinter van and travel all over the United States, visiting all the wonderful places and sampling as many delicious foods and frosty beverages as our country has to offer.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

I am a dog dad to a 2-year-old chocolate Labrador named Izzy. I enjoy the outdoors, unencumbered by electronic distractions (except for my camera on my phone). I especially enjoy taking in all the sights and sounds, while occasionally capturing a photo or two that I share with friends on Facebook and Instagram. I enjoy nostalgic advertising mediums, vintage toys, Ohio State football and connecting and celebrating with lifelong friends and family. I also like to attend small-town festivals around the country when I can.

Graduate’s Interests Lead to Job in Defense Industry

BY ABBEY O’BRIEN BARROWS

Throughout his journey at Kennesaw State University (KSU), Dalton Shaver found a unique passion that combines his interest in international affairs with his skills in math modeling.

From an internship with the U.S. Air Force to undergraduate research on Operation Enduring Freedom, the former Acworth resident readied himself for a career in the defense industry that he started in July after graduating in May.

“Growing up, I was always interested in the military,” said Shaver, whose grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Air Force. In high school, he realized the military had a need for civilian workers in a wide range of jobs.

Shaver decided to attend Kennesaw State because of its proximity to his family and a positive experience as a full-time student in the dual-enrollment program his senior year.

“I immediately fell in love with international affairs after taking a global issues class,” he said. “However, I’ve always been interested in numbers and evidence. You can make claims when talking about national security, but where’s the data? What do the numbers say?”

Those questions led Shaver to the data science minor, offered in KSU’s School of Data Science and Analytics. He then switched his major to mathematics, with minors in international affairs and data science.

“That was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I love what I’ve been researching,” he said.

In his final year before graduation, Shaver worked with Susan Mathews Hardy, senior lecturer in the School of Data Science and Analytics, on research that has led to several impressive awards and invitations to present his research around the country. He examined how characteristics of terrorist attacks predict the chance of an attack succeeding across three geographic missions within Operation Enduring Freedom: Trans-Sahara, Horn of Africa and the Philippines.

“Due to my previous classes on international affairs, I knew a lot about Operation Enduring Freedom in a qualitative sense but wanted to sift through the data,” he said. “I had previously researched Afghanistan with professor Steve Morris, so I wanted to expand my reserve and look at these other regions.”

When analyzing the available data on these attacks, Shaver’s goal was to present his findings in a way that military organizations, such as the Department of Defense, would benefit from them, while keeping civilians in mind. For example, an agency like the State Department could benefit from his findings when issuing travel advisories for tourists.

Ultimately, Shaver’s research examined how characteristics of terrorist attacks in those regions can predict the chance of an attack succeeding and determining where counterterrorism training and operations can improve. One conclusion he found was that attacks targeting private citizens, tourists, nongovernmental organizations, businesses and food or water supplies have the largest probability of succeeding in the Trans-Sahara and Horn of Africa regions, while suicide attacks in the

Philippines raise the chance for success. He also analyzed major cities within those regions and found attacks have a similar probability of success, regardless of whether they happen inside a big city or on the outskirts.

“One of the most unique aspects of Dalton’s research process was meeting with active members of the military,” said Hardy, who helped Shaver make those connections. “He wanted to make sure this research would be relevant for defense operations, and who better to speak with than those with experience fighting for our country?”

Shaver met virtually with Lt. Col. Trent Geisler, who received his doctorate from Kennesaw State in 2022 and currently teaches at the U.S. Military Academy, and KSU student Frankarlo Figueroa, who is in the U.S. Army and taking online classes while stationed overseas.

“I’m grateful they took the time to meet with me to discuss my research because both had great ideas,” Shaver said. “Dr. Geisler helped me see past this research and look at the bigger picture, and Frankarlo was able to provide insight about his current experience overseas and knew a lot about guerrilla warfare. Even though he’s currently stationed in Europe, he had information about several different regions and helped me narrow my research focus.”

Shaver presented his research on Operation Enduring Freedom at the Fall 2022 Analytics Day, hosted by the

School of Data Science and Analytics, and at the Fall 2022 C-Day, hosted by the College of Computing and Software Engineering. He won second place in the undergraduate division at both events. Hardy then helped him apply to a few of the premier undergraduate research conferences across the country. In early 2023, he was accepted to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and the National Collegiate Research Conference, hosted by Harvard University.

“It was an honor to represent Kennesaw State at those conferences and share my research,” he said. “I never would’ve had those opportunities if it wasn’t for my professors, who encouraged me to think out of the box.”

Shaver, who began working as an operations research analyst at Systems Planning and Analysis Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia, in July, said he felt prepared to enter a job in the defense industry upon graduation, thanks to his courses and internship at Robins Air Force Base. But he’s also interested in getting a graduate degree in a few years.

“My journey at KSU perhaps was not the most conventional, but I ended up really liking the path I took,” he said. “Switching my major was a great decision and led me to faculty members, like professor Hardy, who have mentored me and helped me figure out what I want to do in the future.”

The research Dalton Shaver did on Operation Enduring Freedom helped land him a position at Systems Planning and Analysis Inc. in Virginia.

Photos by Judith Pishnery

Igniting Hope

Foster, Adoptive Families Enjoy Inaugural Back-to-School Bash

PHOTOS BY STUART HASSAN

Ignite Hope-Champions for Children hosted its first Back-to-School Bash July 27 at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. The Jockey Being Family Foundation-sponsored festivities for foster, adoptive and kinship-care families featured bounce houses, activity booths, face painting, art, a makeup station and food from local restaurants. It also provided book bags to start off the kids’ new school year on the right foot and to help out the foster and adoptive parents who are doing the heavy lifting. Donations for the event, including gift cards and free car washes for the volunteers, came from across Cobb County, and the foundation supplied a grant to Ignite Hope, which serves kids from before birth through permanency. More than 150 parents and kids attended the two-hour bash.

Book bags are ready to be given to the kids attending the bash.

A dance party breaks out among the guests and volunteers who were attending the inaugural event in July.

CEO Jacqui Jackson leads the volunteers in a prayer before the festivities.

From left, state Rep. Lisa Campbell, Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Ignite Hope CEO Jacqui Jackson talk during the event.

Event captain Lizzy Dyer cheers on this little guy as he enjoys the slide.

Volunteers are ready to start the Back-to-School Bash celebration for foster, adoptive and kinship-care families.

Anyone familiar with the TV show “Charlie’s Angels” may remember the 1970s series — and the 2000 reboot movie — where a man (Charlie), who is never shown on the screen, gives assignments to three crime-fighting women (angels) who work at a private detective agency.

Reverse the roles, and you’ll get a glimpse of the local moving company Charlie’s Angels Movers, run by a woman (Charlie Darrien) who is surrounded by men (angels) who work hard every day to make each client’s move a great experience.

Contrary to the show, owner Charlie Darrien is very visible and involved with her clients and her “angels.” In the first year of her business — 2013 — she was one of the movers working on the trucks, loading and unloading furniture.

“It was very important that I learned this

Moving to Make

side of the business so that I could know it myself and then coach, teach and train,” she said. “So if clients hired a four-man team, I was one of the four ‘men’ lifting armoires, sofas and safes!”

The Difference With Charlie

The public’s familiarity with the TV show inspired her business’ name, yet her faith also played a part in referencing angels. Through hard work and integrity, Charlie and her angels are hyperfocused on the overall client experience being positive, pleasant and extraordinary.

“We are committed to giving our clients the best customer service experience they have ever had, period,” she said. To that end:

• Clients have direct access to Charlie by texting the office number, if a need arises that requires her personal attention.

• It’s a family-owned and -operated business. Charlie is the owner, and her brother is the chief operating officer.

“He is the most hard-working chief of operations that a person could ask for. He’s so dedicated to making us exceptional,” she said.

• Charlie advocates for people to volunteer in their communities. She sets an example by supporting local organizations like Airaoke, Mostly Mutts and B’s Charitable Pursuits.

Why a Moving Company?

Simply put, Charlie was looking for a career move away from her previous corporate experience and began searching for a moving company that would meet her expectations. She was shocked to read so many negative reviews about the moving companies she researched, in and out of state.

CharlieandHerAngelsServeClientsandCommunity

Brandon Ahn, lead foreman, is on the truck, helping Manny, left and C.J.

Charlie Darien with Biscuit.

Make an Impact

“East Coast to West Coast, 100 moving companies later, I couldn’t find a single one that I would choose to do business with based on the reviews that I saw,” she said. “I knew that there were opportunities here … I just had to figure out how to start. I thought of a name for a moving company, I sketched out the box-with-wings logo with a pencil, I built a free website myself, I ordered 500 business cards from Vistaprint and ordered one T-shirt with my logo on it. I had $200 in the bank and launched my business!”

On July 9, 2013, Charlie’s Angels Movers booked its first job. The company has experienced consistent growth; Charlie started with three employees (counting herself). Currently, there are 28 employees, with as many as 40 on the job during the busy summer season.

An entrepreneur at heart, Charlie has started a few other businesses. Charlie’s Angels Chariots Used Car Sales was born while trying to help future employees have transportation to get to work. She also owns Heavenly Holdings LLC for her real estate investments.

The Charlie’s Angels Movers charity truck has hit the road, staying busy meeting immediate needs and giving back to the community.

“We will have a video platform chronicling these adventures, so people can be involved and really see the difference that one person can make in the lives of others,” Charlie said, “so stay tuned for this fun infusion to the community.”

Heaven on Earth event venue is in the works, with a projected opening date of January 2025.

Celebrating Success

Charlie said she chose Acworth because she loves the vibe and energy. She goes all in to support the community, from the elected officials to the nonprofits.

“There is real community and unity in Acworth, and I love that I am a part of that fabric and that Acworth is so much a part of our story,” she said. “Moving into the city and purchasing the old health department building was an incredible accomplishment for our company. We finally had a home, and Acworth welcomed us home in a big way.”

The guest list for the company’s 10-year anniversary party included many of her professional friends and colleagues, and Realtors and agents who refer their clients to Charlie’s Angels. “It was my way of saying thank you to a community of supporters,” Charlie said. Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood presented a proclamation from the city and council, congratulating her on 10 years of success in business.

One recent success was contracting with Paulding County to deliver voting polls to the county’s precincts for every election.“We love upholding our civic duty also, and we’re so proud to serve,” Charlie said.

With the first franchise launched in Houston in January, Charlie plans to open one franchise a year over the next five years.

“If I could live two more lifetimes to accomplish helping all the people I want to help and execute all the ideas I have in my brain, that might be enough time,” she said.

Chalrie’s Angels love their job!

Update Your Kitchen With New Countertops

BY ELISABETH STUBBS

More people are staying in the home they have these days and doing a bit of remodeling, rather than moving. Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms to remodel.

Nothing changes the look of a kitchen like new countertops, which are a great way to update. There are so many beautiful alternatives — granite, quartz, marble or quartzite.

Granite was a top seller for years, definitely an upgrade from Formica or laminate. It is a natural stone, mostly mined in Brazil, Italy, India and China. It’s almost always in “natural” colors — browns, tans, golds, some blacks and grays, and sometimes with flecks of other colors.

Quartz came along about 25 years ago. Quartz countertops are man-made from ground quartz rocks, resin and colors. It is exceedingly hard, does not stain as easily as granite and does not require as much maintenance as granite. It is, of course, more expensive than granite.

Marble has been the true luxury option for many years. It has the most beautiful whites for a white kitchen, but we like to say it’s for kitchens where there is no cooking being done. It is porous, so it stains easily, and is more expensive than granite and quartz. Most people opt for a

quartz that looks like marble instead.

New on the scene is quartzite. It’s a naturally occurring rock formed from sandstone at very high temperatures deep underground. It has similar colors and veining to marble but has exceptional strength, density and hardness. Expect to pay accordingly for this precious and beautiful countertop.

Pro tip: Make the trip to look at the actual slabs, and choose yours. There can be quite a bit of variation from one slab to the next, especially with granite, marble and quartzite, so this step is important.

Already have stone countertops? Don’t forget to seal them on a yearly basis. When properly sealed, the surface of your countertop will be much easier to clean, and any risk of staining is reduced. Note: Most quartz products do not require sealing.

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

Granite is a natural stone that’s almost always in tones of brown and tan. This kitchen counter is Giallo Ornamental granite.

Need Help Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays?

We are your one-stop home design center!

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

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

ü Complimentary In-Store Design Assistance

ü Interest-Free Financing

ü40+ Installed Flooring Products

Around & About

SEPTEMBER

Acworth Farmers Market

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

Fridays Logan Farm Park

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

City Council Cleanup Challenge

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

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

2023 9/11 Memorial Ride

Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Southern Devil Harley-Davidson, 2281 Highway 411 Cartersville

Join other bikers for a ride through Cartersville and Acworth, then enjoy an afternoon of live music, vendors and raffles. Rain date is Sept. 16. To register, visit https://911memorialride. org/registration/.

Pizza, Pints and Pigskins

Sept. 9, noon-10 p.m., Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St.

Pizzerias from across Cobb County will compete for prizes, while attendees enjoy food, a kids’ zone, live music and a beer garden. https://acworthtourism.org/events/ pizza-pints-pigskins/

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m., Due West United Methodist Church, 3956 Due West Road Marietta

The church will have a special worship service in the north campus sanctuary, followed by lunch in the Family Life Center (reservations required). For information, to make lunch reservations or to purchase a celebration T-shirt, visit https://duewest.org/ homecoming-celebration.

Mother-Son Campout

Sept. 16-17, Proctor Landing Park

This annual event is open to mothers and their sons who are 13 and younger. Participants will camp along the shore of Lake Allatoona while learning about camping etiquette, campfire building, knot tying and other outdoor activities. https://secure.rec1. com/GA/acworth-parks-recreation/catalog

North Georgia State Fair

Sept. 21-Oct. 1, Jim. R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta

The fair features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, local entertainment, rides, food and more. www.northgeorgiastatefair.com

North Georgia State Fair

Senior Day

Sept. 22, 9 a.m-1 p.m., Jim R. Miller Park Marietta

Free admission, parking and activities for adults 55 and older. When the fair opens at 4 p.m., everyone age 55 and older gets in free.

“Death and Taxes”

Sept. 22, 23, 24, 29 and 30, Roberts School and Community Center, 4681 School St. Acworth

Enjoy the Acworth Cultural Arts theater performances of Pat Cook’s play Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets can be ordered at acworthculturalarts.org for $25.

Thousands of foodies turned out for last year’s Taste of Acworth.

Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 23, 5-10 p.m., Logan Farm Park

Enjoy good food and music as Acworth celebrates the Hispanic community and culture. 770-917-1234, www.acworthparksandrec.org

Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup

Sept. 30, Lake Allatoona

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

Fall Downtown Classic Car Cruise

Sept. 30, 3-8 p.m. Logan Farm Park

The free event benefits the Horizon Field, an all-inclusive special-needs sports facility in Acworth. A $5 entry fee is requested for all vehicles in the cruise. Mary Beth Gibbs, mbgibbs@ acworth.org or 770-917-1234.

RECREATION

PARKS AND RECREATION

4361 Cherokee St., Acworth 770-917-1234

acworthparksandrecreation.org

Influential Women Who Expanded Their Horizons

Sept. 13, 10:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Acworth Community Center

Unique lunch-and-learn session with family members of NFL and MLB players. Tickets are $40.

Women’s Self-Defense Workshop

Oct. 18, 6-7:30 p.m., Acworth Community Center

Learn easy-to-remember moves based on your body weight and martial art techniques.

SENIOR EVENTS

Dance Through the Decades

Sept. 16, 6-9 p.m., Acworth Community Center

Ages 55 and older can enjoy an evening of dancing. Come dressed from your favorite decade. Finger food and cash bar.

Crafters in Curlers

Sept. 18, 2-3:30 p.m., Acworth Community Center

ART HOUSE HAPPENINGS

www.acworthartsalliance.org

Juried Exhibit

Through Oct. 28

Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award until Sept. 30. An open house and award ceremony will be held Oct. 2 from 4-7 p.m.

Holiday Gift Shop

Nov. 18, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Acworth Community Center, Tanyard Creek

Overlook

More than 25 member artists will have items for sale. Free admission.

Ongoing

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

Join crafters of all skill levels and take home something handmade. Future dates are Oct. 30 and Nov. 13.

Pamper Session

Sept. 27, 2-4 p.m., Logan Farm Park

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and pampering and learn how to better care for aging skin.

Breakfast Club

Sept. 29, 9-11 a.m., Morning Shift Kennesaw

Attendees should meet at the Acworth Community Center to ride the van to the restaurant. $5 for Acworth residents; $7 for nonresidents. Future dates are Oct. 27, First Watch; and Nov. 17, Salt & Pepper Cafe.

Cards and Cookies

Every other Monday, 2-4 p.m. Logan Farmhouse

Cookies and some games will be provided, but bring your own if you want. $2 for Acworth residents; $3 for nonresidents.

Senior Luncheon

Every third Wednesday of the month noon, Acworth Community Center After lunch, enjoy some bingo. Free, but you must RSVP.

COMMUNITY CLASSES

Zumba

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 p.m., Acworth Community Center

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

Bend & Breathe Meditation Yoga Wednesdays, 8:15-9 a.m., Acworth Community Center

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

Build Yoga

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

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

Pickleball Lessons

Wednesday and Thursday mornings various times, Acworth Community Center

All experience levels are welcome.

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

Rob’s Rescues

This month, I interviewed Sarah Carney of Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary (HAAS) in Canton. Learn more at hiddenacresanimalsanctuary.org.

What is your mission?

This dog’s name is Zane. He is 6 years old and was a stray. He is scared in the shelter. He has good energy and would be a happy and active companion. He loves to walk outside and seems like a dog that would be good and loyal to you.

Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary Therapy and Rescue is a nonprofit with a mission to spread hope, healing and love to rescue farm animals and human hearts and a purpose to bring joy to all who cross our path. We pay forward the hope, healing and love we instill in our rescue animals to local seniors, memory-care patients, hospice patients and individuals struggling with mental and emotional health through the natural and amazing benefits of animal therapy. We also have a youth empowerment program for middle and high school students. We believe animals are powerful healers, making us both an animal rescue and a human rescue.

How many animals are on the farm, and what type?

We have 87 animals, including goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, birds, donkeys and a Holstein cow at the sanctuary. Each of these animals is personally touched and inundated with tremendous love and care every day by teams of volunteers.

Why did you choose a goat for your logo?

We have more rescue goats than any other animal. We take our goats to senior centers and have a lot of goat-related activities, such as goat yoga.

How do your animals come to you?

Mostly through large-animal vets and animal controls across a number of counties. Harley the pig wandered around homeless in Atlanta for two weeks. Bucky the donkey was 28 years old when he came to us. During all that time, he had never been touched. His hooves were so overgrown, he could barely walk. He also had a severely infected face as a result of being attacked by other animals. Rosie was the first pig in our therapy program. She was sold to college students by a breeder when she was just 2 days old. The kids tried, but couldn’t keep up with her needs, so I took her into the sanctuary. The residents of Camellia Place in Woodstock bottle-fed her, and she has brought lots of joy on her visits there.

This cat’s name is Wilson. He is a 4-year-old orange tabby. He came to the shelter as a stray. He is a pretty calm cat who doesn’t make much noise and enjoys being held a lot. He deserves and would love a great home.

Next month, my interview with Sarah continues, as she explains how farm animals are used as therapy animals.

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

Rob with Sarah Carney of Hidden Acres Animal Sanctuary.

Have You Ever Had One of Those Weeks?

BY STEVE COLEMAN

At the time of this writing, I was nearing the end of one of the most distraction-filled weeks that I’ve had in recent memory. I began with a to-do list of about 26 items and ended the week with two more items on that list!

Every day brought unexpected events and challenges, and absolutely nothing went according to plan. A one-hour task took three hours, while other tasks were interrupted with urgent matters and sudden changes in plans. Have you ever had a week like that?

For me, the biggest threat in that kind of season is the potential loss of focus. I can get pulled away from my primary purpose, and my mind begins trying to process everything — to the point of being overwhelmed.

This can happen in our spiritual lives, as well. A quick scan through local news and social media sometimes can feed our fears and foster questions about the power, sovereignty and sufficiency of God. The cacophony of the unexpected can overtake our minds and give rise to doubts, and then start chipping away at our spiritual well-being.

In Isaiah 26 (ESV), we read these words: “You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Living this life well begins with our minds, doesn’t it? We need to get up every day and decide what our faith and trust will look like and in whom or what we will trust. Then, we need to let that decision control our emotions. If we don’t, our emotions will spend the day telling us what to fear.

Begin tomorrow (or restart today) with a prayer like this: “God, I choose to believe and trust that you are and will always be my guide, my protector and my savior.” Then, choose to live that way.

Distractions will come, but arm yourself with the peace of God’s sovereignty and the hope of his complete sufficiency for everything you need. When distractions come, remind yourself of God’s purpose for you, and keep your mind focused on him.

Stop and pray — the urgent things can wait a minute — and ask God to show you how he is at work in your life and around you. Then, trust that his answer will bring wisdom and peace.

Steve Coleman is an associate pastor and worship pastor at Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth.

A quick scan through local news and social media sometimes can feed our fears ... "

As Seen on TV

THE CEDARS WEDDINGS AND EVENT VENUE

Since August 2022, Jeremy Smith has been a host for “The American Dream TV,” an Emmynominated show that focuses on the lifestyle, culture, people and real estate that make Alanta and surrounding areas great places to live and work.

In the inaugural episode, Jeremy, a Realtor for Engel & Völkers Atlanta, took viewers on a tour of a new construction condominium building in Midtown and a drive that ended at Colony Square. In September, Jeremy is bringing American Dream viewers to Acworth, where he’ll showcase the city and introduce The Cedars, an Acworth wedding and event venue.

The Acworth segment is part of a commercial free, 28-minute show syndicated on Fox Cable, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Amazon Prime Video. Local viewers can watch on CW 69 on Sept. 16. Updates available at https:// americandreamnetwork.tv.

The Cedars

The historic home was built in 1870 as a traditional New England-style saltbox house, with one story in back and two in front. As an event venue currently that hosts celebrations, the legacy of the original owner, E.L. Shuford, continues. He was a young, wealthy bachelor who enjoyed hosting parties and entertaining his guests in grand style.

The home was named The Cedars - a reference to the property’s huge trees - by a member of the Abbott family, who bought the home from Shuford and lived there nearly 100 years.

In 1998, Brigita Rowe purchased the property from the Abbott family and began a total renovation. The upstairs bedrooms were removed, allowing for the dining area’s high

ceiling. The original fireplaces and cathedral windows remain and are a favorite of photographers capturing wedding day images. Brigita and her daughter Kristina (Jeremy’s mother) built the Cedars into a successful and sought-after wedding and special events venue offering an all-inclusive event package.

Brigita’s renovations didn’t stop inside the home. Inspired by her many trips to Europe, she developed a creative landscape design that enhances the grounds and provides a picturesque background for special occasions.

The Realtor

The Dallas, Georgia, native joined Engel & Völkers Atlanta Brokerage in April 2019 and has more than 10 years of residential real estate experience. In 2013, 19-year-old Jeremy became one of the youngest agents to achieve Million Dollar Club status with The Atlanta Board of Realtors. He now is a life member (now called Top Producers), qualifying each year he has been in real estate.

Jeremy and business partner Julian Rather have formed The Intown Advisors Team, where Jeremy is a condominium sales specialist. While the focus of his business is Buckhead, his tie to Acworth remains strong. He basically grew up visiting The Cedars; between his family’s business and a second home on Allatoona Lake down the road, he spends a lot of his free time in Acworth.

“I am fortunate to be able to showcase a community close to my heart and my family business on my next episode,” Jeremy said. “Be sure to tune in!”

The Cedars Weddings and Events

4610 Northside Drive, Acworth GA 30101 770-917-0067 | cedarsweddings.com

From left, Cedars owner Brigita Rowe, caterer Adriane Larson, Kristina Minter and Jeremy Smith during filming. Photos by LaRuche Photo.

IRS Intends to Begin Collections Again

BY DENSON PEPPER

Hoping for an IRS payment plan? It’s possible, but if you have not filed your income tax returns for the past six years, the IRS will not accept any repayment proposal from you. If you owe taxes from prior years but have not filed all returns, IRS collections will send you notices, which might result in a levy action. It is best to file all required income tax returns before the IRS begins its collection protocol.

If you haven’t heard from the IRS lately, you’re not alone. The IRS put its usual collections efforts on pause for about three years but recently announced that collections will begin again in late summer. You might receive notices threatening liens or levies. If you have not filed all your returns, you will need time before you can address the liabilities. It’s best to file the returns before you deal with any tax liability. The IRS might file a return for you and assess a liability. This is called a substitute for return. The IRS calculation of your tax owed usually is higher than if you had filed yourself.

How long can the IRS collect unpaid taxes?

The federal government has 10 years to collect assessed, unpaid income taxes. The key word is assessed.

If a tax return has not been filed by the taxpayer or the government, then the statute of limitations does not begin, resulting in potential liability in the future.

Always open — and reply to — notices in a timely manner. If you ignore them, your options decrease with time. It then might become costly to appeal any governmental decisions.

Call a tax specialist to help you determine the next steps. In a nonthreatening manner, taxpayers can reach a resolution to their tax situations.

Denson Pepper is a CPA in the Acworth/Kennesaw area with 30-plus years of experience. He is an expert at helping people resolve their income tax problems. Call 678-797-5241 to make an appointment.

CPA Denson Pepper, with more than 30 years of IRS experience, can be reached at 678-797-5241.

Erika K. Orcutt, Esq.

A Tale of Two

Kennesaw, Acworth branches consolidated into one facility

BY ANDREW J. BRAMLETT

Across the street from North Cobb High School on Old 41 Highway sits the North Cobb Regional Library, a sleek, modern facility designed to serve the residents of Kennesaw and Acworth. It’s a big change from the two smaller libraries that served these communities for decades. With its larger capacity, meeting space and study areas, the 4-year-old library undoubtedly was a much-needed improvement, though the older buildings had their charm.

Several dates could mark the start of the Acworth Library. An article in the Dec. 12, 1879, issue of the Marietta Journal makes it clear there was no library in Acworth at that time. According to the newspaper’s Feb. 19, 1880, issue, the library society was “reorganized” that year. Since the 1950s, the library’s founding has been considered to be 1889, but the origin of this date is not clear. The first concrete information about the library comes from the Carrie Dyer Woman’s Club, which took over the collection in 1901. The group started in 1898 as the Calliopean Club (named after a Greek muse) and was renamed in 1901. Much of the club’s early history is found in a book about Acworth’s history, compiled by the group in 1976. According to the book, the club “paid off a $90 mortgage on the town’s library” in 1901.

The group changed its meeting place several times, eventually purchasing a house at 4535 Dallas St. in downtown Acworth in 1910 and using it as the club’s headquarters and the library’s home. During the Great Depression, the group received assistance from the Works Progress Administration to keep the library running. In 1944, the library’s management became a joint effort between the club, the city of Acworth and the Cobb County Board of Education. Louise Pitner became the head librarian, a role she would keep until 1977. Between 1944 and the 1960s, the library moved from the club to an office at the corner of Lemon and Center streets then to the old city hall.

In the 1960s, it was clear that what came to be known as the Cobb County Public Library System needed to grow. North Cobb was beginning to suburbanize, and in anticipation of these changes, it was decided that new libraries could better serve Acworth and Kennesaw. Planning began for Interstate

This building next to Acworth City Hall was the library’s home from 1967-2019. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The Acworth Library was located in this building on Lemon Street in the 1940s. Photo courtesy of the Cobb County Public Library System.

This 1980s picture shows the former home of the Carrie Dyer Woman’s Club, which also served as the Acworth Library from 1910-44. Photo courtesy of the Cobb County Public Library System.

Two Libraries

75 to traverse the region, and Kennesaw would become home to a college (now a university). The need for a library was especially felt in Kennesaw, where no such facility existed. In 1963, the first Kennesaw library opened in a garage — renovated by city council members — at what was city hall, now a park next to BurgerFi. The first librarian was Christine Preast, who served in that position until 1989. That same year, the Acworth Library moved to 4873 Main St., which, currently, is the home of several real estate offices.

In 1965, construction of stand-alone buildings for both libraries was approved, contracts were awarded in 1966, and two new buildings were completed and opened in January 1967. The Kennesaw Library was on Lewis Street, while Acworth’s building was on Dallas Street, next to the current city hall. The 3,000-square-foot buildings were identical to several other libraries built simultaneously in Cobb County and were given a sleek and modern design. Both buildings are still standing.

The Marietta Daily Journal is filled with countless accounts of library events, from reading groups to art shows to students learning to use a card catalog. In the 1980s, it became apparent that, as Kennesaw grew into a suburb of Atlanta, the library also would need to grow. In October 1989, a 2,000-square-foot expansion opened, giving the facility room for 9,000 new books. The addition also changed the entrance to the library. Originally, patrons entered via a door on Lewis Street, but the expansion created a door at what had been the rear of the building.

There were several plans over the years for new libraries, including one where the Kennesaw Library would move to a new building near the depot. When the Acworth Library was built, the Lake City was home to 2,500 people, a number that had reached 20,000 by 2010. During that time, the library had never expanded. To better serve both communities, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners decided to consolidate the two libraries into a larger facility between Acworth and Kennesaw. The North Cobb Regional Library was approved in 2016, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sept. 5, 2019. This building reflects how our communities have grown since the 1960s and will continue to serve patrons for years to come.

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

Students study in the Kennesaw Library in 1968. Photo courtesy of the Cobb County Public Library System.

The first library in Kennesaw was housed here from 1963-67. Photo courtesy of the Cobb County Public Library System.

This building was the home of the old Kennesaw Library from 1967-2019. Photo courtesy of Lewis Bramlett.

Creating an Eco-Friendly Landscape

BY CALLIE NELSON

The cooler fall weather is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. Maintaining an eco-friendly yard by xeriscaping — landscaping in ways that don’t require supplemental irrigation — with native trees and shrubs is timeand cost-effective. This drought-tolerant landscape uses less water because twothirds of the yard is trees and shrubs, which call for seasonal maintenance, while one-third is turf, which needs weekly to biweekly maintenance.

A xeriscape layout is divided into three zones. High water use is 10% of the landscape and closest to the home, moderate water use is 30%, and low water use is 60% and the farthest from the house. The layout also depicts microclimates that have different light intensities, sun exposure, wind conditions, drainage patterns and average temperatures. One area of your yard, such as a grass lawn receiving afternoon sun, can have a completely different microclimate than another area, such as the shrubbery next to your house that gets humidity and morning sunlight. Overall, the main goal of creating a xeriscape layout is to see which waterusage zones and microclimate areas are best for your native plants. Replicating

the plants’ natural habitat ensures little intervention besides the first few weeks of establishment, creates a safe haven for pollinators and wildlife, and makes it unnecessary to adjust the landscape as your plant grows.

Before adding plants, get a soil test done because one secret to having a healthy plant is having healthy soil. Testing can be done through your county extension office and should include tests for pH, primary nutrients and secondary nutrients. Once your soil has been amended, install and mulch your plants, then add irrigation.

There are two types of irrigation frequencies. Frequent, short irrigation for newly planted yards keeps the top 1-3 inches of soil moist, while deep, infrequent irrigation penetrates 10 inches or more and is better for established yards.

Pruning is essential for maintaining your landscape, and there are two kinds: thinning and shearing. Thinning follows the apical bud and cuts off the lateral branches. This technique ensures auxin — a hormone secreted from the apical bud — continues to stop lateral branches from growing, which prevents diseases by opening airways in the

plant. Shearing cuts off the top of the plant and gets rid of the apical buds. This increases the probability of the plant contracting a disease by creating undergrowth in the plant.

Knowing when to prune your plants helps them create more blooms. A plant that blooms before May should be pruned after it flowers; if it blooms after May, prune it in late winter or early spring, before it flowers.

Xeriscaping with native trees and shrubs creates a beautiful, lowmaintenance yard that saves time and money while also effortlessly supporting and attracting wildlife. Native plants, such as American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) and water oak (Quercus nigra), support a variety of wildlife.

Whether you achieve your xeriscape by planting a new shrub each year or everything at once, it can become your beautiful reality.

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

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

Xeriscaping with native trees and shrubs creates an eco-friendly yard that’s time- and cost-effective.

Planting beautyberry in your yard helps attract wildlife, like this black-throated blue warbler. Photo by Will Stuart.

Boating Tips for Hotter Temperatures

BY GREG FONZENO

We have experienced hotter-than-usual heat this summer and, when this happens, boaters often head to the water for some relief. However, some might be unprepared for what it takes to withstand an extremely hot day, particularly when high humidity is added into the mix. Below are five tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety.

1. Create shade. Direct sunlight can make the air feel 10 to 15 degrees warmer. Reduce the time you spend in it. If you don’t have a cabin or bimini top that offers sun protection, wide-brimmed hats, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing or fishing neck gaiters are the next best thing. Of course, a highlevel sunblock is a must for sunburn prevention.

2. Keep extra water on board. Yeah, that’s a no-brainer. However, you’d be surprised by how many boaters bring just enough water for a single day’s outing. On these superhot days, boaters might drink water like it’s coming out of a fire hose! One tip: Keep a supply of bottled water in a locker or dry bilge area next to the hull, below the waterline. The water will stay cooler there than in the air temperature.

3. Know how to stay cool safely. Of course, boaters can take advantage of the best way to stay cool: jump in! But don’t jump off a moving vessel. Find a safe, out-ofthe-way anchorage, drop the anchor and enjoy!

4. Know the signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to cool down. It can happen gradually or suddenly. Telltale signs are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, skin hot to the touch, nausea or vomiting. Infants and children are especially susceptible. Immediately moving the victim to a cooler environment and providing lots of fluids can help buy time for a heatstroke victim until you reach first responders.

5. Have a way to communicate. This is not the time of year to be stuck out on the water with an unexpected breakdown or other issue. Not only is the temperature a significant stressor, atmospheric conditions can bring sudden and powerful storms, especially in the afternoon. Anyone who has lived in this area knows how suddenly a thunderstorm can develop late in the day. Ensure your marine VHF radio is operational, and bring your cellphone, keeping it dry and charged.

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

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

October deadline is Sept. 10. Please specify Around Acworth. Word limit: 25.

Collyns Lindsey

Sept. 2

Happy fifth birthday, Collyns! We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and Ella

Celebrating our incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle on his 80th birthday! You are our shining star — your family loves you!

Dalton

Turns 12 on Sept. 16

Happy birthday to my special boy! Almost a teenager — wow, you’re growing up so fast!

Love you, Aunt Nonna

Julianna

Sept. 6

Happy 90th birthday!

Love, Jane and all the family

7 years old on Sept. 17

Happy birthday, sweet Caroline! Your family loves you so, so much!

Mom, Dad, Georgia, Margot, MeMe and Chip

Turns 7 on Sept. 12

Happy birthday to the sweetest, smartest, silliest boy we know!

Love, Gigi, Grumpa, Hunter, Conner and Brooks

Sept. 5

Happy 10th birthday, Julianna!

Love, the M&Ms

Happy fabulous 40th birthday, Kiki!

Lifetime Acworth residents Carolyn and Jimmy Durham celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Aug. 29.

Jack Johnston

Kiki

The Durhams

Jackson Ericks

Caroline Kitsch

Solomon Hicks

TEXT BOX

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 7

ABA Luncheon

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

Acworth Community Center

4361 Cherokee St.

Sept. 12, 26

Morning Jolt

8-9 a.m.

The Cowan Historic Mill

4271 Southside Drive

Sept. 14

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

Location: TBD

TEXT BOX

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

Sept. 28

Women’s Networking Lunch

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

Qualusi Vineyards

440 Blossom Trail

Oct. 7

Taste of Acworth

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Downtown Acworth

TEXT BOX 04

02

TEXT BOX

Business Lessons Learned From the Sports World

BY KELLY NAGEL

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

The beginning of fall brings the start of a new school year, a new football season and, hopefully, cooler weather. Those who know me know my favorite time of year is football season, and I certainly am doing the happy dance as we enter into this one.

This also has caused me to think about what lessons we, as business owners and influencers, can learn from sports, so I asked some of my favorite coaches what principles they thought were valuable, not just on the athletic field, but in business as well. These were my favorite answers.

02

From a football defensive coordinator: “Tapping into emotions is important when they fuel you to do better, work harder and find better solutions, but they can end your career if you allow them to reinforce negativity and self-doubt. You may not be able to control when an emotion wells up inside, but you can control what you do with it once you recognize that it is present.”

TEXT BOX 04

TEXT BOX

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

Have you ever made a business decision because of fear, anxiety or self-doubt? Have you ever played it safe because you were scared to go for it or went for it because you just wanted to beat a competitor and later realized that decision was wrong? Me, too. What this coach was saying is we can use emotions to our advantage in business but only when we learn to control them, instead of reacting to them. The next time you feel a big emotion welling up inside, take a minute and ask yourself if this is fuel or just a feeling that needs to be put aside in the decision-making process.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

I recently asked a baseball coach how he got elite athletes to perform at the next level. He told me, “You have to get them to start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. True growth never happens when you just keep doing what you have always done and never challenge yourself to work on the things you aren’t good at.”

When it comes to business, we have things we like to do, and we have reasons why other things are called work, and we have to be paid to do them. But what if, instead of avoiding the things we don’t like, we learned how to do those things better? They might never become our favorite part of the job, but getting uncomfortable enough to try something new, different or better might be the very thing we need to get to the next level.

I hope your fall season begins well and is full of successful uncomfortable situations.

TEXT BOX

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

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

Celebrating Encompass Ministries

Helping People Get on Their Feet

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

At Encompass Ministries, independence is celebrated every day. This celebration started in 1998 after Lynne Saunders, founder of Encompass (originally Papa’s Pantry), and a friend returned home from a life-altering mission trip to India.

“Here I was, back in the good ol’ U.S. of A,” Lynne said. “Billboards boasting expensive watches and fashion (that) contrasted old apartments and hotels covered with graffiti. A church steeple spiked the background. The visual stopped me, as many questions began to stir in my heart, questions that changed my world and the world of thousands of families since.”

Lynne said she thought, “In this country with so many resources, why isn’t it working? In India, there were no government social services or churches to give aid. Why are families here still struggling to survive? Why were people not able to dig out of poverty? Why was childhood hunger becoming such a hot topic? Why, why, why?”

While wrestling with these questions long and hard in prayer, Lynne kept feeling a call to start a food cupboard.

“It wasn’t audible, but I began to sense God continuing to stir a solution in my heart,” she said. “I didn’t think I was qualified to start anything for the kingdom. Sure, I was a strong Christian, but I doubted what I had been taught — that God had a special call and purpose for every believer. Yes, even me.”

Papa’s Pantry (the original name and the spirit that will never change at this nonprofit) soon was launched in Lynne’s basement. She and her army of volunteers stayed busy visiting homes and distributing food to those in need.

“We help people get back on their feet and off government assistance,” Lynne said. “We give them the tools they need to do life successfully by getting behind the ‘why?’ of what keeps them from self-sufficiency.”

Within five years — in early 2004 — the first “open to the public” Papa’s Pantry opened. It was in one room of an older house (shared with Christian counselors) in downtown Canton that had turned into a business. In 10 short months, the pantry outgrew this space. In March 2005, the nonprofit moved into the building at 6551 Commerce Parkway in Woodstock, where it remains under the name Encompass Ministries.

Staff member Nick Mikell, center, with volunteers Jeanne Menna, left, and Lisa Feather.

Empty cabinets mean empty stomachs.

25 Years

The tools available to help get people back on their feet is the origin of The Master’s Training Center. Courses offered are:

• Stability: Career and Employment and Money Management.

• Goal-Setting and Life Skills.

• At-Risk Youth Training (off-site).

• Addictions Recovery Training (off-site).

Of course, the food pantry services remain constant, and the nonprofit also offers organic gardening. A bountiful organic garden has flourished behind the building for years and has provided countless families with fresh, healthy produce.

Encompass also offers community outreaches like school supply giveaways, free medical care in partnership with Bethesda Community Clinic and more. Its reach has expanded to surrounding counties, including Cobb and Pickens.

It’s easy to understand the meaning behind changing the name to Encompass in August 2019. So much of what the nonprofit does encompasses the whole person, restoring many to stability. The 2022 statistics reveal its impact on our communities: $1.1 million worth of food given, 24,706 people fed, 5,581 children fed, about 555,945 meals provided and 481 organization pickups. Even pets are covered, with 8,463 pounds of pet food being distributed. Restoration of independence always is worth celebrating, and you are invited! Encompass Ministries will be having a gala Sept. 14 to celebrate 25 years of helping people achieve stability and having the tools to stay there. Organizers have planned a wonderful evening, filled with beautiful music by four-time Dove Award-winning musician Stan Whitmire and an inspirational message from Fox News contributor and retired Staff Sgt. Johnny “Joey” Jones, who was wounded in combat. He will share his story of triumph and gratitude over his life-changing injury and disability. Joey’s story lines up with Encompass’ mission of helping people get back on their feet, even though he lost both of his legs. If you would like to get on board with the mission of changing lives at Encompass Ministries, visit encompassministriesinc.org. Encompass is still growing, and the biggest need is a new building with more space. To learn more, volunteer, donate or sign up for the celebration gala, visit the website or follow the nonprofit on social media.

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.

Encompass’ core staff is made up of, from left, Valeri Walker, Faith Moody, Nick Mikell and Lynne Saunders.

The on-site organic garden provides fresh produce for countless families.

Allatoona’s Juiceman Is on a Mission

BY CATHERINE GOLOVIN

You might know the muffin man, but do you know the Juiceman? Zach Giddeons, better known as “The Juiceman,” briskly makes his way to every table in Allatoona High School’s chaotic cafeteria each day with a plastic bag of surrendered juices and a mission. His goal? Eliminate juice waste completely.

As students stand in the cafeteria line waiting to grab a tray, they see a row of small red juice boxes sitting atop the gleaming metal shelf, next to the side salads and sweet potatoes. As they prepare to punch in their student number and buy their pizza, they’re reminded to pick a side item. The juices are convenient and easy to grab, so they put one on their tray and go sit down to eat.

When the ringing bell signals the end of lunch, you hear the familiar clamor of chairs scraping against the floor and hundreds of trays falling into the large rolling trash cans. Among the used forks and scraps of food, the unopened red juice boxes litter the ocean of garbage, like castaways lost at sea.

Zach realized one day what an incredible waste this was, and he knew there was something he could do about it. From that day forward, The Juiceman was in business.

“Every day during lunch, I go table to table, collecting the juices from people who don’t want them,”

Zach said. “I get around 20 to 70 juices daily. When lunch is over, I give away the juices to my classmates who want them. If I have any left over, I give them to my younger cousins.”

When asked about his motivation to start the project, Zach said, “I transferred to Allatoona (last school) year, and I wanted to meet people and make new friends. I saw that a lot of juice was being wasted, so I used it as an opportunity to make a difference while starting conversations with people. Now everyone knows Juiceman!”

Indeed, Zach has made quite a name for himself among the students at Allatoona, as seen on his YouTube channel, “Your Local Juiceman.” His channel features interviews with his classmates and updates on his average juice intake.

If you learn anything from Zach’s inspirational story, you will see that one person can make a difference in the world while also reaching out to entertain and make new friends.

Catherine Golovin is a senior at Allatoona High School and is part of the morning news show and broadcasting team. She enjoys audio, visual, television and film classes and journalism classes.

@ the Library

North Cobb Regional Library

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

www.cobbcat.org/venue/north-cobb-regional-library

Sept. 9

Paper Making, 10:30-11:30 a.m., will teach all ages how to use a special papermaking machine to create homemade paper. Registration is encouraged.

Monthly Makers: Mini Sketchbook, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., will show those ages 16 and older how to make a sketchbook using the oldest form of book binding, Coptic binding. $5 supply fee. Registration is required.

Sept. 11

Sherlock Holmes Story Discussions with the North Cobb Irregulars take place 6:30-7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month. The text for September is “The Golden Pince-Nez.” No RSVP is required.

Sept. 11, 25

ASL Basics, 6:30-7:30 p.m., will teach basic American Sign Language signs and phrases to all ages. Registration is required.

Sept. 12, 26

The Pokémon Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Pokémon enthusiasts of all ages are invited to learn to play the game, show off their cards and participate in crafts and activities.

Sept. 14, 21, 28

Kids Create, 4:30-5:30 p.m., offers weekly activities, such as art, crafts and STEM projects, for ages 5 and older. Registration is required.

Sept. 19

American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled at www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins also are welcome.

Sept. 20

Wednesday Afternoon Book Discussion, 1-2 p.m., meets the third Wednesday of each month. The September discussion will be about “The Switch” by Beth O’Leary.

Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4

Magic Club, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Materials will be provided. All ages are welcome. Registration is required.

Sept. 25

Printmaking for Kids, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Marietta Cobb Museum of Art will do a makerspace workshop on printmaking for ages 5-9. Registration is required.

Make Mine a Mystery! Book Club meets 6:15-7 p.m. the fourth Monday of each month. The September selection is “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë. No RSVP is required.

Sept. 26

Cover-to-Cover Book Discussion meets 2-3:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. The group will be discussing “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman in September.

Sept. 30

Astronomy at the Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. View sunspots through a specially filtered telescope with Atlanta Astronomy Club member James Brelsford. Registration is required.

Cobb Photographic Society Monochrome

Congratulations to everyone who entered the Cobb Photographic Society competition. The topic for July was “Macro/Close-up,” and the guest judge was photographer Larry Winslett. The Cobb Photographic Society is a club open to photographers of all skill levels. It meets the first and third Monday of each month. For information, visit www.cobbphotosociety.com.

Krissy Finch - First Place (King of Flies)

Novice

Joy Rogers - Second Place (Blooming Dahlia)

Charles Stannard - First Place (Oil Drops)

Paul Shimek - First Place (Cactus)

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found

For advertising rates and information, Jennifer Coleman | 470-263-8414