Factbook 2011

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL

FACTBOOK 2011 A NEWCOMER’S GUIDE TO LIVING IN COBB THE GLOVERS:

(e-no-ho-sah)

THEIR ROOTS RUN DEEP IN MARIETTA

DR. HINOJOSA IS IN THE HOUSE

— PAGE 11

— PAGE 43

ALL ABOARD! TAKE A LOCOMOTIVE RIDE THROUGH HISTORY — PAGE 21

PEDALING FOR HEALTH — PAGE 87

FACTBOOK 2011

Living in Cobb

Pg. Pg. Pg. Pg. Pg.

2..................................................................Wellstar 3 ..............................Center for Allergy & Asthma 4 ..........................Roswell Street Baptist Church 5..................................................Piedmont Hospital 6 ......................................Resurgens Orthopaedics

COMMUNITY Pgs. 9-28

BUSINESS Pgs. 29-40

EDUCATION Pgs. 41-62

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Pgs. 71-86

GOVERNMENT Pgs. 63-70

HEALTH & FITNESS Pgs. 87-96

SPORTS & RECREATION REAL ESTATE Pgs. 97-100 Pgs. 101-110 Pg. 111 ........................................W&H Properties, LLC Pg. 112 ................................North Georgia State Fair Pg. 113 ..........West Cobb Funeral Home & Crematory Pg. 114 ................Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home Pg. 115 ..............................Kennesaw State University Pg. 116 ....................................Pinnacle Orthopaedics Publisher: OTIS BRUMBY JR. EDITORIAL: Managing Editor: Billy Mitchell, Ext. 207 News Editor: Kim Isaza, Ext. 201 Assistant News Editor: John Roach, Ext. 216

Reporters: Marcus Howard, Ext. 213 Jon Gillooly, Ext. 211 Katy Ruth Camp, Ext. 219 Laura Braddick, Ext. 214

Newsroom Adminstrator: Damon Poirier, Ext. 202

Night/Copy Desk Editor: Kathy Goldsberry, Ext. 480

Sports Editor: John Bednarowski, Ext. 221

CIRCULATION: Circulation Director: Matt Heck, Ext. 406

General Manager: OTIS BRUMBY III RETAIL ADVERTISING: VP of Marketing & Sales: Wade Stephens, Ext. 500 Advertising Coordinators: Tara Guest, Ext. 502 Megan Wilson, Ext. 504 Advertising Manager: Becky Opitz, Ext. 505 Account Executives: North Cobb/Automotive: ReneĂŠ Aghajanian, Ext. 55 Smyrna/Vinings: Katie Berry, Ext. 514

Marietta: Melinda Young, Ext. 513 Real Estate: Cheryl Myrick, Ext. 518 Automotive: Rick Zeier, Ext. 501 Major Accounts: Paula Milton, Ext. 512 Mindy Brown, Ext. 511 Bartow County: Carole Johnson, Ext. 781 Buckhead/Sandy Springs Stephanie deJarnette, Ext. 725 Dawne Edge, Ext. 726

Associate Publisher: JAY WHORTON Cherokee County: Kim Fowler, Ext. 620 Candace Hallford, Ext. 625 DeKalb County: Denise Weaver, Ext. 744 Douglas/Paulding Counties: Tammy Heil, Ext. 766 North Fulton County: Kathleen Carden, Ext. 706 Wade Shoaf, Ext. 707 South Fulton County: Nat Long, Ext. 754

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING/CALL CENTER: Classified Supervisor: Mandy Conn, Ext. 402 Kay Perry, Ext. 555 Deborah Evans, Ext. 405 Jolynne Goosman, Ext. 554 Classified Advisors: Dana Lucas, Ext. 562 Gail Morine, Ext. 557 PRODUCTION: Creative Director: Leigh Hall, Ext. 454 Art Department Supervisor: Beth Poirier, Ext. 362

Graphic Artists: Jennifer Hall, Ext. 363 Caroline Brannen, Ext. 364

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THE GANG’S ALL HERE THE GLOVERS: MARIETTA’S OLDEST FAMILY / P. 11

COMMUNITY FACTBOOK

PAGE 9

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Community FACTBOOK 2011

They really are

OMs ( O L D M A R I E T TA N S )

The Glover family dates back six generations in Marietta.

They are truly a link to the city’s past, and its future

By Sally Litchfield / MDJ features editor

T

here is Old Marietta and then there’s Old Marietta. The Glover family — Marietta’s pioneer family — established their roots in Marietta before Marietta was born. Six generations of Glovers claim Marietta as home.

“We’ve always loved Marietta and loved the community,” says James Bolan “Bo” Glover IV, a fifth generation and the eldest living Glover at age 81. “There’s no place like Marietta.”

Like his ancestors, Bo has witnessed many changes in Marietta over the years.

“We had cows just three blocks off the Square when I was a boy,” Bo said. “I remember the whole southwest corner of the Square was reserved for cotton wagons.”

Bo recalls traveling Dallas Highway before the construction of expressways. He describes rolling hills, trees and

red clay. “I’m sure that’s what my relatives must have seen when they came here the first time. I would imagine they just loved it,” he said.

“Marietta is just a lovely place. I think it’s the prettiest place in the whole world,” said Bo, the husband of Joan Wooten Glover.

When John Heyward Glover Jr. (JHG) and his wife Jane

Staff/Todd Hull

Above, seated from left: Wilder Glover Little, Jane Glover Hawkins and Prilla Glover Ottley.

Standing: A.D. Little and Bo Glover. James Bolan ‘Bo’ Glover (fifth generation) is the eldest living Glover. Below, left: John Heyward Glover Jr., who arrived in Marietta with his wife, Jane Porter Bolan Glover, in 1847 and became the city’s first mayor. Below, right: James Bolan Glover and his family at their home on the old Glover Marchine Works property in Marietta. Front cover, from left: Anne Glover Cundiff, Aimee Cundiff, Bo Glover and his wife Joan Wooten Glover, Lauren Cundiff and Jim Glover. Lauren and Aimee Cundiff are twins and are the grandchildren of Bo and Joan Glover. Jim Glover and Anne Glover Cundiff are their children. Section cover, from left: Jane Glover Hawkins, A.D. Little, Prilla Glover Ottley, Gracie Witcher, Wilder Glover Little, Aimee Cundiff, Bo Glover, Joan Glover, Anne Witcher, Ben Witcher, Anne Glover Cundiff, Rob Ottley, Mary Elise Ottley, Jim Glover, Cathy Ottley, Patty Witcher and Lauren Cundiff.

Porter Bolan Glover (JPBG) arrived in Marietta in 1847, it was considered a summer resort town. The Glovers moved from Charleston, S.C., to escape coastal diseases like yellow fever that took the lives of several family members, according to James Bolan “Jim” Glover, V (sixth generation).

Based on a promissory note to “John Heyward Glover, Jr. 13 June 1839, Marietta, GA,” it appears that JHG engaged in business in Marietta eight years before settling in the area.

JHG, who became the first mayor in 1852, played a vital role in the establishment of Marietta as a thriving town, as did generations of Glovers to come.

An original incorporator in 1852, JHG built his first home, Bushy Park, a large Greek revival plantation, due south of Marietta (off South Cobb Drive).

(Bushy Park in modern time

was converted into a restaurant first known as The Planters and subsequently The 1848 House. Another Mayor, Bill Dunaway, owned The 1848 House from 1992 until the

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

house sold in 2004. The restaurant closed in 2002.)

JHG sold Bushy Park in 1851 when JPBG decided the

See Glover, P. 28

P. 11

Community FACTBOOK 2011

City on the move Redevelopment project targets rundown areas

By Jon Gillooly

Mayor Tommy Allegood has partnered Acworth with the Marietta Housing Authority to relocate 60 families and then tear down the rundown area in which they lived and build a $12 million senior living facility.

jgillooly@mdjonline.com

ACWORTH — Mayor Tommy Allegood is excited about the redevelopment efforts under way in his city of 20,425 residents.

Acworth, working in partnership with the Marietta Housing Authority, has relocated 60 families from the old rundown housing authority units on School Street, Moon Street, Carruth Street and Winn Street. The families have been given Section 8 vouchers allowing them the opportunity to move into better housing conditions anywhere they desire, he said.

“All the old housing authority units are being torn down and the property will be redeveloped for the betterment of the entire community,” said Acworth City Manager Brian Bulthuis.

P. 12

Staff/Laura Moon

Currently the city, housing authority and Walton Properties have entered into an agreement to redevelop the four acres on Carruth Street into a $12 million senior living facility with 108 units, with construction beginning in

See Acworth, P. 27

acworth City Hall

City manager

Address: 4415 Senator Russell Ave. Acworth, Ga, 30101 Phone: 770-974-3112 Web site: www.acworth.org

Brian Bulthius Phone: 770-974-3112 E-mail: bbulthuis@acworth.org

Mayor Tommy Allegood Phone: 770-974-3112 E-mail: tallegood@acworth.org

Board of Aldermen Albert “Butch” Price, Post 1 Phone: 770-974-4321 E-mail: bprice@acworth.org Gene Pugliese, Post 2 Phone: 678-801-4004 E-mail: gpugliese@acworth.org Bob Weatherford, Post 3 Phone: 770-974-3533 E-mail: bweatherford@acworth.org Tim Richardson, Post 4 Phone: 678-801-4009 E-mail: trichardson@acworth.org Tim Houston, Post 5 Phone: 770-917-1883 E-mail: thouston@acworth.org The Board of Aldermen meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of every month in the council chambers of City Hall.

Police Chief Michael G. Wilkie Phone: 770-974-1232 Address: 4400 Acworth Industrial Drive, Accworth, Ga. 30101

City Hall Estimated population in 2009: 19,910 Median age: 32.3 years Household Populations: 19,327 Average Household Size: 2.77 Total Housing Units: 7,730 Owner-occupied Housing Units: 5,147 Renter-occupied Housing Units: 1,828 Vacant Housing Units: 755 Labor Force (16 years and older): 10,385 Median Family Income, as of 2009: $60,062 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s Census 2009 Demographic Profile

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

County Population 1900

24,664

1910

28,397

1920 1930

30,437

1940 1950

35,408 38,272 61,830

1960

114,174

1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010

196,793 297,718 447,745 607,751 663,818 698,156 688,078

Race

2003

City Population Acworth

2003

2010 — 4% Asian

13,422

21% Black

20,425

Austell

2009

5,359

— 1% Other

— 4% Asian 23% Black

74% White

— 8% Other

65% White

6,541

Kennesaw

21,675 29,783

Ethnicity

2003

Marietta

2009

58,748 56,579

Powder Springs

12,481 13,940

9% Hispanic

11% Hispanic

91% Non-Hispanic

89% Non-Hispanic

40,999

Smyrna

51,271

Median Age

Median Household Income

2000: 33.2 2004: 33.4 2009: 34.5

2000: 2004: 2009:

$58,289 $59,871 $66,515

Commute Average one-way commute to work (2009):

29.8

minutes

Source: Census Bureau, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

P. 14

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Mayor Jerkins also doubles as city manager its mayor, Joe Jerkins, also Austell was serves as its city manager. without a city It wasn’t always that way.

When Jerkins first became AUSTELL — Unlike other manager when mayor in 1990 the city manager cities in this county, the 6,581 Joe Jerkins — resident Austell is unique in that had quit the previous year. here going over “We didn’t have any money period,” Jerkins said. “At that paperwork with time, we didn’t have but about deputy city 36, 38 employees. I told the council, ‘if y’all want me to, I’ll clerk Sandy do the city manager part of it,’ City Hall Farmer — beso they made me acting city Address: 2716 Broad Street came mayor in manager and the mayor.”

Austell, Ga. 30106 Web site: www.austell.org As Jerkins said, the driving 1990, so he factor was money.

Mayor took over the “It cost you over $100,000 Joe Jerkins to have a city manager,” Jerkins responsibility Phone: 770-944-4328 said. “You’ve got to have a secE-mail: mayor@austell.org and has never retary. You got to pay his insur City Council looked back. ance. You got to have a car. I Kirsten Anderson, Ward 1 Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan mean, it will run you pretty Phone: 678-229-7284 much close to $200,000 a year the property. FEMA paid 75 partment budget with 39 offibudget. No one was laid off or Scott S. Thomas, Ward 2 when you put all his benefits up percent while the state paid the cers, adopted at $1,608,000, furloughed.

Departments simply Phone: 770-739-6681 there and his secretary.” rest. The homes will be torn was cut by $11,482. tighten their belts, Jerkins said.

E-mail: sst627@aol.com Jerkins said a city manager The city is slowly recovering down and not be built on again, Austell, which has a staff of Martin Standard, Ward 3 also serves as a barrier between Jerkins said. The city is still from the massive flood which 99, has a millage rate of 3.123 Phone: 678-458-3600 the mayor and city staff. waiting on federal funding to slammed it in Sept. 2009. mills. mstandard@austell.org “This way I deal directly tear down the homes it bought.

Seven hundred of Austell’s The city’s FY12’s fire deVirginia A. Reagan, Ward 4 with the department heads,” he Jerkins said 80 to 90 of the 2,500 homes were flooded. partment budget, which emPhone: 770-948-7303 said. “We meet here in my offlooded homes were insured and Jerkins said the city ended up ploys 20, was adopted at E-mail: vreagan@austell.org fice every Tuesday at 10:30 buying 21 of them, paying 15 $1,622,000, down by $43,000 Trudie A. Causey, At-large Post 1 a.m., and we go through everySee Austell, P. 27 percent of the cost and receiving from FY11. And it’s police dePhone: 678-458-4186 tcausey@austell.org thing that’s going on, and I’m aware of everything going on. I Randy P. Green, At-large Post 2 Phone: 678-1275 tell them, ‘don’t make any stupid decisions without talking to The City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every me, because if you make a decimonth in the council chambers sion without notifying me on of City Hall. something then you’re in trouble. You let me help you make it Police and then at that point I’m in Chief Bob Starrett Phone: 770-944-4331 trouble instead of y’all.’ And it Address: 2721 Joe Jerkins works great.”

Boulevard, Austell, Ga. 30106 Jerkins said he didn’t accept Fire payment as city manager for the Chief Timothy Williams first 14 years, giving it back to Phone: 770-944-4333 the employees at Christmas time.

Address: 5300 Austell“Then my wife started Powder Springs Road, Austell, fussin’ about me furnishing my Ga. 30106 own car, my own insurance, all Facts that stuff,” Jerkins said. “She Estimated population in 2009: wanted me to quit.”

6,581 That’s when the council Median age: 31.6 years asked him to name his salary.

Household Populations: 6,805 Take a salary of $100,000, they Average Household Size: 2.87 said.

Total Housing Units: 2,710 “I wouldn’t do it. I said ‘no.’

Owner-occupied Housing Units: 1,506 Anyway I felt like $30,000 Renter-occupied Housing would be a fair salary for what I Units: 865 do,” he said.

Vacant Housing Units: 339 The Austell City Council in Labor Force (16 years and June adopted its budget for the older): 3,605 fiscal year beginning July 1, Median Family Income, as of with a general fund of revenues 2009: $40,923 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau's and expenditures balanced at Census 2009 Demographic Profile $6.15 million, which was $433,000 less than FY11’s P. 15 MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

By Jon Gillooly

jgillooly@mdjonline.com

austell

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Kennesaw: A great place for business, family

By Kathryn Malone kmalone@mdjonline.com

KENNESAW — Despite a somewhat lagging economy, Mayor Mark Mathews said things in Kennesaw are looking up.

“We’ve been focusing really hard on economic growth and economic development in the area,” Mathews said. “We’ve had a lot of things happening and we’re trying to keep some traction during this recession.”

As far as economic growth, four companies will be setting up shop in Kennesaw within the next year, including Novelis, the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum and the leading recycler of aluminum

Mayor Mark Mathews on four new businesses in Kennesaw:

‘We’ve had a lot of things happening and we’re trying to keep some traction during this recession.’

P. 16

beverage cans.

The company expects to open a research and development center in Kennesaw next summer, and will be renovating and leasing a 16,000square-foot office building at 1950 Vaughn Road, near Barrett and Cobb Parkways. It expects to bring 150 jobs for scientists, technicians and technologists, many of whom will be relocating to the area from the company’s current research center in Kingston, Ontario.

Mathews said he hopes he can make the families who move from Canada feel welcome in the Kennesaw area.

“That’s a big deal for us and we’re trying to help as best we can to get them comfortable about living in Kennesaw and hopefully they’ll chose to live in the Kennesaw area so they’re close to their office,” he said.

Specialty manufacturer Compass Display Company, commercial roofer All Solutions Roofing and Champion Cheesesteaks, a new start-up food truck company will also join the Kennesaw business community, bringing about 80 jobs to the area.

In February, the city opened the Kennesaw Teen Center, which houses an after-school program for at-risk teens in the community. The center’s temporary location is in the old warehouse on Main Street in downtown Kennesaw.

The program operates from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

See Kennesaw, P. 26

kennesaw City Hall

Hall.

Address: 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. Kennesaw, Ga, 30144 Phone: 770-424-8274 Web site: www.kennesaw-ga.gov

City Manager

Mayor Mark Mathews Phone: 770-424-8274 Email: mmathews@kennesaw-ga.gov

City Council Cris Eaton-Welsh, Post 1 Phone: 678-266-0855 cwelsh@kennesaw-ga.gov Tim Killingsworth, Post 2 Phone: 678-873-7146 tkillingsworth@kennesaw-ga.gov Bruce Jenkins, Post 3 Phone: 678-251-6381 bjenkins@kennesaw-ga.gov Bill Thrash, Post 4 Phone: 404-392-3105 bthrash@kennesaw-ga.gov Jeff Duckett, Post 5 Phone: 678-480-1340 jduckett@kennesaw-ga.gov The City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month in the council chambers of City

Steve Kennedy Phone: 770-424-8274 skennedy@kennesaw-ga.gov

Police

Chief Bill Westenberger Phone: 770-422-2505 Address: 2539 J.O. Stephenson Ave. Kennesaw, Ga. 30144

Facts

Estimated population in 2009: 33,043 Median age: 32.2 years Household Populations: 11,441 Average Household Size: 2.76 Total Housing Units: 11,441 Owner-occupied Housing Units: 8,251 Renter-occupied Housing Units: 3,190 Vacant Housing Units: 992 Labor Force (16 years and older): 16,018 Median Family Income, as of 2009: $62,149 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau's Census 2009 Demographic Profile

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

‘Awful good shape’

marietta City Hall Address: 205 Lawrence Street Marietta, Ga. 30060 Phone: 770-794-5506 Web site: www.mariettaga.gov

Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin Phone: 770-794-5501 Email: stumlin@mariettaga.gov

City Council Annette Lewis, Ward 1 Phone: 770-429-0963 Email: alewis@mariettaga.gov Griffin Chalfant, Ward 2 Phone: 770-351-7035 Email: gchalfant@mariettaga.gov Johnny Sinclair, Ward 3 Phone: 770-605-4755 Email: jsinclair@mariettaga.gov Van Pearlberg, Ward 4 Phone: 770-919-0266 Email: ipearlberg@mariettaga.gov The Rev. Anthony Coleman, Ward 5 Phone: 770-794-5526 Email: acoleman@mariettaga.gov Jim King, Ward 6 Phone: 770-509-2521 Email: jimking@mariettaga.gov Philip M. Goldstein, Ward 7 Phone: 770-428-5322 Email: pgoldstein@mariettaga.gov The City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month in the council chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Tumlin says no tax hikes, no staff cuts for new fiscal year

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — The City of Marietta is in a sound financial shape for the fiscal year that began July 1, with a budget that neither raises taxes or cuts services or staff.

Council approved its budget without having to dip into its $12 million reserve fund or furlough staff.

“From the government side, I think we’re in awful good shape for our basic services as a city,” Mayor Steve Tumlin said. “I think we have positioned ourselves well. Our police and fire departments are well trained.

We have a great staff.”

The city’s fire department is budgeted at $11.11 million for FY12, compared to FY11’s $11.19 million, a difference of $78,000. The fire department has 135 employees. The city’s police department is budgeted at $13.49 million, the same as last year. The Marietta Police De-

Staff/Laura Moon

From left: Marietta Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs, Mayor Steve Tumlin and Police Chief Dan Flyn (also on the section cover). partment has 173.5 employees.

Councilman Johnny Sinclair believes the greatest challenge the city faces is redevelopment, although there are some encouraging signs.

For example, Marietta developer Dan Burge has purchased the unfinished Manget at Historic Marietta development

from Branch Banking & Trust.

Another local company, Traton Homes, is moving forward on its proposed 60-home development south of Marietta High School next to Lee’s Crossing called Rockford Township.

And the Meeting Park development, the 12-acre property near Marietta Square that

was hailed as the cornerstone of the city’s downtown development efforts until the economy crashed, also has a new owner in Marietta-based Walton Communities.

“All are big local players and to have them buy those properties — it’s a positive thing for the city,” Sinclair said.

Tumlin says he likes that the latest development activity is from local players.

“These guys aren’t from New York or Chicago,” Tumlin said. “They’re local people who deal with local banks. There’s nothing wrong with outsiders, but it makes it even better when people from the local community are willing to step up and invest in the city. They could have gone anywhere in north Georgia.”

Spending millions from the 2006 and 2011 special purpose local option sales taxes approved by voters to improve

See Marietta, P. 26

City Manager Bill Bruton Phone: 770-794-5506 Email: bbruton@mariettaga.gov

Police Chief Dan Flynn Phone: 770-794-5300 Address: 240 Lemon Street Marietta, Ga. 30060

Fire Chief Jackie Gibbs Phone: 770-794-5466 Address: 112 Haynes Street Marietta, Ga. 30060

Facts

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2950 King Street • Smyrna

770.424.4924

770.435.4467

Estimated population in 2009:

66,953 Median age: 31.4 years Household Populations: 63,480 Average Household Size: 2.49 Total Housing Units: 29,607 Owner-occupied Housing Units: 11,618 Renter-occupied Housing Units: 13,921 Vacant Housing Units: 4,068 Labor Force (16 years and older): 37,396 Median Family Income, as of 2009: $56,594

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 17

Community FACTBOOK 2011

New $14 million entranceway eases railroad crossing problem

By Kathryn Malone kmalone@mdjonline.com

POWDER SPRINGS — As Mayor Pat Vaughn says, the city of Powder Springs has had a busy year.

Just before the dawn of 2011, the city opened the $14 million Lewis Road project that created a new entranceway into the city, which Vaughn touts as one of the city’s greatest accomplishments this year.

The $14 million project, which was funded by SPLOST and federal transportation dollars, connects CH James Parkway to Lewis Road to Marietta Street, the city’s main street.

That entranceway has helped the city solve the problem of traffic stopping at the train tracks by creating an overpass over the tracks.

In May, the Powder Springs Police Department moved into its new police station in the old Ace Hardware building downtown, which the city purchased

Powder Springs Mayor Pat Vaughn says there will be no tax hikes or city services cuts in the new fiscal year. for $1.2 million. Although the station isn’t quite unpacked yet, Vaughn is already excited for residents to see the police department’s new digs.

“We have a rather large punch list,” she said. “It’s not

ready yet with the finishing touches — it will probably be right after the 4th of July.”

Meantime, the city will begin renovation of the old police headquarters within the next few months. That building will be turned into the new municipal court building.

After a two-month long search process the city named Charles Sewell from McMinnville, Tenn., as its new police chief. Former Powder Springs Police Chief L. Rick Richardson was fired in February for allegedly selling city property without authorization.

Vaughn said she is happy to see the police chief search come to an end.

Despite a budget shortfall in FY 12, Vaughn is proud to announce that residents will not see a decline in their city services or a rise in their property taxes.

“I am pleased to say that we’re still able to maintain the same level of service,” she said.

“A lot of (city employees) will

powder springs City Hall

City Manager

Address: 4484 Marietta Street Powder Springs, GA 30127 Phone: 770-943-1666 Web site: www.cityofpowder springs.org

Rick Eckert Phone: 770-943-1666 Email: reckert@cityofpowder springs.com

Mayor Pat Vaughn Phone: 770-943-1666 Email: mayor@cityofpowde rsprings.com

City Council Cheryl Sarvis, Ward 1 ward1@cityofpowdersprings.com Al Thurman, Ward 2 ward2@cityofpowdersprings.com Nancy Hudson, Ward 3 ward3@cityofpowdersprings.com Rosalyn G. Neal, Post 1 At-large post1@cityofpowdersprings.com Tom Bevirt, Post 2 At-large post2@cityofpowdersprings.com The City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month in the council chambers of City Hall.

have to be picking up the slack and all, but we plan to keep the same services and there will be no millage increase.”

The city’s proposed fiscal year 2012 general fund budget

Police Chief : Charles Sewell Phone: 770-943-1616 Address: 4483 Pineview Drive Powder Springs, Ga. 30127

Facts

Estimated population in 2009: 15,958 Median age: 35.3 years Household Populations: 15,050 Average Household Size: 3.07 Total Housing Units: 5,438 Owner-occupied Housing Units: 4,182 Renter-occupied Housing Units: 715 Vacant Housing Units: 541 Labor Force (16 years and older): 8,609 Median Family Income, as of 2009: $68,643 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau's Census 2009 Demographic Profile

is balanced with revenues and expenses at $6,712,551. Last year’s budget was also balanced, with revenues and

See Crossing, P. 25

80 Dealers in 36,000 sq. ft. Mall Convenient to I-75 119 Cobb Parkway North • Marietta, GA 30062 770-590-8989 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 12pm-6pm

Visit our online gallery: www.cobbantiques.com P. 18

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

‘Lot to be proud’ Smyrna touts balanced budget, development projects

By Kathryn Malone kmalone@mdjonline.com

SMYRNA — With so many city and county governments across the nation in dire budgetary situations, Smyrna city councilwoman Teri Anulewicz is calling Smyrna’s budget situation good news.

“Part of the reason we are not in as tenuous a situation as many

‘I think one of the biggest things that we have done again this year, we were able to adopt a budget that was without a tax increase or any of our employees having to take furlough days and we’ve been able to maintain services.’

— Mayor Max Bacon

of the other metro-area cities is we’ve always been fairly moderate as to how we approach the budget process,” said Anulewicz, who has been on the council since 2008. “We’ve been working at this for a while and making fairly significant changes every year, by slightly adjusting fees with the parks department, streamlining sanitation, by being reasonable. Obviously everyone is impacted by the economy, but there’s a lot to be proud of in Smyrna.”

Mayor Max Bacon agrees, calling the budget one of Smyrna’s biggest accomplishments this year.

“I think one of the biggest things that we have done again this year, we were able to adopt a budget that was without a tax increase or any of our employees See Smyrna, P. 25

smyrna City Hall Address: 2800 King Street Smyrna, Ga. 30080 Phone: 770-434-6600 Web site: www.smyrnacity.com

Mayor Max Bacon Phone: 770-319-5302 Email: mbacon@ci.smyrna.ga.us

City Council Melleny C. Pritchett, Ward 1 Phone: 770-319-5306 Email: mpritchett @ci.smyrna.ga.us Ron Newcomb, Ward 2 Phone: 770-319-5307 Email: rnewcomb @ci.smyrna.ga.us Teri Anulewicz, Ward 3 Phone: 770-319-5308 Email: tanulewicz @ci.smyrna.ga.us Mike McNabb, Ward 4 Phone: 770-319-5309 Email: mmcnabb @ci.smyrna.ga.us Jimmy D. Smith, Ward 5

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Phone: 770-319-5310 Email: jsmith @ci.smyrna.ga.us Wade Lnenicka, Ward 6 Phone: 770-319-5311 Email: wlnenicka @ci.smyrna.ga.us Charles Pete Wood, Ward 7 Phone: 770-319-5312 Email: pwood @ci.smyrna.ga.us The City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month in the council chambers of City Hall.

City Administrator

Eric Taylor Phone: 770-319-5304 Email:etaylor @ci.smyrna.ga.us Police

Chief Stanley E. Hook Phone: 678-631-5100 Address: 2646 Atlanta Road Smyrna, Ga. 30080 FIRE

Chief Jason Lanyon

Phone: 770-319-5365 Address: 2620 Atlanta Road Smyrna, Ga 30080

Facts

Estimated population in 2009: 50,712 Median age: 33.0 years Household Populations: 49,079 Average Household Size: 2.29 Total Housing Units: 23,780 Owner-occupied Housing Units: 12,419 Renter-occupied Housing Units: 9,022 Vacant Housing Units: 2,339 Labor Force (16 years and older): 29,969 Median Family Income, as of 2009: $55,468 — Source: U.S. Census Bureau's Census 2009 Demographic Profile

P. 19

Community FACTBOOK 2011 Stelling, Jr. Ballroom; Courtyard and Terrace; 1,000 parking spaces, including a 700-space parking deck.

Earl Smith Strand Theatre 117 North Park Square Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 293-0080

IN COBB 10 popular a rac ons (alphabe cally)

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area 1978 Island Ford Pkwy Sandy Springs, GA 30350 Visitor Contact Station (678) 538-1200 www.nps.gov/chat/ The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) consists of a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River and 14 land units along its corridor. It begins at Lake Lanier's Buford Dam, near Buford, Georgia, and continues downstream through four counties to Peachtree with three million visitors a year. It is an important resource for this urban area that is experiencing unprecedented popu-

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After sitting dark for over 30 years, the 1935 art deco theatre was renovated and reopened in 2009 and instantly became one of Cobb’s top attractions.

Guests have the opportunity to see musical productions by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, classic movies, concerts, and more. The facility is also available for corporate and private events such as workshops, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and holiday functions.

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Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA (770) 916-2800 cobbenergycentre.com The latest jewel in metro Atlanta is the arts scene. The Cobb Energy Centre is a premier venue for Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, educational shows, family performances, opera, corporate meetings and events. The facility includes: 2,750-seat John A. Williams Theatre; 10,000square-foot Kessel D.

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Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Ranger Activities 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive Kennesaw, GA 30152 (770) 427-4686 ext. 0 Fax: (770) 528-8398

35,000 horses.

General Johnston's Confederate army had 63,000 men and 187 guns.

Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign.

The visitor center provides introductory information about the Battlefield and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs.

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lation growth and development.

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Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,923 acre national battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864, until July 2, 1864.

General Sherman's Union army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and

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SMYRNA TOWERS

4000 South Cobb Drive • Smyrna, Georgia

announces it is accepting applications for residency.

Applicants must be 62 or mobility impaired and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Approved applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Call 770-435-4010 for an application package P. 20

Equal Housing Opportunity

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Marietta museums Marietta Museum of History 1 Depot Street, Suite #200, Marietta, GA (770) 794-5710 mariettahistory.org Open since 1996, the museum is housed on the second floor of the historic Kennesaw House.

Originally a cotton warehouse built in 1845, it was remodeled to become the Fletcher House Hotel in 1855. Unique to their museum is the Civil War collection featuring the history of the Georgia Military Institute, the story of the only slave buried in the Marietta Confederate Cemetery and the distinction of involvement in the infamous Union plot to steal the Confederate Locomotive called The General.

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Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art 30 Atlanta St. Marietta, GA 30060-1975

(770) 528-1444 At the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, you can learn more about the exceptional works of American art from the Revolution in to the twenty-first century that have been generously bequeathed to the public. Remarkable paintings, sculptures, and decorative art objects are presented in the city’s former Federal Post Office.

Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum 18 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, GA 30064 Phone: 770-794-5576 The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square houses an impressive collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia from the Academy Award winning movie and Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Museum visitors will see the original Scarlett O'Hara hon-

abama state line, near Cedartown and Esom.

At the Georgia/Alabama state line, the Silver Comet connects to the 33-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail.

IN COBB eymoon gown worn by Vivien Leigh, rare publicity books, costume pieces, artwork, film posters and programs in this collection.

Silver Comet Trail Smyrna (770) 528-8840 The Silver Comet Trail begins in Smyrna and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized, fully paved trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.The Silver Comet Trail is over 61 miles long, and starts near Mavell Road in Smyrna and ends at the Georgia/Al-

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Six Flags Over Georgia 275 Riverside Parkway Austell, Georgia 30168 Melinda Ashcraft, Park President Park Information (770) 948-9290 Guest Relations (770) 739-3400, ext. 3298 Six Flags Over Georgia is a 230-acre theme park located near Austell in unincorporated Cobb County. Opened in 1967, it is the second park in the Six Flags chain, after the original opening in 1961 in Texas.

Six Flags Over Georgia, like most amusement parks, prides itself on its roller

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

coaster collection. Goliath and Mind Bender routinely rank among the top steel roller coasters listed by Amusement Today magazine in its Golden Ticket Awards.

The collection expands in 2011 with the announcement of Dare Devil Dive, a EuroFighter roller coaster from German designer Gerstlauer.

Six Flags White Water 250 Cobb Parkway N Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 424-9283 The largest water park in the South, Six Flags White Water is made up of five separate sections, each with a number of attractions. When it first opened, the park consisted of what is today Wildwater Lagoon, Slippery Ridge and Pine Valley. Flash Flood Canyon was added in 1998, prior to the acquisition by Six Flags, with Buccaneer Bay

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See Do It, P. 22

P. 21

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Commuters choose cash to keep air clean

Do It In Cobb Continued from P. 21 added in 2010 (formerly known as Wiggles Water World only in the 2010 season, and now rethemed in 2011).

Wildwater Lagoon includes the park's main entrance and its primary services, including Guest Service and First Aid. It is

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built around an activity pool, which includes splashdown areas for the three Body Flumes, the two Rapids raft flumes and the two Bonzai pipe slides. Pine Valley is home to the park's wave pool, the Atlanta Ocean, and its lazy river, known as the Little Hooch. In Slippery Ridge, visitors can experience the high-speed Dragon's Tail speed slides, or "compete" on the six-lane 100-Meter Splash racing slides. Flash Flood Canyon contains the park's tallest single slide, the Cliffhanger, which shares a tower with the Run-A-Way River family raft slide.

Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History 2829 Cherokee Street Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 427-2117 At the pride and joy of Kennesaw, you can learn the

P. 22

dramatic history of railroads and the War between the States at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. A prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations member, the Museum provides visitors with a unique perspective into the strategic and economic use of railroads during and after the Civil War. The Museum is home to the General locomotive, made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, an impressive Civil War collection, and the Glover Machine Works, a restored early 20th century belt-driven locomotive assembly line.

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From staff reports

MARIETTA — As gasoline prices in metro Atlanta go up and down, many commuters have turned to The Clean Air Campaign’s Cash for Commuters program to help further ease the pain at the pump. It’s designed for commuters who drive alone to work.

Participants earn $3 per day they use a commute alternative — such as carpooling, bicy-

cling, teleworking or riding transit — up to $100, over an assigned 90-day period.

The program has seen its numbers increase more than 50 percent over the same period last year, said spokesman Brian Carr.

East Cobb residents Monique Smith and Bonita Hollis are both nurses who now commute 15 miles to work together at Kaiser Permanente on Cumberland Parkway.

“We live close to each other and the gas prices were going up,” said Smith, 35, in explaining why she joined. She said she has saved at least $75 by just commuting in her Chevrolet Malibu every other week.

More than 800 Georgians have applied this year for the program.

To learn more about the Cash for Commuters program, visit cleanaircampaign.org.

Theatre in the Square Theatre in the Square 11 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, GA 30064 (770) 422-8369 www.theatreinthesquare.com

A mainstay on the Marietta Square, the purpose of Theatre in the Square, now in its 29th season, is to carry on a tradition of live theatre as an important art form, as well as to provide the opportunity to enjoy or participate in professional theatre for all citizens of metro-Atlanta and northwest Georgia. The theatre not only enhances the quality of life within the community, but also pays performers, technicians, directors, designers, and writers, thereby encouraging local theater artists to stretch their imaginations, expand their skills, and develop original works.

As the largest arts organization in Cobb County, the theatre reachers over 50,000 people a year via five main stage shows, two holidays shows, a summer show and a children's show.

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011 County Government Service Centers Cobb has two government service centers where residents can transact business or receive information about services. Both centers contain full-service tag offices.

Hours of operation: Business Offices: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tag Offices: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., with main office remaining open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Lines may close 15 minutes early in peak periods of heavy walk-in traffic.

East Cobb 4400 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, 30068-4233 (770) 499-4447 (770) 499-4409 Fax (770) 499-4447 TTY South Cobb 4700 Austell Road Austell, 30106-2004 (770) 499-4494 (770) 590-5519 Fax (770) 499-4497 TTY There is also a West Park Government Center, which houses some county offices.

West Park Government Center 736 Whitlock Ave. Marietta, 30064 Departments/Services: (Hours may vary by department) Cobb Board of Elections and Registration Office: (770) 528-2581 Cobb Police Crimes Against Children Unit: (770) 801-3470

SafePath Children’s Advocacy: (770) 801-3465 Tax Assessor’s Office: (770) 528-3100 Board of Equalization: (770) 528-2000 Tax Commissioner’s Office: (770) 528-8600

County Fire, Emergency Services Emergency, dial 911 Fire Chief Sam Heaton 1595 County Services Parkway Marietta, 30008 (770) 528-8000 www.fire.cobbcountyga.gov

County Police Emergency, dial 911 Chief John Houser 140 North Marietta Parkway Marietta, 30060 (770) 499-3900 www.police.cobbcountyga.gov Precinct 1: Northwest Cobb Jerry.Quan@cobbcounty.org 2380 Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, 30152 770-499-4181 Precinct 2: Southwest Cobb 4700 Austell Road Austell, 30106 (770) 499-4182 Precinct 3: Southeast Cobb/Galleria Stephen.Merrifield@cobbcounty.org 1901 Cumberland Parkway Atlanta, 30339 (770) 499-4183 Precinct 4: Northeast Cobb

Important numbers Charles.Cox@cobbcounty.org 4400 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 499-4184 Precinct 5: West Cobb Dale.Bolenbaugh@cobbcounty.org 4640 Dallas Highway Powder Springs, 30127 (770) 499-4185 Special Operations Robert.Sampson@cobbcounty.org 2380 North Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, 30152 (770) 499-3987

Sheriff’s Office: Sheriff Neil Warren www.cobbsheriff.org Headquarters 185 Roswell St. Marietta, 30060 (770) 499-4600 Station A 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Rd.Suite 140

Austell, 30001 (770) 941-7402 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday- Friday Jail 1825 County Services Parkway Marietta, 30008 (770) 499-4200

Tax Commissioner’s Office Tax Commissioner Gail Downing Chief Clerk Tori Steele www.cobbtax.org The Property Tax division: Main Office: West Park Government Center, 736 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, (770) 528-8600 (open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday; open until 6:00 pm Tuesdays between Aug 15 & Oct 15 ) Taxpayers may also pay taxes, file for exemptions at the two Government Service Centers located at 4400 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30068-4233 and 4700 Austell Rd. Austell, GA 30106-2004 (open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Friday).

The Motor Vehicle: Satellite Tag offices: East Cobb Govt. Service Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068.

Market Square Shopping Center, 2932 Canton Road NE, Suite 300, Marietta 30066.

South Cobb Govt. Service Center, 4700 Austell Road, Acworth 30101.

Cobb County Fire Station #28, 3858 Kemp Ridge Road, Acworth 30101.

All offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5

p.m. Monday – Friday, and the Main Tag Office is open until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Lines may close 15 minutes early in peak periods of walk-in traffic.

Tag Helpline at (770) 528-TAGS (8247)

Driver’s License Customer Service Centers There are two centers in Cobb: 1605 County Services Parkway, Marietta 30008 / (770) 528-3250 Tuesday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:30 a.m. – noon 2800 Canton Road, Marietta 30066 (770) 528-5400 Tuesday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday 7:30 a.m. - noon

Voter Registration Residents who are U.S. citizens and at least 17 and a half years old may register to vote in Cobb County. You must register or change your address at least 30 days before an election in Georgia.

Where to Register: In person at Cobb Board of Elections Main Office, 736 Whitlock Ave., Suite 400, Marietta 30064 Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Download an application from the Secretary of State’s Web site: www.sos.ga.gov/MVP (My Voter Page).

Then sign and mail it.

Call Cobb Elections at (770) 528-2581 to receive an application by mail.

Register to vote when you get your driver’s license or a library card.

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, serving the metro area for over 50 years, is devoted to delivering the highest level of service and satisfaction possible to families. We are committed to excellence daily by each member of our staff. As an honored Dignity Memorial™ provider, we are empowered to create a meaningful service.

Au t o • H o m e • B o a t • Cyc l e

2125 Roswell Road • Marietta 770-565-9696

Contact us to find out how a Dignity Memorial Provider can be of benefit to your family and receive a valuable Personal Planning Guide.

2000 Cobb Parkway SE — Marietta, GA 30060 (770)432-0771 — (770)952-4478 www.georgiamemorialpark.com Al Harris, General Manager

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Paula Reeves Kirchhofer, Sales Manager P. 23

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Know Cobb / Factbook: 2011 Colleges 1. Kennesaw State University 2. Southern Polytechnic State University 3. Life University 4. Chattahoochee Technical College (Mountain View Campus) 5. Chattahoochee Technical College (Marietta Campus) 6. Chattahoochee Technical College (South Cobb Campus)

Shopping 1. Town Center at Cobb 2. Cumberland Mall 3. Galleria Specialty Mall 4. The Avenue East Cobb 5. The Avenue West Cobb

Places of Interest 1. Kennesaw Mountain 2. Marietta National Cemetery 3. White Water 4.

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Sun Valley Beach Six Flags Marietta Square Big Chicken

Hospitals 1. WellStar - Kennestone Hospital 677 Church Street, Marietta (770) 793-5000 www.wellstar.org Full-service, acute care hospital with an emergency room, open-heart surgery program, women’s center, oncology center & other medical specialties. 633 beds.

2. WellStar - Windy Hill Hospital 2540 Windy Hill Road, Marietta (770) 644-1000 www.wellstar.org Long-term acute care facility with a sleep center, outpatient services, ambulatory surgery & other specialized services.

115 beds.

3. WellStar - Cobb Hospital 3950 Austell Road, Austell (770) 732-4000 www.wellstar.org Full-service, acute care hospital with children’s emergency services, comprehensive oncology programs, wound care center & other medical specialties. 382 beds.

4. Emory-Adventist Hospital 3949 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna (770) 434-0710 www.emoryadventist.org A nonprofit hospital operated by Adventist Health Systems as a joint venture with Emory Healthcare. 88 beds.

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Smyrna Continued from P. 19 having to take furlough days and we’ve been able to maintain services,” Bacon said. “We’ve been able to get people to think outside the box.”

Approved by the City Council on June 20, the FY 2012 general fund budget includes balanced revenues and expenses at $37,982,189. This number is $55,788 less than the FY11 budget, which was balanced at $38,037,977.

Despite a slight decrease in the budget, the city did not have to use furlough days, close facilities, lay off employees or dip into reserves, city officials said. But the proposed budget does not include any merit raises or cost of living pay increases for city employees. The city employs 475 people in 390 full-time and 85 part-time positions.

The millage rate will stay the same for residents at 8.99 mills.

Including the water and sewer and the capital improvement funds, Smyrna’s total FY12 budget is $70,938,283.

City officials are touting a slight expansion of services for next fiscal

year with the dispatching of first-responder vehicles instead of using large emergency equipment, such as fire trucks, for some 911 responses. Although the city is expanding its fleet, spokeswoman Jennifer Bennett explained that these vehicles will save the city money in fuel and repair costs.

The parks and recreation department will also be offering some additional programs and leagues, city spokeswoman Jennifer Bennett said.

Capital expenditure projects scheduled for the next fiscal year include the purchase of four new police cruisers and related equipment and four new detective/administration vehicles. The city will re-sod both Riverdale and Jonquil parks with capital expenditures and construct a new fire station, the city’s fifth, in the area of Cooper Lake Road near the East-West Connector using a combination of SPLOST funds and a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The city’s bond rating has also been upgraded to AA+, associated with the recent acquisition of the Hickory Lake apartment complex, which will be razed and available for redevelopment later this year.

Anulewicz said the bond rating in-

crease is something to be proud of.

“Our bond rating being increased I think is just one of the most phenomenal things that could happen,” she said. “I think that that is a real endorsement of the fact that we have tried to approach things intelligently and comprehensively and it hasn’t been a sudden change.”

Bacon also touted the acquisition of Hickory Lake, on Old Concord Road near Windy Hill, which was bought by the city in December 2010 for $9 million. The city plans to demolish the 48acre apartment complex within the next few months, whicht will cost the city around $4 million.

In May, the city hired Atlanta-based commercial real estate company NAI Brannan Goddard to help market the Hickory Lake property. Bacon said he feels that property will be even more marketable once the Windy-Mac Connector opens in August.

The city will soon be home to the largest Kroger store in the Southeastern U.S., with the November opening of the Crossings Shopping Center on South Cobb Drive and Concord Road.

There are several smaller redevelopment projects going on in the Smyrna area to look forward to in the coming year, Bacon said.

Crossing Continued from P. 18 expenses at $7,058,499, which is about $346,000 more than FY12, which begins July 1.

The millage rate will remain at 8.5 mills.

Vaughn said the city was prepared for the shortfall and will compensate by not buying new vehicles, filling vacancies, or increasing salaries.

“Some of the vacancies we’ve had, we’re just not going to fill those positions,” Vaughn explained.

“And sadly there will be no promotions or raises.”

The city will also have to postpone several repaving and sidewalk projects, Vaughn said.

City finance director Beverly Waldrip said the total proposed FY12 budget, which includes water, sewage and capital improvement projects, is $14,073,600 in revenue and $17,816,000 in expenses. Capital project expenses account for the deficit. SPLOST proceeds received in previous years will be used for some of those projects, Waldrip said.

As for future finances of Powder Springs, Vaughn said the city will continue to pinch pennies.

“I do not think the (economic) turnaround is going to be that quick,” Vaughn said. “I think we’re going to have to continue looking at this current year to see ways we can continue to cut costs. We’re watching the dollars very carefully and it is good despite all these times we have not had to cut any services for our citizens.”

MACLAND BAPTIST CHURCH “Faithful to the Call” Pastor: Dr. Richard Walker SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. - Early Worship • 9:45 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 a.m. - Morning Worship • 6:00 p.m. - Evening Worship WEDNESDAY 7:00 p.m. - Midweek Prayer Service Children’s Ministry • Senior Activities Southern Gospel Music • Student Ministry 3732 Macland Road • Powder Springs, Georgia 30127

770.943.5511 www.maclandbaptist.org MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

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Community FACTBOOK 2011

Kennesaw Continued from P. 16 Transportation is funded and provided by the Cobb County School District’s Success for All Students program.

Mathews said the idea for the teen center was initiated by City Councilman Bill Thrash and the city’s Youth Council, a group of high school students who provide the mayor and council with a youth perspective on issues concerning teens.

Teens can qualify for the teen center by the recommendation of teachers and counselors. Volunteer staff members at the center, help tutor students and provide them with college and career counseling.

Students also have access to a computer lab and recreational and gaming activities.

Before the center opened, Mathews said the Youth Council and city worked with representatives from Cobb County Schools to identify more than 150 at-risk students from Pine

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Mountain Middle School and Kennesaw Mountain High School. Before the end of the school year, the center was averaging about 20 students per day, Mathews said.

The city has also created a nonprofit, the Dream Foundation, to provide oversight for the center and act as its fundraising arm.

Also, in downtown Kennesaw, the city is currently working with contractors to develop the land behind city hall for a planned mixed use development to help tie the plaza and pedestrian underpass into downtown.

Mathews said there are even a few new restaurants getting ready to open downtown, including a brick oven restaurant opening just outside of downtown on Cherokee Street.

In the spring, the city kicked off the Kennesaw “Grand Prix,” a series of six 5K races. Each of the races are joint projects between the city and a sponsoring organization. All of the races are run in the city, sponsored by the city and benefit some kind of city property, city spokeswoman Pam Davis said.

Marietta Continued from P. 17 transportation, along with the 2009 parks bond, are ensuring that the city’s infrastructure is taken care of, Tumlin said.

“We’re building for the future with these capital improvement projects, major investments we’ll see soon that will carry us on into the next 20 or 30 years with a great park system and better roads to facilitate travel and safety,” he said. “Not only is it good for the future of Marietta, it’s good for morale.”

Sinclair, who chairs the council’s parks committee, believes the council is focused on quality of life issues.

“We really talk and think about how can we make Marietta a better place to live,” he said.

Baseball players are making use of the three new fields at the newly renovated Aviation Baseball/Softball Complex off South Marietta Parkway. The city spent about $650,000 to renovate the park with new equipment and

fields, turning it over to Danny Pralgo’s 6-4-3 DP Baseball Athletics firm to operate.

And all the amenities at the 10.6-acre Hickory Hills Park located near Chestnut Hill Road off Powder Springs Street, which is receiving a $1.75 million facelift, are expected to be installed after the first of the year, with the grassed area to open summer 2012, said parks director Rich Buss. The city is installing a large walking trail there double the length of the current walking trail, with a new playground, picnic shelters, a bathroom facility, an open grassed “multi-purpose” playfield, two small soccer fields and possibly two tennis courts if the budget allows.

Soccer fans will enjoy the $1.8 million the city is spending to renovate the soccer facility at the 8.5-acre Custer Park, off Fairground Street by Marietta Power’s headquarters. Construction is expected to end by next spring with the grass ready for use by next summer. The city is demolishing the existing facility there, which is old and

worn out, and building two new large soccer fields with new lighting, a new restroom building, a concession stand and playground, Buss said.

In February 2010, the city spent $2.7 million to buy the 13-acre Preston Chase apartments on Franklin Road near Delk Road from Regions Bank, and spent another $410,643 with Environmental Holdings Group, LLC of Buford to demolish the complex, turning the area into green space.

“Tearing down that apartment complex on Franklin Road I still say was one of the best steps Marietta has taken in the past 15 years,” Sinclair said One of the city’s larger projects, building a new recreation center at the Elizabeth Porter Center, which has a line item in the parks bond of $3.75 million, still is a work in progress.

The city’s general fund budget for FY12 balances revenues and expenditures at $47.53 million, which is $522,460, or 1.1 percent, lower than FY11’s original budget of $48.05 million.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Community FACTBOOK 2011

Acworth Continued from P. 12 July and a completion date of May or June 2012.

“With 8,500 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day you know there’s a need (for senior housing),” Allegood said.

The city has also been working on the redevelopment of the School Street area for several years.

“We’ve got a substandard road that we’re going to turn into a very nice road through a neighborhood that’s being redeveloped,” Allegood said.

This fall, the city will begin reconstruction and realignment of School Street using SPLOST funds from the 2005 SPLOST. Presently School Street is a road about 17 feet wide with blind corners. The new road will be 22 feet wide, and in several areas wider to allow for parallel parking. There will be sidewalk and decorative lighting. Also the sidewalk will connect to the city trail system. The new road alignment will connect School Street better with the downtown, creating a new four-way intersection with Cherokee and Lemon Street.

One of the previously mentioned housing authority developments with six units is on School Street, and these are being removed. Adjacent to School Street is Moon Street,

where there are another seven units, which are also being removed for future redevelopment.

“In short, when this school Street project is done and the housing authority property on/adjacent to it is redeveloped the city will have a reborn neighborhood next to downtown,” Bulthuis said.

Last year, Acworth was named a 2010 All-America City by the National Civic League.

The NCL competition required applicants to show three community projects that address local challenges. Acworth chose the Horizon Field, which is the baseball and softball field specially designed to serve children with special needs; the Expanding Horizons Program, which uses local donations to fund educational trips for students who rarely, if ever, get to travel outside city limits and the Acworth Achievers After School and Mentoring Program, which offers after-school opportunities for students.

City officials are also excited about receiving approval from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for its application in establishing an opportunity zone within the city’s redevelopment area. Bulthuis said the opportunity zone designation is coveted throughout the state in that it assists local governments in their economic development efforts. The tool provides communities with in-

centives when recruiting and retaining businesses within redevelopment areas. Specifically, it allows for a $3,500 state tax credit per employee for a new or existing business that creates two or more jobs. Upon learning of the designation, city officials began speaking with a medical facility interested in relocating to the downtown area. The city utilized the tax credit component of the opportunity zone to incentivize the deal for recruiting the doctors’ offices into a building that formerly housed a grocery store and had lain vacant for years. In January of this year Main Street Family Physicians opened, Bulthuis said.

The city has also been in discussions with other businesses interested in locating to the downtown area and has leveraged the opportunity zone to aid in the effort.

“This activity has continued to encourage other entities to take notice of the steps that we are doing to foster an ideal environment for our existing and potential businesses,” he said.

Acworth’s Board of Aldermen in June approved a fiscal year 2012 budget of $10.86 million without tax increases or

cuts to public services.

The city’s general fund budget balances revenues and expenses at $10.86 million, which is $666,366 or 5.8 percent, lower than FY11’s budget of $11.526 million.

Allegood said it’s a budget he’s proud of. “We just cut expenses out of the department,” Allegood said. “We haven’t given any raises. We’ve just cut some of the capital expenditures and cut it out of the departments without cutting any services or any people. I’m proud of it because we’re not putting the burden on the taxpayer.”

The budget funds 150 full time employees, the same number as FY11.

Acworth’s maintenance and operations tax rate, which is 7.6 mills, is expected to remain the same, Bulthuis said. The city will dip into its rainy-day reserves by $34,398, leaving $2.5 million in reserves for 2012.

Acworth is part of the Cobb Fire System, but its police department is budgeted at $3.29 million, compared to FY11’s $3.30 million, a difference of $15,222. The police department has 40 sworn officers and three support employees.

Austell Continued from P. 15 have been restored.

“Some of them walked off and left them,” he said. “I’d say probably people are back in all of them but maybe 200 and something.”

Rising health care costs as well as rising gasoline costs have been particularly painful to deal with, he said.

“Ever since Obama put the health care in our health insurance was going up like 8 percent a year ‘till last year,” Jerkins said. “It was 16 percent last year.

This year’s it’s 24 percent.”

The city, which uses Blue Cross Blue Shield, is bidding out its insurance again to see if it can find a better rate.

Falling natural gas prices have also hurt the city, which owns Austell Natural Gas, which services customers in Austell, Powder Springs and Douglas County.

“We normally sell about $62, $63 million. This year it’s going to end up $48 million. About $15 million off in sales. We get seven percent of the revenue so that cut us nearly a million this year.

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Community FACTBOOK 2011

Glover name has been around in Marietta since 1847 Continued from P. 13 home place was too far from town. The couple built their new home west of the Marietta Square at the corner of Paulding Street (now known as Whitlock Avenue) and Ayers Street (now known as Wright Street). The grand pink stucco home still stands today and is currently owned by a German Carpet Company.

The mansion built by JHG is also a symbol of history in Marietta. “(The John Heyward Glover, Jr. mansion) was used as a stable during (the Civil War) while Yankee troops occupied the Marietta Motel located on the west side of Marietta Square, next to the railroad tracks,” Jim said.

Andrews’ Raiders slept at the Marietta Motel (a breakfast house before JHG sold it to Dix Fletcher in 1855) the night before they stole The General during the Civil War escapade known as The Great Locomotive Chase (the building currently houses the Marietta Museum of History.)

The early Glovers owned other notable properties in the city including land donated by JPBG for use as a Confederate Cemetery along with a Citizens Cemetery (located sideby-side at the intersection of Powder Springs Street and the South Loop.)

In addition to being vast landowners, the Glover family forged industry and growth in Marietta. “From the incorporation of Marietta in 1852 until WWII, the Glover family enterprises were among the largest employers in town,” Jim said.

Among JHG’s many businesses, the Marietta Steam Tannery (locally known as Glover’s Tannery), established on Atlanta Street, was one of the largest industries in the south. During Sherman’s March to the Sea, the Union Army burned the tannery to the ground because the business made leather shoes for Confederate soldiers.

A generation after Glover’s Tannery, James Bolan Glover Jr. (second generation) purchased Phoenix Foundry & Machine Shop in 1888, later renamed Glover Machine Works. A premier builder of steam locomotives, Glover Machine Works attracted an international market

P. 28

Staff/Todd Hull

Left, from left: Anne Witcher and her husband Ben Witcher, Gracie Witcher and her mother, Patty Witcher, who is married to Ben’s brother Robert Dunwoody ‘Bob’ Witcher. The Witchers descend from Caroline Little Witcher, daughter of Aimee Dunwody Glover Little (fourth generation). Bob to the small agricultural town.

Glover Machine Works made 200 locomotives that were transported all over the world.

“The first one was made right across the railroad tracks across from the present day Dupre’s (now a Walgreens pharmacy),” Bo said. In 1903 the factory was moved to Butler Street (near South Cobb Drive) and remained in the Glover family until 2001.

“We did have an international market. That was unusual for a little town like Marietta,” Bo added.

“Glover Machine Works was the only locomotive manufacturer south of Virginia,” Jim said. “At the turn of the century Glover Machine Works was Marietta’s largest employer and then later on McNeel Marble became the largest employer.”

“We had a family of employees from all over Cobb County that weren’t employees, they were family. We had a relationship with them,” Bo said. “We probably would still be doing it if it weren’t for the Pacific Rim producing things that we couldn’t compete with.”

Perhaps what made the Glover family such a constant in Marietta is their continued love for the community. In 1852, JHG donated land to the City now known as Glover Park in historic Marietta Square. He stipulated that if the land were used for anything other than a park it would revert back to the Glover family.

In the 1960s when discussions ensued proposing changes

to Glover Park, Marietta’s first family, led by James Bolan Glover III (fourth generation) rallied. Because the deed to Glover Park was destroyed during the Civil War, the City initiated a lawsuit to clear title.

JBG, III hired one of Margaret Mitchell’s brothers as part of the legal team, according to Jim Glover. “All the court had to rely on was hearsay.”

Although the Georgia Supreme Court agreed with the City and ruled that proof of title could not be established by hearsay evidence, Marietta agreed with the Glover Family and kept the area a park. “(Glover Park) would have a 3- or 4-story parking lot in it if it hadn’t been for my grandfather (JBG III). He fought that thing four years,” said Jim, a real estate agent with Atlanta Fine HomesSotheby’s International Realty.

“My grandmother always said, ‘I’d have a new fur coat and a new Cadillac if it weren’t for that park,’” Jim said, chuckling.

For the Glovers, the Marietta Square is a reminder of the once small town and why they continue to choose Marietta. “What they’ve done with the Square and all the outside things they do in (Glover) Park, it draws the hometown feel,” Jane Porter Glover Hawkins (fifth generation) said. “It’s a wonderful place to be where there’s so much interaction between the people and the businesses.”

It is easy to understand why these OMs remain. “Marietta is where our heart has always been,” Prilla Rice Glover (fifth

Witcher owns Cobb Hardware in Marietta. Right, from left: Cathy Ottley, Mary Elise Ottley, Prilla Glover Ottley and Rob Ottley. Prilla Glover Ottley (fifth generation) poses with her son, Rob, and his wife, Cathy, and their daughter, Mary Elise. generation) stated.

“Marietta is just home,” said Jim who lives in Myrtle Hill, the home his great grandfather, John Wilder Glover II purchased from Luke Simpson Northcutt. (Jim moved the antebellum home to Burnt Hickory Road when the land on Whitlock Avenue was sold to a developer.)

“I don’t think we even

thought about going anywhere else,” said Jane, who is married to Charles Edward Hawkins.

“It’s grown a lot but it’s still maintained a lot of its small town capabilities,” Bo said.

“I think the families that continue to move Marietta contribute to making Marietta what is,” Jim said.

The Glover Family — a link to the past, a bridge to the future.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

BUSINESS FACTBOOK

PAGE 29

A CEO IN HIGH HEELS PAGE 32

HANDLING WITH CARE K-9 COACH: SMALL BUSINESS OF YEAR PAGE 31

COBB’S NO. 1 EMPLOYER PAGE 34

business FACTBOOK 2011

KSU business college among best in nation

Gone to the dogs

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

Staff/Erin Gray

Amber Burckhalter — posing on the cover with her French bulldog Birdie — relaxes with some of her ‘clients’ in the play area of her business, K-9 Coach, which is a successful boarding and training service for animals and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year.

Pooch ‘Coach’ earns small business of year award

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

SMYRNA — Thirteen years ago, Amber Burckhalter was teaching dog-training classes in the parking lot of Powers Ferry Animal Hospital.

Today, she has nearly 5,000 clients, a successful boarding facility in Smyrna, is an internationally known animal The number trainer as the owner of K-9 of clients K-9 Coach, Inc. — and in June Coach now was named the 2011 Cobb serves, an Chamber of Commerce’s 800% gain Small Business of the Year. since opening “I went to college at Georgia State and took the LSAT,

5,000

thinking I was going to be an attorney. But after working with a criminal attorney at the federal penitentiary, I came home one day to my fiancé — who’s now my husband — and said, ‘This isn’t going to work. I can’t get up and do this every day,’” Burckhalter said.

So when she began to think about what she wanted to do instead, she kept coming back to one of her longtime loves Some of the — dogs. dogs Amber “I had been around dogs all Burckhalter my life, so I got a job at Powhas trained ers Ferry Animal Hospital, have been on where I met my mentor and Oprah Winfrey See K-9, Page 39

KENNESAW — From leadership changes to new degree programs to landing on the national radar, the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University is making big changes to the way it does business.

“We’re the best-kept secret in Cobb County,” said KSU Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ken Harmon, who served for ‘We’re the secondone year as dean of largest business school Coles College before being called up in the state of Georgia last year. “We’re the … We carry an entresecond-largest busipreneurial mentality ness school in the and look at everything state of Georgia …

We carry an entreas a possibility. This is preneurial mentality the most exciting busiand look at everyness school I’ve seen.’ thing as a possibility. This is the most — Ken Harmon, interim exciting business provost and vice president school I’ve seen.” of Academic Affairs at KSU Harmon said he has not applied for the permanent provost post, but has not ruled out the option. Professor of Information Systems Dr. Kathy Schwaig is serving as interim dean of Coles College.

The college has 5,000 students, employs 150 staff members and offers undergraduate, certificate, masters and doctoral degrees through the university. The college also has a research data tank called the Econometric Center, which houses business experts who generate public reports on industry, manufacturing and macroeconomic trends, including the monthly purchasing managers’ See College, Page 36

Oprah

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Staff/Jon Michael Sullivan

Ken Harmon, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, listens to Dr. Kathy Schwaig, interim dean and professor of information systems, talk about the Michael J. Coles College of Business at KSU.

P. 31

business FACTBOOK 2011

Boss wears high heels This lady’s success speaks volumes

By Katy Ruth Camp / krcamp@mdjonline.com

eresa Epple is a high-heeled, curly-haired business executive working in a field almost completely made up of ties and mustaches.

And the fact that she is an engineer and the owner and president of a successful engineering consulting firm in Marietta called Southeastern Engineering Inc. in a field where fewer than 10 percent of working engineers are women definitely comes with its own set of challenges, Epple said.

T

Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan

Teresa Epple is an engineer and the owner and president of an engineering consulting firm in Marietta called Southeastern Engineering Inc.

“It’s pretty standard that women earn a little less than men, have to prove themselves more and have to do more work to fit in,” she said.

“And that’s been the case for me as well. But once I show my credentials and the job is done and I’ve proven to do a good job, they almost always move on.”

Epple’s firm provides traffic engineering, transportation, civil engineering, land-surveying,

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And with the disadvantages also come some great advantages. For example, Epple said many local governments — including Cobb County and the state of Georgia — have a program called Disadvantaged Business Engineering that requires 11 to 17 percent of all projects to include a qualified DBE

firm.

Being a qualified, femaleowned engineering firm puts her in that list and often creates work for her team of 24 employees, Epple said.

“It often teams us up with folks that might not otherwise use us, so the programs have been very successful in putting us and other firms on the map,” she said.

Epple, 41, started her company in 1996 after working for six years in other firms, including the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation.

“I had a newborn at the time and needed control of my own schedule,” she said. “And this was right after the (1996 Atlanta Summer) Olympics, so the area was growing and there was a need for engineers, specifically traffic engineers like myself. It was slow at first, and I got a waitressing job just in case things didn’t work out, but Maureen Nerenbaum at Gwinnett was a mentor to me and recommended me to a lot of people.

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business FACTBOOK 2011

Home Depot remains Cobb’s largest employer

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

VININGS – One of the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailers, The Home Depot, is Cobb County’s largest employer for the second year in a row, with 20,000 employees working inside Cobb’s borders.

The Home Depot has 2,244 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China, according to its website. In fiscal year 2010, The Home Depot had sales of $68 billion and earnings from continuing operations of $3.3 billion.

The company employs more

COBB’S TOP 10 EMPLOYERS 1. The Home Depot (1) 20,000 2. Cobb Schools (2) 14,027 3. WellStar (3)

11,785

4. Lockheed Martin (4) 7,568 5. Cobb Government (5) 5,233 6. Kennesaw State (6) 3,400 7. Publix (7)

2,973

8. Wal-Mart (9)

2,750

9. Six Flags (8)

2,180

10. Kroger (10)

2,150

P. 34

than 300,000 associates worldwide.

One of the company’s newest initiatives is its dedication to serving its employees. In June, the company broke ground on what will be the largest corporate-sponsored child-care facility in the Atlanta area when it opens next summer. The facility, in Vinings, follows a trend that has swept across some of Cobb County’s largest companies because of the return on investment it gives both the companies and the employees.

“There was a strong desire among the employees to have convenient and affordable childcare options,” said Tim Crow, Home Depot’s vice president of human resources. “So often today, both parents are working and child care adds to the stress of daily life. We take a valuesbased approach to our business, and this is just one way we are trying to take care of our employees.”

The 40,000-square-foot day care center will be adjacent to the Home Depot Store Support Center off Paces Ferry Road near Interstate 285. When it is completed, it will be able to hold up to 278 children in 22 classrooms and will feature three playgrounds, Home Depot chief financial officer Carol Tome said.

The company held an in-house competition to come up with the name of the facility, and senior industrial engineer Krista Pierce was announced as the winner Wednesday for her suggestion, “Little Apron Academy.”

Crow said the facility will serve employees both at the support center as well as nearby stores.

“They will be able to either drop them off, then drive to their parking spots, or park and walk over to take their kids to the center, then walk through another door and into work,” Crow said.

Brant Suddath, director of benefits for Home Depot, said enrollment in the program will be determined through a lottery process and the cost will be comparable with local discount child-care sites. Operating hours will likely be 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., he said. Suddath also said Watertown, Mass.-based Bright Horizons will manage the programs and provide staffing for the facility. According to its website,

Bright Horizons is the world’s leading provider of employersponsored child-care, early education and work/life solutions.

According to a 2008 study conducted by Bright Horizons, 94 percent of parents using fullservice child care centers said the service would affect their decision to make a job change, and 23 percent of parents using the centers had turned down or not pursued other jobs because of a lack of onsite child care. Additionally, 90 percent of those surveyed in the study said they were able to better concentrate on the job and be productive because of the onsite service.

A 2007 survey conducted by the company also said 86 percent of respondents said that onsite care enabled them to work on a day they might otherwise have had to take off due to illnesses within their families and saved on average 10 work days within six months.

But while Home Depot may have the largest employer childcare program and facility in the Atlanta region when it opens, it will not be the first. WellStar

Health System, Cobb’s thirdlargest employer for 2011, has had onsite child-care centers for its employees at WellStar Cobb and WellStar Kennestone hospitals for more than 20 years, WellStar Executive Director for Retail Operations Allan Bishop said. And unlike Home Depot and other Cobb employer-sponsored child-care programs, including Life University’s Bright LIFE facility open to Life students, staff, family members and other local families, WellStar manages and operates the facilities with its own people.

“The biggest benefit is the

peace of mind employees get from the programs because they know they are being cared for by other WellStar employees,” Bishop said. “And they have the ability to check on them, which puts them at ease. Convenience is a big key. The Cobb daycare center is located on the hospital campus and is right adjacent to the employee parking deck so they can drop them off and go to work. Kennestone’s is right across the street and it makes it convenient for those working out of both the hospital and the administrative building.”

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business FACTBOOK 2011

COBB BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS ACWORTH www.acworthbusiness.org Meets for lunch the fourth Thursday of each month at NorthStar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road in Kennesaw Membership is $75 a year.

AUSTELL www.austellbusinessassociation.com Meets for lunch the third Tuesday of each month at the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell Membership is $50 a year.

KENNESAW www.kennesawbusiness.org Meets for lunch the second Tuesday of each month at the Kennesaw State University Continuing Education Building, 3333 Busbee Drive in Kennesaw Membership is $85 a year.

MARIETTA www.mariettabusiness.biz Meets for breakfast the third Wednesday of the month at the Marlow House, 192 Church St. in Marietta Membership is $175 a year.

POWDER SPRINGS www.powderspringsbusiness association.com Meets for lunch the second Monday of each month at the George E. Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. in Powder Springs Membership is $75 a year.

SMYRNA www.smyrnabusiness.org Meets for lunch the first Thursday

of each month at Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna Membership is $50 a year.

NORTHEAST COBB www.northeastcobbba.com Meets for lunch the third Wednesday of each month at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta Membership is $75 a year.

SOUTH COBB www.sc-ba.org Meets for lunch the first Wednes-

day of each month at the Lions Club Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton Membership is $80 a year for businesses, $120 for banks.

WEST COBB www.westcobbbusinessassociation.com Meets for lunch the fourth Tuesday

of each month at Lost Mountain Baptist Church, 5400 Old Dallas Road, Powder Springs Membership is $75 a year.

VININGS www.viningsbusiness.com Meets for lunch the first Tuesday of each month at the Social Vinings restaurant, 3621 Vinings Slope, Atlanta Membership is $95 a year.

EAST COBB www.eastcobbba.com Meets for lunch the third Tuesday of each month at Hollycrest Hall, 2235 Sewell Mill Road in Marietta Membership is $75 a year.

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IT’S A FACTbook Cobb businesses listed among the Best 25 Places to Work, as ranked by the Atlanta Business Chronicle:

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INC., located at 2675 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 150, in the Atlanta por on of Cobb County, was ranked No. 19 on the Best Places To Work list in the Small Company category. Established in 2001, this private company is a full-service third-party project management firm specializing in the development, conversion and renova on of hotels and resorts. The company’s chief officers are Ralph Engelberger and Angie Fife.

MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, located at 1275 Stanley Road in Kennesaw, was ranked No. 15 on the Best Places To Work list in the Medium Company category. Established in 1976, this private Christian school is a fully accredited (SACS-SAIS) independent college preparatory school (pre-K through grade 12) providing academics in a Christ-centered environment. The 3411 Ernest Barrett Parkway company’s chief officers are David Tilley, Eric Bradley, Stephen Shelton and Judy Hansard.

Marietta • 30064 MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC., located at 10 10th Street, Suite 1400, in the Atlanta por on of Cobb County, was ranked No. 2 on the Best Places To Work list in the Large Company category.

Established in 1967, this public company is a worldwide operator and franchiser of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. The company’s chief offices are Erika Alexander and Scott Freed.

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business FACTBOOK 2011

College Continued from P. 31 indexes for Georgia and the Southeast.

And just recently, the 600student information systems department — including information systems and information security and assurance degree programs with 21 faculty members — will officially move from the College of Science and Mathematics at KSU to Coles College. This will change the next wave of degrees offered through the department from Bachelor of Science to Bachelor of Business Administration.

“Traditionally, IS programs are found in the college of business,” Schwaig said, adding that most of the department’s faculty members have business school backgrounds. Harmon said KSU President Dr. Dan Papp, who signed off on the shift, and the department’s faculty were on board with the change.

Coles College Department Chair for Management and En-

Boss Continued from P. 32 Most of the larger firms didn’t have a dedicated traffic engineer, so they would contract me out and I would do the designs and studies for those firms on big projects.”

Epple said then, business has grown about 20 percent, though the recession changed the industry and the way she did business.

“I came to Cobb because I had been doing a lot of work here anyway, and the area was growing and it was an easier pace to manage,” she said.

“Gwinnett was a mess at the time, because things were happening so quickly and it was difficult to get through the system.

And this town was booming until 2007.”

That’s when things really began to change, Epple said.

“We had to adjust and get creative,” she said. “We were doing a lot of surveying and engineering for residential developments, and that’s gone, so we had to find where there was a need. In 2008 we were hired to manage the underground bag-

P. 36

trepreneurship and Associate Professor of Management Dr. Richard Franza is interim chair of the shifted department.

Schwaig said the college is searching for a new chair, who will likely be in place by next July, when the university’s next fiscal year begins. Schwaig said only about five universities nationwide offer an information security and assurance degree.

The college’s newest degree program, the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business certificate program, has met its goals for the first year of operation, Harmon said.

“The program has boomed immediately, and we have filled what we had for last year with about 50 students enrolled in the program,” Harmon said.

And in 2009, CEO Magazine ranked the college’s Executive MBA program among the best in the U.S. in its “2009 Global MBA Rankings” edition. For the same year, BusinessWeek named the college’s part-time MBA program among the best in the nation.

gage system for the international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta International) Airport.

It wasn’t something we were used to doing, but it’s been a great project for us that we’re still managing, and I like a challenge. Any time you can raise the bar for your business, it’s a great thing.”

The height of her business came in 2006, when she employed 50 workers and brought in $5.5 million. Since the recession has hit, she had to cut her staff to 24 and recorded $2.3 million in revenue last year, with a projected $2.6 million in revenue for 2011.

Epple’s group is working on the Cobb sidewalk projects at County Services and North Cobb parkways, as well as Hicks Road. She was the traffic engineer for the planned community Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills and is the assigned engineer for the Morgan Falls Road improvement project for Sandy Springs.

Epple said she believes the 2012 transportation sales tax will pass with voters, and 2013 will be a “big year” for her and other engineering firms as revenues begin coming in and projects get started.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

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business FACTBOOK 2011

K-9 Continued from P. 31 one of the smartest men I know, Andy Smith. About three months after I was hired, I had the opportunity to work for a trainer in North Carolina for three weeks, and luckily, he let me go and keep my job,” Burckhalter said.

Soon after her return to the animal hospital, Smith gave Burckhalter permission to host training sessions in the parking lot of the animal hospital, and her client list soon grew to about 50 pet owners. From there, business continued to grow and for the first eight years, Burckhalter operated on her own until she became pregnant and hired Ken Dupcak as a contract employee to help her manage the growing business.

Dupcak is still with the company today.

“I leased a very small space at Treehouse Animal Clinic (off Moores Mill Road in Atlanta)

for about a year to train the dogs, but people would say that I would train their dogs, then they would go back to their homes or other facilities and they would unlearn everything that they learned in their training,” Burckhalter said.

So three years ago, Burckhalter opened the 15,000 square-foot K-9 Coach boarding, day care and training facility in Smyrna, right next to Englishman’s Fine Furnishings just outside Vinings on Atlanta Road. The facility has indoor and outdoor space for the animals, and Burckhalter said every animal that comes into the facility, no matter which service it is coming in for, receives training.

“We don’t allow jumping or barking. It’s not just a building full of dogs — we play certain music to reduce stress, have activities in the yard. They’re better dogs when they go home,” Burckhalter said.

Since the facility opened, her business has grown 800 percent and now has 23 employees,

‘Every day is a new day. It’s an adventure. I really like the fact that we’re able to make the lives of dogs and people better. There’s nothing better than hearing someone say, ‘Thank you so much.’ ’ — K-9 Coach owner Amber Burckhalter Burckhalter said. She also volunteers in a number of ways, including helping to stop dog fighting in Atlanta’s at-risk neighborhoods for nearly three years, which she said is a huge issue for the city. She also offers special pricing for those in need and spent two years as the lead trainer for the Humane Society of the United States.

Some of the dogs she has trained have appeared on such shows as the Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Day Atlanta, Burckhalter said. The facility also hosted the World Association of Pet Dog Trainers last year when 272 of the world’s top trainers came to educational events at the K-9 Coach facility.

Burckhalter said many of her clients live in Sandy Springs, so

she is looking for space in that area to expand. She is also thinking of expanding to north Georgia to do some training activities such as dock diving and sheep herding, which she said is limited in metro Atlanta.

Furthering her success, Burckhalter’s company won the coveted Small Business of the Year prize during the Cobb Chamber’s First Monday Breakfast in June. The Chamber announced its Top 25 Small Businesses in the spring, and the winner was chosen from those 25 by a group of independent judges.

Before introducing Smyrnabased K-9 Coach as the winner, presenter Drew Tonsmeire of the Kennesaw State University Small Business Develop-

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

ment Center said the company was “a leader in the industry and unparalleled in its commitment to the community.”

When accepting the award, Burckhalter said she was surprised by the announcement, made before almost 400 of the county’s business and government leaders.

“I am totally unprepared,” Burckhalter said with a laugh as she accepted the award to a standing ovation. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I’m literally in tears. I can’t thank my support staff enough. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.

“Every day is a new day. It’s an adventure. I really like the fact that we’re able to make the lives of dogs and people better.

There’s nothing better than hearing someone say, ‘Thank you so much. I actually really enjoy them now. They’re like new pets.’ It’s just been a whirlwind. I still can’t believe sometimes that it went from just me and my cell phone to all of this,” Burckhalter said.

P. 39

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THE HINOJOSA ERA BEGINS

EDUCATION FACTBOOK

— PAGE 43

PAGE 41

UNIVERSITIES BOLSTER METRO ECONOMY PAGE 57

SUPER SENIOR PAGE 50

education FACTBOOK 2011

Hinojosa at the helm a

e ojos h T in H le fi

AGE: 54 NICKNAME: Doc FAMILY: He and his wife Ki y have two sons, one a student at Havard and one a student at Princeton; Hinojosa has a grown son in the Atlanta area who will soon make him a grandfather.

EDUCATION: He received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and earned his master’s degree at the University of North Texas, and he received his doctorate from the University of Texas at Aus n.

PREVIOUSLY: He was superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District with 150,000 students, 21,000 employees and a $1.2 billion budget. He also served as superintendent of the Hays Consolidated School District in Aus n and the Fabens Independent School District in El Paso.

HONORS: He was chosen Superintendent of the Year in 2002 by the Texas Associa on of School Boards and earned the same award in 2005 from the University of Texas at Aus n. He was named a Dis nguished Alumnus by the College of Educa on at Texas Tech University.

HIS STYLE: Wednesdays are Hinojosa’s school-visit days, showing up at 15 to 20 schools a month. ‘I’ve done that my whole career, and it’s made a huge difference,’ he says. ‘People see me as a regular person. I don’t go to ‘snoopervise’ ... I’m an advocate.

Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan

Dr. Michael Hinojosa, the new superintendent of the Cobb School District, visits with Cobb School Board Chair Alison Bartlett.

Cover: Dr. Hinojosa is sworn in by Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Green.

Cobb School District welcomes new superintendent From staff reports

MARIETTA — Dr. Michael Hinojosa is doing a lot of listening these days, since taking over as superintendent of Cobb County Schools on July 1.

Hired by the school board on June 5, Hinojosa (pronounced e-no-ho-sah) said his first 90 days will include an entry plan of listening to staff members, parents and the community to understand the needs of the 25th largest school district in the nation. He intends to meet with more than 100 people in the community to listen to their concerns and ideas. After that, he will meet with the board and administration to discuss the district’s needs and vision for the future, he said.

“I’m certainly not going to come in here and re-engineer anything,” he said in a video interview posted on the district’s website. “I’m going to listen for 90 days. I have an entry plan that I’m going to execute. After those 90 days we’ll be able to see where the needs are … I want to make sure that we honor what’s going on in the district and then figure out where we, together, not me, but we, together, can move it to the next level.”

Hinojosa, 54, said he plans on crafting a “shared vision” for the district that includes teacher students to be college- and workforce-ready when they graduate.

The former superintendent of Dallas Independent School Dis-

that e r u ke s n g o n i n a m t to at’s goi figure n a ‘I w or wh hen r, not t d n n o e we h istrict a , togeth can , d the here we ogether vel.’ t w out ut we, next le e b me, it to th e trict, Hinomov josa was announced as the Cobb School board’s sole finalist for the superintendent position on May 19, after a six-month long search.

During his two public visits to Cobb before his official hiring, Hinojosa met with

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

parents, district staff and community members at Campbell, Sprayberry and McEachern high schools.

At the Sprayberry forum, Hinojosa was met with some criticism from community members and forced to field some tough questions. But he answered them with a simple “bring it on” and seemed unfazed.

One of the first questions at the Sprayberry forum asked Hinojosa if he actively recruited Spanish-speaking teachers in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain and South America to teach at Dallas ISD. “When I was hired in 2005 we had 1,000 classrooms where we could not provide the services for students that were required by the state of Texas and Texas education code,” he said. “So in order to fill those classrooms we had to immediately find the staff that could do that. We looked internally, we looked all over the state, but there were very few qualified people. So the district launched a program where we did recruit internationally.

We had a pretty good success rate in hiring the people that we needed to hire and the results have been phenomenal.”

See Hinojosa, Page 62

P. 43

education FACTBOOK 2011

A GUIDE TO ...

Cobb / Marietta Schools

Marietta City elementary schools

63 54

1. A.L. Burruss Elementary 325 Manning Road Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5

10

Students: 379

CRCT Reading Grade 3 91

Language 93

Math 86

Science 84

Social 84

CRCT Reading Grade 5 96

Language 98

Math 94

Science 91

Social 83

(770) 429-3190 Teachers: 42

Students: 544

CRCT Reading Grade 3 87

Language 87

Math 72

Science 80

Social 81

CRCT Reading Grade 5 85

Language 84

Math 63

Science 57

Social 59

25 16

18

48

37

24 36

41

Students: 420

CRCT Reading Grade 3 79

Language 78

Math 59

Science 54

Social 66

CRCT Reading Grade 5 82

Language 88

Math 88

Science 71

Social 63

8

46

31

80

(770) 429-3196 Teachers: 59

CRCT Reading Grade 3 92

Language 86

Math 77

Science 77

Social 77

CRCT Reading Grade 5 89

Language 94

Math 84

Science 79

Social 60

55

Students: 256 Math 99

Science 100

Social 100

CRCT Reading Grade 5 100

Language 100

Math 100

Science 100

Social 100

6. Park Street Elementary Students: 525

64

79

(770) 429-3180 Teachers: 46

CRCT Reading Grade 3 82

Language 77

Math 85

Science 71

Social 62

CRCT Reading Grade 5 84

Language 82

Math 75

Science 75

Social 62

10. Acworth Elementary

840 Sawyer Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5

4220 Cantrell Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: 2-5

Students: 649

Cobb County Schools Michael Hinojosa, superintendent

12

17 21

51

76

(770) 426-3454 cobbk12.org

61 50 60

28 23

City of Marietta Schools

40

Emily Lembeck, superintendent

66 67

43

(770) 422-3500 www.marietta-city.k12.ga.us

Cobb elementary schools

7. Sawyer Road Elementary (770) 429-9923 Teachers: 45

22 65

44 39

73 53 Spring 2011 scores; numbers are percentages of students who met or exceeded standards.

74 71

35

14

70

34

6

69

(770) 420-0822 Teachers: 18

Language 100

19

27 13

CRCT Reading Grade 3 100

105 Park Street SE Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: K-5

2

75

29

5. Marietta Center for Advanced Academics 311 Aviation Road Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: 3-5

5

1 3

26

42

Students: 809

33

4

4. Lockheed Elementary 1205 Merritt Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5

56

49

7

32

9 (770) 429-3125 Teachers: 38

77

58

52

3. Hickory Hills Elementary 500 Redwood Drive SW Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5

78

47 62

2. Dunleith Elementary 120 Saine Drive Marietta, GA 30008 Grades: K-5

15

(770) 429-3144 Teachers: 32

30 59 45 68 38 20 72 11 57

13. Austell Intermediate

Students: 819

(770) 975-6600 Teachers: 64

5243 Meadows Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: 2-5 Students: 550

(770) 819-2387 Teachers: 43

CRCT Reading Grade 3 95

Language 95

Math 96

Science 94

Social 96

CRCT Reading Grade 3 94

Language 91

Math 87

Science 80

Social 81

CRCT Reading Grade 3 94

Language 92

Math 89

Science 83

Social 80

CRCT Reading Grade 5 94

Language 96

Math 71

Science 63

Social 55

CRCT Reading Grade 5 90

Language 91

Math 84

Science 68

Social 61

CRCT Reading Grade 5 93

Language 97

Math 96

Science 71

Social 54

8. West Side Elementary

11. Addison Elementary

344 Polk Street NW Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5

3055 Ebenezer Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5

Students: 494

(770) 429-3172 Teachers: 39

14. Austell Primary

Students: 594

(770) 578-2700 Teachers: 45

CRCT Reading Grade 3 89

Language 92

Math 89

Science 86

Social 94

CRCT Reading Grade 3 98

Language 98

Math 92

Science 97

Social 95

CRCT Reading Grade 5 100

Language 98

Math 96

Science 94

Social 90

CRCT Reading Grade 5 99

Language 99

Math 98

Science 95

Social 92

9. Imagine Marietta Charter School

12. Argyle Elementary

368 Wright Street Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5

2420 Spring Road Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-5

Students: 220

(770) 590-4430 Teachers: 14

5600 Mulberry Street Austell, GA 30106 Grades: K-1

Students: 281

(770) 819-5804 Teachers: 28

Students: 796

(770) 975-6629 Teachers: 62

No scores available.

15. Baker Elementary

Students: 634

(678) 842-6800 Teachers: 55

2361 Baker Road, NW Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-5

CRCT Reading Grade 3 87

Language 87

Math 83

Science 72

Social 76

CRCT Reading Grade 3 89

Language 87

Math 78

Science 74

Social 72

CRCT Reading Grade 3 94

Language 93

Math 82

Science 87

Social 88

CRCT Reading Grade 5 90

Language 74

Math 89

Science 63

Social 79

CRCT Reading Grade 5 98

Language 99

Math 93

Science 75

Social 60

CRCT Reading Grade 5 97

Language 98

Math 95

Science 89

Social 88

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 45

16. Bells Ferry Elementary 2600 Bells Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 Students: 595 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 97 95 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 95 98 92

22. Brumby Elementary (678) 594-8950 Teachers: 44 Science Social 93 95 Science Social 86 85

17. Belmont Hills Elementary 605 Glendale Place Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 72 CRCT Reading Grade 5 84

Students: 629 Language Math 70 63 Language Math 88 84

1306 Powers Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30067 Grades: K-5 Students: 1,024 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 86 83 75 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 82 87 78

23. Bryant Primary and Intermediate (678) 842-6810 Teachers: 65 Science Social 60 58 Science Social 71 58

6800 Factory Shoals Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-5 Students: 745 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 78 78 70 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 87 92 92

18. Big Shanty Elementary

24. Bullard Elementary

1575 Ben King Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: 3-5 Students: 815 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 96 94 83 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 95 94 90

3656 Old Stilesboro Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: K-5 Students: 927 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 97 97 94 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 99 98

(678) 594-8023 Teachers: 55 Science Social 91 87 Science Social 83 79

19. Birney Elementary

25. Chalker Elementary

775 Smyrna-Powder Springs St. Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: K-5 Students: 646 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 90 87 77 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 90 94 78

325 North Booth Rd. Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: K-5 Students: 788 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 95 94 86 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 97 97 96

(678) 842-6824 Teachers: 67 Science Social 74 44 Science Social 72 53

20. Blackwell Elementary 3470 Canton Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 96 CRCT Reading Grade 5 95

Students: 687 Language Math 96 88 Language Math 97 96

Students: 280 Language Math 80 78 Language Math 94 91

1350 John Ward Road SW Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5 Students: 1,078 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 96 94 89 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 94 95 91 4455 Wesley Drive Austell, GA 30106 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 92 CRCT Reading Grade 5 94

(being relocated) Students: 378 Language Math 95 77 Language Math 91 92

Students: 520 Language Math 80 73 Language Math 89 86

(770) 819-2430 Teachers: 47 Science Social 66 60 Science Social 57 53

3450 New Macland Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 487 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 78 77 70 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 78 79 79

(770) 222-3700 Teachers: 46 Science Social 54 46 Science Social 50 35

30. Davis Elementary (678) 594-8720 Teachers: 64 Science Social 95 94 Science Social 93 90

2433 Jamerson Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 Students: 514 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 98 93 91 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 98 94

(678) 494-7636 Teachers: 39 Science Social 93 94 Science Social 95 96

31. Dowell Elementary (678) 494-7621 Teachers: 59 Science Social 88 83 Science Social 89 80

2121 West Sandtown Road Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5 Students: 961 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 89 89 76 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 94 97 94

(678) 594-8059 Teachers: 76 Science Social 77 72 Science Social 73 63

32. Due West Elementary (678) 594-8034 Teachers: 82 Science Social 88 89 Science Social 82 75

3900 Due West Road Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: K-5 Students: 504 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 99 96 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 100 99 99

(678) 594-8071 Teachers: 43 Science Social 96 96 Science Social 95 90

33. East Side Elementary

27. Clarkdale Elementary (678) 842-6838 Teachers: 33 Science Social 80 76 Science Social 83 75

730 Boggs Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 83 CRCT Reading Grade 5 84

29. Compton Elementary (770) 819-2402 Teachers: 68 Science Social 60 61 Science Social 60 55

26. Cheatham Hill Elementary (678) 494-7600 Teachers: 55 Science Social 89 85 Science Social 86 79

21. Brown Elementary 3265 Brown Road Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 90 CRCT Reading Grade 5 100

28. Clay Elementary (770) 916-7070 Teachers: 83 Science Social 67 69 Science Social 59 44

(770) 819-2422 Teachers: 35 Science Social 84 89 Science Social 75 76

3850 Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 99 CRCT Reading Grade 5 98

Students: 1,032 Language Math 99 95 Language Math 99 95

(770) 578-7200 Teachers: 69 Science Social 99 98 Science Social 96 94

education FACTBOOK 2011 34. Eastvalley Elementary 2570 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30067 Grades: K-5 Students: 622 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 88 83 73 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 96 98 97

39. Green Acres Elementary (770) 578-7214 Teachers: 47 Science Social 69 70 Science Social 84 77

35. Fair Oaks Elementary 407 Barber Road Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 87 CRCT Reading Grade 5 79

Students: 889 Language Math 91 89 Language Math 89 88

Students: 774 Language Math 99 97 Language Math 99 98

(678) 594-8080 Teachers: 80 Science Social 77 69 Science Social 54 39

Students: 647 Language Math 95 91 Language Math 97 96

(678) 594-8092 Teachers: 52 Science Social 97 94 Science Social 94 92

5891 Dodgen Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 92 CRCT Reading Grade 5 92

Students: 612 Language Math 82 82 Language Math 90 91

(770) 819-2483 Teachers: 46 Science Social 70 74 Science Social 74 65

1501 Kennesaw-Due W. Rd. Kennesaw, 30152 Grades: K-5 Students: 1,031 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 88 86 73 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 86 89 84

(678) 594-8127 Teachers: 80 Science Social 74 66 Science Social 70 60

42. Hollydale Elementary (770) 975-6655 Teachers: 48 Science Social 93 91 Science Social 91 90

38. Garrison Mill Elementary 4111 Wesley Chapel Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5 Students: 681 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 100 100 99 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 100 97

Students: 725 Language Math 72 64 Language Math 92 89

41. Hayes Elementary

37. Frey Elementary 2865 Mars Hill Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 98 CRCT Reading Grade 5 96

44. Imagine IA - Smyrna (678) 842-6905 Teachers: 66 Science Social 64 41 Science Social 54 21

40. Harmony Leland Elementary

36. Ford Elementary 1345 Mars Hill Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 100 CRCT Reading Grade 5 98

2000 Gober Avenue Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 77 CRCT Reading Grade 5 84

2901 Bayberry Drive Marietta, GA 30008 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 87 CRCT Reading Grade 5 90

Students: 708 Language Math 82 76 Language Math 90 91

6688 Mableton Parkway Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-8 Students: CRCT Reading Language Grade 3 86 86 CRCT Reading Language Grade 5 96 98 CRCT Reading Language Grade 8 97 94

472 Math 78 Math 78 Math 70

580 Math 66 Math 70 Math 71

(678) 370-0980 Teachers: 25 Science Social 71 76 Science Social 75 65 Science Social 46 82

Students: 458 Language Math 97 93 Language Math 97 97

(678) 494-7836 Teachers: 37 Science Social 91 89 Science Social 88 84

45. Keheley Elementary 1985 Kemp Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 98 CRCT Reading Grade 5 95

46. Kemp Elementary 865 Corner Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 870 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 99 94 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 98 96 95

(678) 594-8143 Teachers: 64 Science Social 75 76 Science Social 73 56

47. Kennesaw Charter School

(678) 384-8920 Teachers: Science Social 62 65 Science Social 70 47 Science Social 42 71

48. Kennesaw Elementary

43. Imagine IA - Mableton (770) 642-5600 Teachers: 49 Science Social 99 96 Science Social 99 98

2144 South Cobb Drive Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-8 Students: CRCT Reading Language Grade 3 85 85 CRCT Reading Language Grade 5 88 96 CRCT Reading Language Grade 8 100 93

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

1370 Lockhart Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: K-5 Students: 437 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 92 91 72 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 98 100 98

3155 Jiles Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: K-2 No scores available.

Students: 817

(678) 594-8158 Teachers: 62 Science Social 93 91 Science Social 94 92

(678) 290-9628 Teachers: Science Social 69 79 Science Social 92 88

(678) 594-8172 Teachers: 61

P. 47

education FACTBOOK 2011 49. Kincaid Elementary

55. Milford Elementary

1410 Kincaid Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 97 CRCT Reading Grade 5 97

2390 Austell Road Marietta, GA 30008 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 91 CRCT Reading Grade 5 88

Students: 676 Language Math 94 90 Language Math 97 94

(770) 578-7238 Teachers: 52 Science Social 92 92 Science Social 93 91

Students: 642 Language Math 83 73 Language Math 88 81

50. King Springs Elementary

56. Mount Bethel Elementary

1041 Reed Road Smyrna, GA 30082 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 97 CRCT Reading Grade 5 96

1210 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30068 Grades: K-5 Students: 977 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 99 97 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 100 99 99

Students: 705 Language Math 95 91 Language Math 94 95

(678) 842-6944 Teachers: 49 Science Social 86 90 Science Social 88 84

51. LaBelle Elementary

57. Mountain View Elementary

230 Cresson Drive Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 83 CRCT Reading Grade 5 82

3448 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 Students: 816 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 100 100 95 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 99 97

Students: 440 Language Math 76 69 Language Math 95 77

(678) 842-6955 Teachers: 51 Science Social 67 64 Science Social 47 43

52. Lewis Elementary

58. Murdock Elementary

4179 Jim Owens Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: K-5 Students: 823 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 95 95 88 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 93 96 92

2320 Murdock Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 99 CRCT Reading Grade 5 99

(770) 975-6673 Teachers: 62 Science Social 90 92 Science Social 80 80

53. Mableton Elementary 5220 Church Street Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 90 CRCT Reading Grade 5 95

Students: 779 Language Math 99 96 Language Math 100 97

60. Nickajack Elementary (678) 842-6966 Teachers: 60 Science Social 83 79 Science Social 56 51

Students: 443 Language Math 90 83 Language Math 91 89

1599 Shallowford Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 Students: 476 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 100 98 95 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 98 97

(678) 842-5814 Teachers: 64 Science Social 78 75 Science Social 75 68

61. Norton Park Elementary (770) 578-7248 Teachers: 68 Science Social 99 99 Science Social 96 97

3041 Gray Road Smyrna, GA 30082 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 80 CRCT Reading Grade 5 82

Students: 635 Language Math 84 74 Language Math 85 80

(678) 842-5833 Teachers: 61 Science Social 65 54 Science Social 64 45

62. Pickett's Mill Elementary (770) 578-7265 Teachers: 61 Science Social 98 97 Science Social 96 93

6400 Old Stilesboro Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-5 Students: 678 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 97 92 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 98 98 96

(770) 975-6673 Teachers: 49 Science Social 94 95 Science Social 93 91

63. Pitner Elementary (770) 509-5071 Teachers: 59 Science Social 98 99 Science Social 97 97

59. Nicholson Elementary (770) 819-2513 Teachers: 39 Science Social 84 75 Science Social 82 78

4555 Mavell Road SE Smyrna, GA 30082 Grades: K-5 Students: 888 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 92 86 81 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 92 91 90

4575 Wade Green Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-5 Students: 904 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 93 86 78 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 97 97 90

(678) 594-8320 Teachers: 68 Science Social 77 71 Science Social 76 75

64. Powder Springs Elementary (770) 928-5573 Teachers: 41 Science Social 97 97 Science Social 90 86

4570 Grady Grier Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 786 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 86 83 76 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 81 83 70

(770) 222-3746 Teachers: 61 Science Social 61 63 Science Social 59 56

54. McCall Elementary 4496 Dixie Avenue Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: K-1 No scores available.

Students: 498

(770) 975-6775 Teachers: 45

EASTSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ESTABLISHED 1983

Your neighborhood Christian school... wherever your neighborhood may be A Christ-centered environment encouraging academic excellence K-5 - 8TH grade with the option of pre-1ST grade Accredited with Quality by Georgia Accrediting Commission Member of Association of Christian Schools International

Judith Cripps, Head of School

Small Student/Teacher Ratio Fine Arts & Athletics After-School Care

Kindergarten Open House & Dessert: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM Open House: Wednesdays at 9:30am JANUARY 11, 2012 & FEBRUARY 1, 2012 For more information or to schedule a campus visit, call 770-971-2332 or go to www.eastsidechristianschool.com Located in the heart of East Cobb County

2450 Lower Roswell Road • Marietta, GA 30068 P. 48

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

education FACTBOOK 2011 65. Powers Ferry Elementary

71. Sedalia Park Elementary

403 Powers Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30067 Grades: K-5 Students: 506 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 90 80 75 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 83 84 77

(770) 578-7936 Teachers: 46 Science Social 68 55 Science Social 60 43

2230 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30067 Grades: K-5 Students: 790 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 93 91 77 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 92 97 93

66. Riverside Intermediate

72. Shallowford Falls Elementary

285 South Gordon Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: 2-5 Students: 890 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 78 74 58 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 79 84 77

3529 Lassiter Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 99 CRCT Reading Grade 5 98

(770) 819-2553 Teachers: 59 Science Social 59 58 Science Social 55 50

Students: 661 Language Math 97 94 Language Math 99 98

67. Riverside Primary

73. Sky View Elementary

461 South Gordon Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-1 No scores available.

5805 Dunn Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: K-5 CRCT Reading Grade 3 91 CRCT Reading Grade 5 98

Students: 471

(770) 819-5851 Teachers: 45

68. Rocky Mount Elementary 2400 Rocky Mountain Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: K-5 Students: CRCT Reading Language Grade 3 100 99 CRCT Reading Language Grade 5 100 99

561 Math 95 Math 100

(770) 591-5050 Teachers: 48 Science Social 96 98 Science Social 95 96

3920 South Hurt Road Smyrna, GA 30082 Grades: K-5 Students: 674 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 92 87 80 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 89 91 88

(770) 437-5937 Teachers: 59 Science Social 84 81 Science Social 80 63

69. Russell Elementary

70. Sanders Elementary 1550 Anderson Mill Road SW Austell, GA 30106 Grades: K-5 Students: 841 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 84 81 66 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 89 88 79

Students: 397 Language Math 84 77 Language Math 94 85

76. Teasley Elementary (770) 509-5162 Teachers: 66 Science Social 80 82 Science Social 78 79

(770) 642-5610 Teachers: 49 Science Social 96 97 Science Social 97 98

5000 Timber Ridge Road Marietta, GA 30068 Grades: K-5 Students: CRCT Reading Language Grade 3 99 99 CRCT Reading Language Grade 5 99 99

581 Math 97 Math 100

(770) 642-5621 Teachers: 43 Science Social 99 97 Science Social 97 95

4435 Post Oak Tritt Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: K-5 Students: 887 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 98 97 97 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 100 99

(770) 642-5630 Teachers: 59 Science Social 97 97 Science Social 99 97

78. Tritt Elementary (770) 819-2584 Teachers: 38 Science Social 71 76 Science Social 80 73

79. Varner Elementary (770) 916-7085 Teachers: 80 Science Social 97 97 Science Social 97 97

75. Still Elementary 870 Casteel Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 744 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 97 96 91 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 100 98

(770) 437-5945 Teachers: 48 Science Social 82 83 Science Social 72 67

77. Timber Ridge Elementary

74. Sope Creek Elementary 3320 Paper Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067 Grades: K-5 Students: 1,143 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 98 98 97 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 99 97

3640 Spring Hill Road Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: K-5 Students: 738 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 93 94 78 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 93 96 96

4761 Gaydon Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 799 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 96 91 81 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 96 98 96

(770) 222-3775 Teachers: 64 Science Social 82 82 Science Social 83 83

80. Vaughan Elementary (678) 594-8287 Teachers: 69 Science Social 92 94 Science Social 93 96

(770) 819-2568 Teachers: 71 Science Social 66 63 Science Social 49 36

5950 Nichols Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: K-5 Students: 701 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 3 99 98 95 CRCT Reading Language Math Grade 5 99 99 99

(678) 594-8298 Teachers: 48 Science Social 98 94 Science Social 94 91

Source: Marietta City Schools, Cobb County Schools

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 49

education FACTBOOK 2011

A model of grace and class Hillgrove teen overcomes tragedy to earn degree, head to college

By Laura Braddick / lbraddick@mdjonline.com

illgrove High School senior Anton Xavier Clifford received his diploma this spring, though he wasn’t technically walking.

In fact, he’s not sure when he will walk again since he was left paralyzed by a 2009 car crash. But despite his injuries, he hasn’t skipped a beat and graduated right on time.

He also attended senior prom.

H

Staff/File

Anton Xavier Clifford was seriously injured in a 2009 car wreck, but came back to earn his diploma at Hillgrove High School and now eyes college.

When he first returned to school, his presence amazed his fellow students, said Anton, 18.

“They’re shocked to see me in a wheelchair with a positive attitude,” he said. “They think I should be sad. I tell them it’s all about the bigger picture. I say, ‘Don’t worry I’ll be walking again.’”

Looking back at his accomplishments, Anton said he is most proud of not what he’s achieved or learned, but his effect on others.

“That I actually changed the outlook on anybody’s lives is amazing,” he said.

While splitting his week between school and physical therapy, Anton made straight A’s last semester with the help of his teachers and a parapro who helps him take notes.

Anton plans to attend Kennesaw State University in the fall to pursue his bachelor’s degree in communications. His dream is to become a professional motivational speaker.

“Being in front of a crowd is nothing new to me,” he said.

SUPER SENIOR 2011

In December 2009, Anton was visiting family in Jamaica when a car he was riding in with three relatives was struck by a tractor-trailer, he said. Their car was ripped in half in the collision, and Anton’s favorite cousin, Marlen Nyack, died at the scene. Another cousin was comatose for three months but has since recovered, and a third cousin escaped with minimal injuries.

Doctors told Anton, who was 16 at the time, that he’d never move again below the neck. But Anton, the son of Celia and Anton Clifford of Marietta, refused to let his injuries break his spirit and proved those doctors wrong recently, after months of physical therapy at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

“I can now move both my arms. I’ve come a lot farther than they thought I would,” he said.

Principal Robert Shaw said Anton’s determination and attitude are an inspiration to other students.

“Anton has been a role model to all of us — students and teachers,” he said. “He has handled his accident with grace and class and a strong demonstration of his faith. He will be missed at Hillgrove, but I know great things are ahead for him.”

Anton’s attitude was so infectious, his fellow students voted him both Homecoming King and this year’s “Mr. Hillgrove.”

“I felt really touched to know I had the whole school standing behind me,” he said.

Open House: 2:00-4:00 pm November 13, 2011 January 22, 2012 March 4, 2012

Celebrating 50 years of Success in Classes for 2-Year-Olds through 8 TH Grade STRENGTHENING CHILDREN ACADEMICALLY IN A CHRIST-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT • National Accreditation • Small Teacher to Student Ratio • Physical Education Classes and Athletics

• Music , Band, Choir, Handbells • Drama, Art and Spanish • Before and After School Care • Summer and Holiday Camps

2111 Lower Roswell Road • Marietta, GA • 770-973-8921 • www.faithlcms.org

P. 50

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

education FACTBOOK 2011

Staff/Todd Hull

Ciera Echols carried a 4.508 grade point average at Marietta High School and will be attending Duke University.

Leading scorer That’s academically, as well as athletically, for Ciera Jones, who’s at the top of her game

By Kathryn Malone / kmalone@mdjonline.com

ard work is a value for Marietta High’s Ciera Echols. A two-sport varsity athlete, a Gates Millennium Scholar and the student body copresident — Ciera Echols has done it all at Marietta High School.

H

her at an early age the imporOn top of her laundry list of tance of working hard. academic and athletic awards, “I try to do my best in everyCiera, 18, graduated with a full thing so I won’t have any reInternational Baccalaureate degrets later,” Ciera said. gree and a 4.508 “When I started high grade point averSUPER school I just knew age. She is headthat I wanted to ing to Duke SENIOR work really hard. I University in the fall, 2011 was going to do my where she plans to best at whatever I did, study political science or and whatever grade I international relations. got as a result of As captain of the girls that I knew I was varsity basketball team, a going to be member of the girls varpleased with it.” sity track team, president of the In her senior year, Ciera’s Math Honor Society, and a hard work has paid off. She was member of the National Honor one of 1,000 students nationSociety, the Latin Honor Sociwide to receive the Gates Milety, the Spanish Honor Society lennium Scholarship. She also and the BETA Club, Ciera said received a partial scholarship she learned that the key to success in high school is time man- from the Alexis Grubbs Memorial Scholarship Fund. agement.

Noel Jenks, Ciera’s Latin “I just tried to balance my time the best way I could,” Ciera teacher at Marietta High School for four years, lauded the teen’s said. “I still managed to have an amazing high school experience. dedication.

I wasn’t studying every night, “She’s an excellent student,” but still realizing what was imJenks said of Ciera. “She is very portant, which was school.” reliable. She does her preparaThe Marietta High School tion well. She’s not afraid to ask senior said her parents, Harvey questions. She makes sure she and Jeanine Echols, instilled in understands the material.”

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 51

education FACTBOOK 2011

A GUIDE TO...

23

Cobb / Marietta

3 37

29 10

schools

22

Language 92

34

9 43 44

18

Math 67

40

(770) 429-3115 Teachers: 45

2. Marietta Middle School

CRCT Reading Grade 8 94

7

24

No scores available.

121 Winn Street Northwest Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: 7-8 Students: 1,116

20 35 25 15

1. Marietta Sixth Grade Academy Students: 596

21

42

Marietta City middle schools 340 Aviation Road SE Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: 6

33

4

31

2

11

1

28

(770) 422-0311 Teachers: 79 Science 64

8

19 32

Social 73

Cobb County Schools

Cobb middle schools 3601 Nowlin Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

Students: 866 Language 98

26

36

3. Awtrey Middle School

Math 90

(770) 975-6615 Teachers: 55 Science 80

CRCT Reading Grade 8 98

5

Social 87

6

Students: 955 Language 97

Math 72

13

(770) 975-6764 Teachers: 58 Science 69

Michael Hinojosa, superintendent

30

27

4. Barber Middle School 4222 Cantrell Road Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: 6-8

38

(770) 426-3454 cobbk12.org

14 41

12 17

Social 83

City of Marietta Schools

16

5. Campbell Middle School 3295 South Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080 Grades: 6-8 Students: 1,234 CRCT Reading Grade 8 93

Language 88

Math 66

(678) 842-6873 Teachers: 74 Science 43

Social 62

2011 scores; numbers are percentages of students who met or exceeded standards.

39

Emily Lembeck, superintendent (770) 422-3500 www.marietta-city.k12.ga.us

6. Cooper Middle School 4605 Ewing Road Austell, GA 30106 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 97

Students: 839 Language 94

Math 79

(770) 819-2438 Teachers: 56 Science 65

Social 64

2900 Scott Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 97

Students: 976 Language 95

Math 82

(678) 594-8048 Teachers: 60 Science 80

Social 75

CRCT Reading Grade 8 100

Students: 1,163 Language 99

Math 98

(770) 578-2710 Teachers: 73 Science 96

Social 96

CRCT Reading Grade 8 100

Students: 1,196

Language 100

Math 99

(770) 578-2726 Teachers: 74 Science 95

Social 96

2891 Mars Hill Road Northwest Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: 6-8 Students: 1,106

P. 52

Language 98

Language 91

Math 66

Science 61

Social 69

4803 Floyd Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 96

Students: 805 Language 89

Math 57

Language 87

Math 89

(770) 975-6641 Teachers: 69 Science 84

Social 92

4010 King Springs Road Smyrna, GA 30082 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 96

Math 66

Language 99

Math 97

(770) 578-7225 Teachers: 65 Science 94

Social 96

(770) 819-2453 Teachers: 40 Science 61

Social 67

1550 Pebblebrook Circle Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: 6

Students: 495

(770) 819-2496 Teachers: 36

No scores available.

(770) 819-2466 Teachers: 60 Science 41

Social 42

50 Veterans Memorial Highway Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: 7-8 Students: 978 CRCT Reading Grade 8 97

Language 94

Math 63

(770) 819-2496 Teachers: 70 Science 48

Social 67

18. Lost Mountain Middle School

Students: 1,045

Language 93

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

Students: 968

17. Lindley Middle School

5235 Austell-Powder Springs Road Austell, GA 30106 Grades: 6-8 Students: 918 CRCT Reading Grade 8 96

3905 Post Oak Tritt Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: 6-8

16. Lindley Sixth Grade Academy

14. Griffin Middle School

10. Durham Middle School

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

CRCT Reading Grade 8 95

Students: 1,331

(770) 578-2740 Teachers: 85

13. Garrett Middle School

9. Dodgen Middle School 1725 Bill Murdock Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: 6-8

380 Holt Road Marietta, GA 30068 Grades: 6-8

12. Floyd Middle School

8. Dickerson Middle School 855 Woodlawn Drive Marietta, GA 30068 Grades: 6-8

15. Hightower Trail Middle School

11. East Cobb Middle School

7. Daniell Middle School

Math 70

(678) 842-6917 Teachers: 73 Science 54

Social 60

700 Old Mountain Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: 6-8 CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

Students: 1,093

Language 98

Math 95

(678) 594-8224 Teachers: 57 Science 90

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Social 92

education FACTBOOK 2011 19. Lovinggood Middle School

25. Simpson Middle School

3825 Luther Ward Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: 6-8 Students: 1,189

3340 Trickum Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 6-8

CRCT Reading Grade 8 98

Language 97

Math 93

(678) 331-3015 Teachers: 72 Science 86

Social 90

CRCT Reading Grade 8 100

30. Campbell High School

Students: 827 Language 100

Math 96

20. Mabry Middle School

26. Smitha Middle School

2700 Jims Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 6-8

2025 Powder Springs Road Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: 6-8 Students: 869

CRCT Reading Grade 8 100

Students: 805 Language 98

Math 99

(770) 928-5546 Teachers: 51 Science 95

Social 90

CRCT Reading Grade 8 93

Language 92

Math 65

27. Tapp Middle School

4080 Maybreeze Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 6-8

3900 Macedonia Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: 6-8 Students: 640

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

Students: 652 Language 96

Math 83

Science 73

Social 80

22. McClure Middle School

CRCT Reading Grade 8 98

Language 94

Science 91

Social 93

5265 Ward Street Smyrna GA 30080 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 53

Students: 2,362 SAT Reading 495

SAT Math 485

(678) 594-8267 Teachers: 63 Science 46

Social 46

4500 Due West Road Kennesaw GA 30152 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 82

Students: 2,100

SAT Reading 531

SAT Math 536

Math 76

(770) 222-3758 Teachers: 46 Science 78

Social 74

4165 Luther Ward Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: 9-12 Students: 2,065 % Taking SAT 74

SAT Reading 498

SAT Math 493

33. Kell High School

2010 SAT Scores Scores for each section of the test can range from 200 to 800 points.

% Taking SAT 72

23. Palmer Middle School

28. Marietta High School

34. Kennesaw Mountain High School

690 North Booth Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: 6-8

1171 Whitlock Avenue Marietta, GA 30064 Grades: 9-12

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

Language 98

Math 95

Students: 1,044 Language 95

Math 89

(678) 331-8131 Teachers: 70 Science 84

Social 88

(770) 591-5020 Teachers: 64 Science 81

Social 83

# Taking SAT 227

Students: 2,016

SAT Reading 492

SAT Math 509

24. Pine Mountain Middle School

29. Allatoona High School

2720 Pine Mountain Circle Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: 6-8 Students: 751

3300 Dallas-Acworth Highway Acworth, GA 30101 Grades: 9-12 Students: 1,737

CRCT Reading Grade 8 99

P. 54

Language 94

Math 79

(678) 594-8252 Teachers: 53 Science 70

Social 75

% Taking SAT 66

SAT Reading 489

SAT Writing 484

Total 1464

(678) 594-8104 Teachers: 106 SAT Writing 510

Total 1577

32. Hillgrove High School

Marietta City high school and Cobb high schools

3660 Old Stilesboro Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: 6-8 Students: 1,137

(678) 842-6850 Teachers: 146

31. Harrison High School

21. McCleskey Middle School (770) 928-5560 Teachers: 49

(770) 971-4711 Teachers: 54

4770 Lee Waters Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 9-12

(770) 428-2631 Teachers: 134 SAT Writing 480

Total 1481

Students: 1,713

SAT Reading 504

SAT Math 519

1898 Kennesaw-Due West Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 Grades: 9-12 Students: 1,865 % Taking SAT 69

SAT Reading 519

SAT Math 530

(678) 331-3961 Teachers: 111 SAT Writing 481

Total 1472

(678) 494-7844 Teachers: 91 SAT Writing 489

Total 1512

(678) 594-8190 Teachers: 103 SAT Writing 504

Total 1553

35. Lassiter High School

SAT Math 490

(770) 529-7743 Teachers: 92 SAT Writing 475

Total 1454

2601 Shallowford Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 88

Students: 1,990

SAT Reading 546

SAT Math 562

(678) 494-7863 Teachers: 116 SAT Writing 525

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Total 1633

education FACTBOOK 2011

36. McEachern High School

41. South Cobb High School

2400 New Macland Road Powder Springs, GA 30127 Grades: 9-12 Students: 2,240 % Taking SAT 60

SAT Reading 454

SAT Math 449

(770) 222-3710 Teachers: 124 SAT Writing 438

Total 1341

37. North Cobb High School

SAT Reading 491

SAT Math 478

(770) 975-6685 Teachers: 142 SAT Writing 467

Total 1436

38. Osborne High School 2451 Favor Road Marietta, GA 30060 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 42

SAT Math 399

(770) 437-5900 Teachers: 126 SAT Writing 388

Total 1196

39. Pebblebrook High School 991 Old Alabama Road Mableton, GA 30126 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 52

SAT Math 437

(770) 819-2521 Teachers: 113 SAT Writing 431

Total 1306

40. Pope High School 3001 Hembree Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: 9-12 % Taking SAT 81

SAT Math 444

SAT Writing 438

2525 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 Grades: 9-12 Students: 1,865 % Taking SAT 56

SAT Reading 497

SAT Math 493

(770) 578-3200 Teachers: 116 SAT Writing 466

1590 Bill Murdock Road Marietta, GA 30062 Grades: 9-12

Total 1456

% Taking SAT 94

(770) 578-3225 Teachers: 141

Students: 2,649

SAT Reading 565

SAT Math 593

SAT Writing 553

375 Holt Road Marietta, GA 30068 Grades: 9-12

Total 1711

% Taking SAT 68

(770) 578-3266 Teachers: 134

Students: 2,175

SAT Reading 554

SAT Math 563

SAT Writing 538

Source: Marietta City Schools, Cobb County Schools

Students: 1,750

SAT Reading 547

Total 1329

44. Wheeler High School

Students: 2,095

SAT Reading 438

Students: 1,970 SAT Reading 447

LIVING IN COBB 2011

43. Walton High School

Students: 1,804

SAT Reading 409

% Taking SAT 46

(770) 819-2611 Teachers: 111

42. Sprayberry High School

3400 Highway 293 North Kennesaw, GA 30144 Grades: 9-12 Students: 2,620 % Taking SAT 55

1920 Clay Road Austell, GA 30106 Grades: 9-12

SAT Math 566

Total 1655

Access this unprecedented section in the Marietta Daily Journal all year long online at

www.mdjonline.com

(770) 578-7900 Teachers: 103 SAT Writing 540

Total 1653

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 55

education FACTBOOK 2011

COBB PRIVATE SCHOOLS Carman Adventist School 1330 North Cobb Parkway,

Marietta, 30062 Phone: (770) 424-0606 Website: www.caschool.org Principal: Steve Wilson Accreditation: SACS, NCPSA, GAPSAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 103 Number of Teachers: 6 Grades Offered: K-8 Application Opens: July 1 Application Fee: $100; Registration Fee $475 Application Deadline: Aug. 1 Average Tuition: $3,800 After-School Care: Yes (and before school care) Year Established: 1958

Casa Montessori School

150 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, 30067 Phone: (770) 973-2731 Website: www.casamontessori.com Director: Florence Johnson Accreditation: AMI Enrollment: About 160 Number of Teachers: 20 Grades Offered: Primary-6 (ages 2 ½12) Application Opens: Open Enrollment Average Tuition: $7,800-$10,100 After-School Care: No Year Established: 1974

Cobb County Christian School

545 Lorene Drive, Marietta, 30060 Phone: (770) 434-1320 Website: www.openbibleministry.org Director: Gloria Kelley Accreditation: ACSI Enrollment: 50 Number of Teachers: 6/0/2/8 Grades Offered: K3-12 Application Opens: February Application Fee: $25 Application Deadline: Open Average Tuition: $4,050 After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1971

Cornerstone Preparatory Academy

4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth, 30101 Phone: 770.529.7077 Website: www.cornerstoneprep.org Administrator: Jeanne Borders Accreditation: SACS, ACSI Member 2010-2011 Enrollment: 350 Number of Teachers: 44 Grades Offered: K-12 Application Opens: Fall Semester opens in January and Spring Semester opens in August Application Fee: $50 per student Application Deadline: Fall Semester August; Spring Semester January Average Tuition: $125 per semester hour (full course load $1500 elementary per semester, $2250 secondary school per semester) Special Programs: Elementary: flag football, junior cross-country, chess club, ABC Improv Club, various ACSI academic competitions,

P. 56

Covenant Christian School

3130 Atlanta Road, Smyrna, 30080 Phone: (770) 435-1596 Website: www.ccssmyrna.org Headmaster: Randy Ball 2010-2011 Enrollment: 160 Number of Teachers: 18 Grades Offered: K4-8 Application Opens: Feb. 1 Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: Open Average Tuition: $3,850 - $7,250 Special Programs: classical

curriculum After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1975

Covered Bridge Academy

488 Hurt Road, Smyrna, 30082 Phone: (770) 801-8292 Website:

clubs, international program, college preparatory curriculum, fine arts program, peer leadership program After-School Care: No Year Established: 1997

East Cobb Christian School

4616 Roswell Road N.E., Marietta,

30062 Phone: (770) 565-0881 Website: www.eccs.org Principal: Teresa Staley Accreditation: GAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 130 Number of Teachers: 22 Grades Offered: K-8 Application Opens: Jan. 23 Application Fee: $75 Application Deadline: When full Special Programs: Charlotte Mason Emphasis, Spanish, ExploreMore program for K-3

After-School Care: No Year Established: 1987

Eastside Christian School

2450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, 30068 Phone: (770) 971-2332 Website: www.eastsidechristianschool.com Principal: Judith Cripps Accreditation: GAC; Member ACSI 2010-2011 Enrollment: 340 Number of Teachers: 50 Grades Offered: K5-8; optional prefirst Application Opens: Immediately Application Fee: $50 Application Deadline: None Average Tuition: $5,335-$7,524 Special Programs: academic clubs, athletic teams and individual sports, art, music and drama ensembles, pro-

gressive computer application courses, Spanish After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1983

Faith Lutheran School

2111 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, 30068 Phone: (770) 973-8921 Website: faithmarietta.com Principal: Jack D. Hibbs Accreditation: National Lutheran Schools Accreditation, SACS 2010-2011 Enrollment: 220 Number of Teachers: 18 Grades Offered: PS-8 Application Opens: Jan. 21 Application Fee: $25; Testing Fee $50 Application Deadline: Rolling Average Tuition: $4,225 - $6,675

See Private, P. 60

www.coveredbridgeacademy.com Director: Kate Garrett Accreditation: In process (GA Accrediting Commission) 2010-2011 Enrollment: 90 Number of Teachers: 15 Grades Offered: Pre K through 3rd Application Opens: Continuing Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: Rolling Average Tuition: $6,400-$10,700 Special Programs: music, art, Spanish, physical education, Montessori curriculum After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1999

Cumberland Christian Academy

2356 Clay Road, Austell, 30106 Phone: (770) 819-5040 Website:

www.cumberlandchristian.org Headmaster: Larry F. Kendrick Accreditation: GAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 305 Number of Teachers: 35 Grades Offered: K3-12 Application Opens: March 1 Application Fee: $550 Application Deadline: Open Average Tuition: $3,990-$6,990 (for first child, discount for subsequent child) Special Programs: basketball, golf, volleyball, baseball, softball, crosscountry, tennis, cheerleading After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1989

Dominion Christian

4607 Burnt Hickory Road, Acworth, 30064 Phone: (770) 420-2153 Website: www.dominionchristian.org Headmaster: Joe Bradley Accreditation: ACSI, SACS 2010-2011 Enrollment: 224 Number of Teachers: 31 (including staff) Grades Offered: 6-12 Application Opens: January Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: N/A Average Tuition — Middle School: $6,200-8,300 and High School: $11,500 Special Programs: athletics, various

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

education FACTBOOK 2011

COBB COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Degrees and dollars

Chattahoochee Technical College

KSU, SPSU have nearly $1B economic impact on metro area

www.chattahoocheetech.edu

980 South Cobb Drive SE Marietta GA 770-528-4545

Life University www.life.edu 1269 Barclay Circle Marietta GA 678-426-2600

Southern Polytechnic State University www.spsu.edu 1100 South Marietta Parkway

Marietta GA 678-915-7778

Kennesaw State University www.kennesaw.edu 1000 Chastain Road NW Kennesaw GA 770-423-6000

University of Phoenix www.phoenix.edu 1850 Parkway Place Marietta GA 770-528-4545

DeVry University www.devry.edu 100 Galleria Pkwy SE St. 100 Atlanta 770-916-3704

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Southern Polytechnic State and Kennesaw State universities together had an almost $1 billion economic impact on Cobb County and metro Atlanta in fiscal year 2010, according to a study by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

“Colleges and universities are key drivers in economic development,” said Jeffrey M. Humphries, Selig Center director of economic forecasting, the study’s author. “Higher-education institutions educate the workforce, innovate through basic and applied research and collaborate with employers to help them become more competitive.”

Economic data was collected using spending by students, university spending on personal services and operating expenses, gross regional product, income, and full- and part-time jobs from each university in the University System from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.

The Regents then commissioned the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business to analyze the data and calculate the total impact each university had on its local economy.

KSU came out on top in Cobb, as the study said its impact on the 28-county metro Atlanta region totaled about $800.3 million. That’s nearly $100 million more than the university’s $701 million impact calculated for FY09.

SPSU’s economic impact was calculated at more than $192.2 million, also up from the $165 million calculated for FY09.

‘Kennesaw State’s impact on the local economy is substantial and expanding.’

— Dr. Dan Papp, KSU president

$800.3M

$192.2M

KSU’s impact on the Atlanta Metro area

SPSU’s impact on the Atlanta Metro area

8,870

1,183

Number of fulland part-time jobs created by KSU on- and offcampus

Number of fulland part-time jobs created by SPSU on- and off-campus

The study concluded that the economic impact to the entire state by all 35 institu-

tions in the University System totaled $12.6 billion in FY10. Overall, the University System was responsible for 130,738 full- and part-time jobs, with approximately 34 percent being on-campus jobs and 66 percent being positions in the private and public sectors. In terms of jobs, KSU generated 8,870 full- and part-time positions and 5,705 — or about 55 percent of those positions — were off-campus jobs in the public or private sectors “because of the presence of KSU in the community,” a news release sent out by KSU said.

“Kennesaw State’s impact on the local economy is substantial and expanding,” KSU President Dr. Daniel S. Papp said.

“With a growing student body of more than 23,400, we are proud to call Cobb County home and to contribute in such a significant manner to the region’s success.”

Total spending due to KSU’s presence was estimated at $507.8 million. Of that, the university’s spending — which includes salaries, fringe benefits, operating expenses and other budgeted expenditures — came to about $229.8 million. Spending by students was calculated about 21 percent greater at $278 million. SPSU, located in Marietta, saw more even distribution of university and student spending. Of the university’s total spending calculated at $122.5 million, $60.4 million of that was generated by the university while student spending generated about 3 percent more, at $62.1 million.

SPSU contributed 1,813 jobs to the Cobb community with 464 of those being on-campus and 1,349 existing because of other jobs created by the university in the public and private sectors.

SPSU holds 100th commencement, graduates largest class

By Marcus E. Howard mhoward@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Southern Polytechnic State University recently celebrated its 100th commencement, graduating its largest class of 430 students.

This year’s spring commencement graduates came from 18 states, 30 countries and ranged in age from 20 to 66, said SPSU President Lisa Rossbacher.

Eighty-one percent were undergraduates, 25 percent were women and about onethird of them received degrees in engineering-related fields. The average grade point average was 3.11.

Among the graduates were Billy Olden of Grayson, the first graduate of

SPSU’s Computer Game Design and Development program, launched in 2009.

Kay Kyaw of Marietta and Ahmed Ali of Sandy Springs each earned the university’s first bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a program added in 2007.

And the first graduates in Georgia to receive degrees in mechatronic engineering also graduated. SPSU is the only institution in the state to offer the program, launched in 2007, which integrates mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science. Christopher Mocko, a 2006 Kennesaw Mountain High School graduate, was one of the 12 students who received degrees in the program.

“This is quite possibly the single most significant thing that I have ever done

with my life,” said Mocko, 23, after the ceremony. “It’s really great and really good to be done.”

Acworth resident DeWayne Alcorn was this year’s President’s Distinguished Scholar. The honor – awarded to the graduate with the highest grade point average – was presented to him because of his 4.0 GPA. In commemoration of the 63-year-old university’s 100th commencement, each faculty member received a bronze graduation medallion, as well as the graduates.

A small, musical ensemble provided live music during the ceremony. And the university invited all alumni and former faculty to the commencement, including those who graduated from the original

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Chamblee campus in DeKalb County.

SPSU was initially a two-year division of Georgia Tech and first opened its doors as the Technical Institute in Chamblee with 116 students, most of whom were World War II veterans. The institution moved to Marietta in the 1950s.

Ed Stewart of Chamblee was a member of the first SPSU graduating class in 1949. He joined other alumni who graduated from the old Chamblee campus at a special, post ceremony reception in the new campus dining hall.

“It feels good to be back and this is a tremendous campus,” said Steward, a retired general contractor. “The state of Georgia has been good to Southern Polytech.”

P. 57

education FACTBOOK 2011

Private Continued from P. 56

After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1998

Mount Paran Christian School

1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw,

30152

Special Programs: competitive

sports, choral, band, handbells, Spanish After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1958

In His Image Christian Academy 630 Kurt Drive, Marietta, 30008 Phone: (770) 434-3340 Website:

www.inhisimageministry.org Headmaster: Warren Dillon 2009-2010 Enrollment: 20 Number of Teachers: 3 Grades Offered: K-12 Tuition: $350 per month; electives additional After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1998

Mableton Christian Academy

6485 Factory Shoals Road, Mable-

ton, 30126 Phone: (770) 948-7971 Principal/Administrator: David Martin Accreditation: GAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 25 Number of Teachers: 5 Grades Offered: PK-12 Application Opens: February Application Deadline: until full Average Tuition: $4,400-$5,600 Special programs: music; student conventions After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1978

Midway Covenant Christian School

4635 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs, 30127 Phone: (770) 590-1866 Website: www.midwayschool.org Administrator: Barbara Kline Accreditation: ACSI member 2010-2011 Enrollment: 325 Number of Teachers: 25 Grades Offered: K4-8 Application Opens: February Application Fee: $125 Application Deadline: None Average Tuition: $2,455-$5,415 Special Programs: band, chorus, computers, basketball, cheerleading, baseball, cross country, volleyball, tennis.

After-School Care: No Year Established: 1996

Phone: (770) 578-0182 Website: www.mtparanschool.com Headmaster: David W. Tilley Accreditation: SACS-SAIS 2010-2011 Enrollment: 1,200 Number of Teachers: 93 Grades Offered: PK3-12 Application Opens: Rolling Application Fee: $75 Application Deadline: Rolling Average Tuition: $2,857-$13,759 Special Programs: performing arts

magnet program, athletics (including equestrian, competition cheerleading, lacrosse, and wrestling) with enhanced facilities, encore/gifted program, AP & honors courses, foreign language, unique course offerings (greek, criminalistics, marine biology, and Christian apologetics), study abroad, directed studies, peer mentoring (plus 28 other clubs/organizations), executive internships, Georgia GOAL Scholarship participant After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1976

North Cobb Christian School

4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw, 30144 Phone: (770) 975-0252 Website: www.ncchristian.org Head of School: Todd Clingman Accreditation: SACS, ACSI, GAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 840 Number of Teachers: 75 Grades Offered: K3-12 Application Opens: Oct. 15 Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: Rolling Average Tuition: $3,285-$11,545 Special Programs: academies, arts, di-

rected studies, gifted, athletics, missions, summer camps, spring term After-School Care: Yes (for K3 & up) Year Established: 1983

Praise Academy

4052 Hiram-Lithia Springs Road,

Powder Springs, 30127 Phone: (770) 943-2484 Website: www.praiseacademy.com Principal: Georgia White Administrator: Joe White Accreditation: SACS, ACSI 2010-2011 Enrollment: 250 Number of Teachers: 18 Grades Offered: K3-12 Application Opens: Feb. 1 Application Fee: $150 Average Tuition: $2,500-$4,800 Special Programs: AP/dual credit courses, music, arts, athletics, chess and robotics club After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1983

Shiloh Hills Christian School

260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw, 30144 Phone: (770) 926-7729 Website: www.shilohhills.com Administrator: John D. Ward Accreditation: GACS, GPSAC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 275 Number of Teachers: 45 Grades Offered: K3-12 Application Opens: Feb. 1 Application Fee: $100; late charge after July 20 Application Deadline: Until full Average Tuition: $4,321-$7,345 After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1980

St. Joseph Catholic School

81 Lacy Street, Marietta, 30060 Phone: (770) 428-3328 Website: www.stjosephschool.org Principal: Patricia Allen Accreditation: SACS, SAIS

Current Enrollment: 490 Number of Teachers: 49 Grades Offered: K-8 Application Opens: Rolling Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: Rolling Average Tuition: $5,791 (Catholic);

$7,528 (non-Catholic/non-participating Catholic) Special Programs: basketball, girls volleyball, LEGO robotics, praise band, drama, Scouts After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1953

The Walker School

700 Cobb Parkway N., Marietta,

30062

Phone: (678) 581-6891 Website: www.thewalkerschool.org Head of School: Jack Hall Accreditation: SACS/SAIS 2010-2011 Enrollment: 1,074 Number of Teachers: 160 Grades Offered: PK-12 Application Opens: Sept. 1 Application Fee: $75 Application Deadline: Feb. 21 Average Tuition: $9,605-$17,175 Special Programs: science lab, for-

eign language, multicultural education, AP courses After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1957

The Wood Acres School

1772 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, 30062 Phone: (770) 971-1880 Website: www.woodacresschool.org Head of School: Judy T. Thigpen 2010-2011 Enrollment: 400 Number of Teachers: 70 Grades Offered: PS-8 Application Opens: November Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: Feb. 15;

rolling admissions Average Tuition: $3,000-$9,000 Special Programs: Spanish, music, art, computer lab, science lab, chess club After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1969

Whitefield Academy 1 Whitefield Drive SE, Mableton,

30126 Phone: (678) 305-3000 Website:

www.whitefieldacademy.com Academic Dean: Dr. Kevin Bracher Upper School Principal: Dr. Susan

Banke Middle School Principal: Dr. Ronald

Farrar Lower School Principal: Jeannie Brostrand Accreditation: SACS/SAIC 2010-2011 Enrollment: 638 Number of Teachers: 110 (employees) Grades Offered: PK4-12 Application Opens: Oct. 1 Application Fee: $65 Application Deadline: Feb. 18 Average Tuition: $9,400 to $18,750 Advanced placement and honors courses: 25 Athletic: 21 varsity teams; 50 athletic teams total Special Programs: Black History Month, chapel, Fine Arts Month, peer mentoring, academic enrichment center, parent prayer group, summer academic enrichment program, summer sports samps; upper school programs: college tours, Community Service Day, life and career planning, newspaper, PLAN/PSAT testing, SAT testing center, yearbook After-School Care: Yes Year Established: 1997

Mount Bethel Christian Academy

4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, 30068 Phone: (770) 971-0245 Website: www.mtbethelchristian.org Director: Jim Callis Accreditation: SAIS, SACS 2010-2011 Enrollment: 488 Number of Teachers: 40-50 Grades Offered: Kindergarten prep-8 Application Opens: November Application Fee: $100 Application Deadline: February (for first-round acceptance) Average Tuition: $8,800-$10,000 Special Programs: Latin, Spanish, logic, Bible, fine arts, media, clubs, technology, athletics, band, chorus

P. 60

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

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education FACTBOOK 2011

Hinojosa Continued from P. 43 Another question asked about the dual-language program in Dallas.

“Learning English was nonnegotiable,” Hinojosa said.

“That’s the language of commerce, but we also didn’t want them to lose their Spanish. We wanted them to be fluently bilingual. ... So we had to have the staff to do that and we had to meet the state law — the Texas Education Code. And as a result of us recruiting internationally, we met that requirement.”

Along the same lines, a questioner at Sprayberry asked Hinojosa if he would require all principals to learn Spanish, a policy he was rumored to have implemented in Dallas.

To that question, Hinojosa laughed and said “absolutely not.” He explained that the policy that required all principals to learn Spanish at Dallas ISD was passed by the district’s board when he was first hired.

Following that meeting, Michael Opitz, a 30-year Cobb resident and president of the Madison Forum, a Mariettabased government watchdog group, expressed his concerns about Hinojosa.

“He didn’t know the ACT and SAT scores (of Dallas ISD),” Opitz said. “He avoided the answer. That’s not honest.

Why would you hire a superintendent from an under-performing district and bring him to a high-performing district?”

At the June 5 meeting when the board hired Hinojosa, Opitz and a small group of protesters from various conservative organizations, such as the Madison Forum, Conservative Leadership Coalition and Georgia Tea Party, gathered to protest the board as it voted to hire Hinojosa.

But despite the objection, the board still voted 6-0, with David Banks absent, to hire Hinojosa.

Banks seemed to be the only board member who objected to hiring Hinojosa. In a message addressed to board Chairwoman Alison Bartlett and sent to the Journal on June 5, Banks stated he would have voted against appointing Hinojosa. Though he said he would support whoever was eventually chosen, Banks made it clear his preference was for someone from within the district.

“I have stated from the be-

P. 62

ginning my preference for the selection of an in-house person to be the next Cobb County School superintendent,” Banks stated. “It was and is my belief that in-house candidates that applied were part of a proven team that has built one (of) the most successful educational systems in the nation. Had I read about or heard of an outside candidate with a track record equal to or exceeding our in-house candidates I would have been open to someone from outside the district.”

Bartlett and the other board members, however, stood by their choice for the next chief of Cobb Schools.

Hinojosa signed his contract on June 3. He will receive a compensation package totaling more than $277,000. He will also be receiving more than $200,000 per year in retirement pay from the state of Texas, he told the Journal.

While Hinojosa will make considerably less than he does at his current job as the superintendent of Dallas Independent School District, where he brings in $328,000 a year, his contract includes various perks and benefits that add up to more than $40,000.

Outgoing Superintendent Fred Sanderson, who retired June 30, earned about $261,309 this year, which includes benefits and a $9,600 car allowance.

As for the perks in Hinojosa’s contract, he will receive $250 a month for his cellphone and home Internet access for business use only. He will also receive an $800 monthly car allowance and will be reimbursed for gas. His retirement benefits include a district match each year of about 8 percent of his annual salary, which equals about $18,960.

The district will pay moving expenses for Hinojosa to relocate to Cobb, where he is required to live as superintendent of the district, from his home in Dallas. Hinojosa will receive up to $2,000 a month for up to six months for temporary housing costs and will be reimbursed for the cost of one trip per month for up to six months for travel between Georgia and Texas.

Besides the 20 vacation days Hinojosa will be allotted at his start date, the new superintendent will be given 10 one-time vacation days that will expire July 31. He will also be allowed to accumulate up to 20 vacation days per year.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

LEADING THE WAY FOR COBB THE COBB BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS / P. 65

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK

PAGE 63

REP. ALISHA THOMAS MORGAN / P. 68

REPRESENTING COBB UNDER THE DOME SENATORS JUDSON HILL (L), STEVE THOMPSON / P. 66

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK 2011

Cobb, circa 2011: Dollars and sense Commissioners look for ways to stem flow of red ink in county

By Laura Braddick lbraddick@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — If the year 2011 in county government has a theme, it might be dollars and sense.

Early this year, several months into the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, Cobb County Commissioners realized the county’s tax revenue would fall nearly $31 million below earlier expectations, causing a crisis for the $328.3 million budget approved last fall.

In April, commissioners ultimately approved a package to stem that red ink by cutting all departmental operating budgets by 10 percent, closing two senior centers, and forcing all 4,000 county employees to take five

P. 64

unpaid days off.

Now, as they begin creating a budget for 2012, the county must find a way to close a gap of about $20 million. Increasing the millage, or property-tax, rate is one way.

In late June, Chairman Tim Lee told a civic-club audience: “I am $20 million in the hole for 2012 because of projected revenue declines. I’m here to tell you that means one of two things: Either we figure out a new revenue source to help offset that, or we cut departments and people from this organization,” Lee said. “There is no more cutting to be done.”

Lee expects commissioners to adopt a 2012 budget on Sept. 13.

Although Lee has already said across-the-board cuts will have to stay in place, he said he does not anticipate doing mandatory furlough days again.

“We want to present a budget

that is sustainable, and First and foremost in not full of one-time looking at shaping a yearly fixes,” he said. “If budget, commissioners through the evaluation agree on the three main process it appears I can’t priorities. present a sus“No. 1 is public tainable safety,” said Combudget to promissioner Bob Ott, vide neceswho represents sary services, southeast Cobb.

I may pres“The three ent two main things budgets — county govone with a ernment tax inCommission Chairman Tim Lee says is mancrease and raising taxes may be inevitable if dated to one withprovide Cobb is to close a $20 million deficit out.” in the budget. Cover: With Lee, cen- are public Lee safety, ter, are commissioners, from left, said he is water and Helen Goreham, Bob Ott, Woody asking de- Thompson and Jo Ann Birrell. roads. We partments want to for their bottom lines. provide a consistent level of “I’ve sent out a memo to staff public safety. We’ve got to proasking what you did to adjust the vide water and make sure we budget that is not sustainable can maintain our roads.”

But this year’s process is going forward,” he said.

more hands-on for the commissioner than in the past.

Commissioner Woody Thompson, who is in his third term representing southwest Cobb, said: “In the past, typically the staff would be the ones that bring the budget to us, but because of our proactive work, we’ve worked with them closer than years before.”

Thompson has been meeting with public-safety leaders to discuss how cuts affect their operations.

“They talk about flexing overtime with the strange hours that they have,” he said. “The furloughs added more to their problems. I want to do everything I can especially with beat cops and cops on the street to prevent more furloughs. It plays havoc with their schedule.”

Besides eliminating furloughs and cutting services to

See SENSE, P. 70

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK 2011 hgoreham@cobbcounty.org / (770) 528-3313

joann.birrell@cobbcounty.org / (770) 528-3317

Despite economy, Goreham pushes business development

In her first year on board, Birrell already meeting goals

By Laura Braddick lbraddick@mdjonline.com

WEST COBB — Even though the economic recession has slowed development, Commissioner Helen Goreham is not letting that stop her from making sure the county is business-ready.

“I want to see Cobb positioned during this economic downturn in a manner that will enable the county to take advantage of the economic upswing when that happens, and not be in a position where it has to play catchup,” she said.

Goreham believes her district will play an important role in that recovery.

In her northwest Cobb district, which includes the cities of Kennesaw and Acworth, she is focusing on two areas prime for investment.

Goreham wants the county to analyze land use at Old Highway 41 and Kennesaw Avenue, and also along with the

northwest section of Cobb along U.S. 41 from Cedarcrest to Bartow County.

“This area will be the center of significant growth in the future and the county needs to be ready for it,” she said.

Maintaining the county’s conservative fiscal nature is another priority, she said.

When she took office for her third term in January, Goreham said she made it her goal to add a full-time veterinarian to the Animal Control staff and create the Friends of Leona Price Park — both of which were accomplished by June.

First elected in 2002, Goreham is the first woman to serve three consecutive terms on the commission.

She and her husband, Len, have two adult children — a son and daughter.

Goreham also is a licensed physical therapist.

1

By Laura Braddick lbraddick@mdjonline.com

NORTHEAST COBB — Halfway through her first year in office, Commissioner JoAnn Birrell has already met several personal goals.

In May, the Mabry Park master plan was approved by commissioners. And Birrell’s Keep it in Cobb business initiative has taken off.

“It feels wonderful to reach these milestones, especially in the first sixth months in office,” Birrell said.

Keep it in Cobb was launched during her 2010 campaign as a way to encourage economic activity in the county.

“The mission is to create

awareness for businesses, governments and residents to choose local Cobb County entities when making purchases,” she said. “Local not only includes your ‘mom and pop’ stores but also medium to large businesses.”

With the approval of the Mabry Park master plan, the grassroots-supported green space is on its way to transform from an open pasture to useable park land. Mabry Park is off Wesley Chapel and Sandy Plains Roads.

Birrell has lived in Cobb County for 15 years. She was a community relations manager for Waste Management for 18 years before her election and now is a part-time contract employee for the firm.

She and her husband, Dave, are members of the Catholic Church of St. Ann in east Cobb. She has two stepchildren.

Birrell said her experience so far as a commissioner has been very challenging.

“I’m so grateful to the residents of District 3 for granting me the opportunity to serve,” she said. “This experience has been everything I thought it would be and more.”

3

woody.thompson@cobbcounty.org / (770) 528-3312

bob.ott@cobbcounty.org / (770) 528-3316

Thompson knows patience earns rewards

Ott says volunteering can save public services

By Laura Braddick lbraddick@mdjonline.com

SOUTH COBB — Southeast Cobb Commissioner Woody Thompson, who is now in his third term, knows patience is part of the process in redevelopment in his district. “(The county doesn’t) do the construction projects, private money has to come in for that,” he said.

“What we can do is give the incentives and framework to make it desirable to do so.”

Earlier this year, Thompson helped push through the Mableton form-based code, which sets up criteria and guidelines for new development in the downtown Mableton community.

“I think this will be a real shot in the arm in that area, and it needs it,” Thompson said at the time.

Now, Thompson is focused on helping transform Six Flags Drive, home to about 1,700 apartment units, into the western gateway to Cobb.

In March, commissioners accepted $100,000 in grant money and kicked in $20,000 to study traffic solutions and other improvements for the area.

“Revitalizing that area is my largest goal, and it will continue to carry over because it will likely take years,” Thompson said.

Thompson served as the District 4 commissioner, representing southwest Cobb, for two terms, from 1997 to 2004, before being elected again in 2008.

Thompson first served on the Board of Commissioners as a Republican, but now sits on the board as a Democrat, to match the leaning of a majority of constituents in his district.

In 2010, he served as interim commission chairman after Sam Olens stepped down to run for state attorney general.

He is a licensed real estate broker and owns Thompson Realty Advisors, LLC. Thompson is married with two adult children and is an elder and immediate past chairman of the board of Southwest Christian Church.

4

By Laura Braddick lbraddick@mdjonline.com

EAST COBB — Commissioner Bob Ott is getting creative when it comes to making up for services pinched by budget cuts.

“My goal is to try to come up with alternative means for the services,” he said. “Some of the things the county provides, people get accustomed to having it and they don’t want to lose it. As commissioners for the whole overall county, we have to find the best use of revenues for the county. Coming up with alternatives would allow communities to step up to the plate and say, ‘This is important to us.’”

From neighbors mowing the grass along county roads once a month to volunteers running libraries, Ott believes there are opportunities to hold onto service even though money is tight.

“People coming together and work-

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

ing together can get a whole lot more done,” he said.

For example, Ott is working with civic groups in Vinings to consider how volunteers could help run the library there.

“One of the ways you do this is to make sure everybody has a part of it and chips in,” he said. “The more people involved, the more likelihood of success.”

Before being elected in 2008, Ott served on the county’s Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. A former Air Force instructor and middle school teacher, Ott is a pilot and senior instructor and evaluator for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta. He also is the president and owner of DBO Software, which assists with computer investigations.

Ott earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bucknell University in 1979 and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California in 1990. He and his wife, Judy, have two children and are members of Mount Bethel United Methodist Church.

2

P. 65

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK 2011

21 37

33

P. 66

COBB’S STATE SENATE DISTRICTS

32 6

SENATE DISTRICT 6

SENATE DISTRICT 37

Sen. Doug Stoner

Sen. Lindsey Tippins

D-Smyrna

R-West Cobb

Age: 45 Family: Wife Della, two children Occupation: Investment company owner Committees: Ethics; Regulated Industries and Utilities; Retirement; State Institutions and Property; Transportation; Urban Affairs; MARTOC Phone: (404) 463-2518 E-mail: doug.stoner@senate.ga.gov

Age: 61 Family: Wife Ann, two children, four grandchildren Occupation: Founder and owner of Tippins Contracting, an underground utility business specializing in water and sewer lines, started in 1969.

Committees: Education and Youth; Finance; Natural Resources and Environment; Retirement.

Phone: (404) 657-0406 E-mail: Lindsey.tippins@senate.ga.gov

SENATE DISTRICT 21

SENATE DISTRICT 32

SENATE DISTRICT 33

Sen. Chip Rogers

Sen. Judson Hill

Sen. Steve Thompson

R-Woodstock • Senate Majority Leader

R-East Cobb

D-Marietta

Age: 42 Family: Wife Amy, four children Occupation: Owner, Rogers Communications Committees: Finance; Assignments; Appropriations; Banking and Financial Institutions; Economic Development; Insurance and Labor; Reapportionment and Redistricting; Rules; Administrative Affairs Phone: (404)463-1378 E-mail: chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov

Family: Wife Shelly, three children Occupation: Attorney Committees: Health and Human Services; Judiciary; MARTOC; Reapportionment and Redistricting (Chair), Special Judiciary; Urban Affairs; Transportation Phone: (404) 656-0150 E-mail: judson.hill@senate.ga.gov

Age: 60 Family: Wife Karen, one daughter, three grandchildren Occupation: Owner, Business Services Co. Committees: Appropriations; Banking and Financial Institutions; Finance; Transportation Phone: (404) 656-0083 E-mail: steve.thompson@senate.ga.gov

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK 2011

43

35 36

32

42 38

COBB’S STATE HOUSE DISTRICTS 45

40 41

HOUSE DISTRICT 32

HOUSE DISTRICT 41

Rep. Judy Manning

Rep. Sharon Cooper

R-Marietta

R-east Cobb

Age: 68 Family: Husband Aymar, two children, four grandchildren Occupation: Commercial real estate appraiser Committees: Appropriations; Children and Youth (Chair); Interstate Cooperation; Natural Resources and Environment; Rules Phone: (404) 656-7868 E-mail: judymanning@bellsouth.net

Age: 68 Family: Husband Tom Occupation: Medical administrator, R.N. Committees: Health and Human Services (Chair); Higher Education; Judiciary Non-Civil; Rules Phone: (404) 656-5069 E-mail: sharon.cooper@house.ga.gov

HOUSE DISTRICT 33

HOUSE DISTRICT 37

HOUSE DISTRICT 42

Rep. David Wilkerson

Rep. Terry Johnson

Rep. Don Parsons

D-South Cobb

D-Marietta

R-east Cobb

Age: 42 Family: Wife Penny, one son David Jr., one daughter Olivia Occupation: CPA for Resources Global Professionals Committees: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight; Children and Youth; and Retirement.

Phone: 770-891-9736 E-mail: info@wilkersonforcobb.com

Age: 61 Family: Wife Nancy, two sons Occupation: Real Estate Broker Committees: Children and Youth; Economic Development and Tourism; Human Relations and Aging; Motor Vehicles Phone: (404) 656-0325 E-mail: terryjohnson@cobb.net

Age: 63 Family: Wife Jo Lynn, two daughters, six grandchildren Occupation: Telecom consultant Committees: Appropriations; Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Health and Human Services; Ways and Means Phone: (404) 656-9198 E-mail: repdon@donparsons.org

HOUSE DISTRICT 34

HOUSE DISTRICT 38

HOUSE DISTRICT 43

Rep. Rich Golick

Rep. Sam Teasley

Rep. Bobby Franklin

R-Smyrna

R-Marietta

R-east Cobb

Age: 43 Family: Wife Maria, two sons Occupation: Attorney Committees: Appropriations; Insurance; Judiciary; Retirement; Rules Phone: (404) 656-5943 E-mail: rich.golick@house.ga.gov

Age: 34 Family: Wife Michelle, three children Occupation: Realtor Committees: Banks and Banking; Code Revision; and Education.

Phone: 678-453-8683 Website: samteasley.com

Age: 54 Family: Three children Occupation: Businessman Committees: Banks and Banking; Information and Audits; Judiciary Non-Civil; Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment (Chair) Phone: (404) 656-0152 E-mail: bobby.franklin@house.ga.gov

HOUSE DISTRICT 35

HOUSE DISTRICT 39

HOUSE DISTRICT 44

Rep. Ed Setzler

Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan

Rep. Sheila Jones

R-Acworth

D-Austell

D-Atlanta

Age: 40 Family: Wife Tracie, four children Occupation: Engineering Manager Committees: Appropriations; Code Revision; Education; Judiciary Non-Civil Phone: (404) 656-0177 E-mail: ed.setzler@house.ga.gov

Age: 32 Family: Husband David, one daughter, one stepson Occupation: Manager for Young Elected Officials Network; motivational speaker Committees: Children and Youth; Education; Governmental Affairs; Health and Human Services Phone: (404) 656-0109 E-mail: alisha@alishamorgan.com

Family: Single, no children Occupation: Lockheed Martin employee Committees: Appropriations; Health and Human Services; Transportation Phone: (404) 656-0323 E-mail: Sheila.jones@house.ga.gov

HOUSE DISTRICT 36

HOUSE DISTRICT 40

HOUSE DISTRICT 45

Rep. Earl Ehrhart

Rep. Stacey Evans

Rep. Matt Dollar

R-Powder Springs

D-Smyrna

R-east Cobb

Age: 51 Family: Two sons Occupation: Business consultant Committees: Rules (Chair); Appropriations; Banks and Banking; State Institutions and Property Phone: (404) 656-5141 E-mail: earl@ehrhart.4emm.com

Age: 40 Family: Husband, Andrew Occupation: Attorney with Bryan Cave in Atlanta Committees: Children and Youth; Interstate Cooperation; and Judiciary.

Phone: 770-710-4087 E-mail: Stacey@staceyevans.org

Age: 33 Family: Single, no children Occupation: Commercial real estate broker Committees: Appropriations; Insurance; Motor Vehicles; Transportation Phone: (404) 656-0254 E-mail: matt.dollar@house.ga.gov

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

GOVERNMENT FACTBOOK 2011

Sense Continued from P. 64 save money, west Cobb commissioner Helen Goreham believes there are other avenues for cost savings.

“Two areas that need to be looked at more closely are the privatization of some of the county facilities and possible outsourcing of some services,” she said.

The wild card in the commission’s budgetary playbook is the Citizen Oversight Committee, which was formed in March to review county government and look for ways to improve efficiency.

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, of northeast Cobb, said she is eager to see the full extent of the committee’s suggestions later this summer.

“After I see the Citizens’ Oversight Committee recommendations, I will recommend specific plans that will save money and increase revenue,” she said. “For example, restructuring government positions to prevent overlapping and duplication will save money.”

Despite the lagging economy’s drain on the county’s tax base, the government’s finances

are in better shape than others, Lee said.

The county has once again secured a triple-triple A credit rating distinction from the nation’s top rating agencies —Moody’s, Standard & Poor and Fitch.

The rating, which is only bestowed to 20 counties in the entire country, allows Cobb to borrow money at cheaper rates.

“We have a reputation for being lean, mean and efficient and being recognized across the southeast and the country as the go-to county for how to operate,” Lee said. “We want to continue to do that.”

In his civic-club speech, he urged citizens to talk to their commissioners about whether they are willing to pay more taxes, or whether they want services reduced.

“The decision has got to be made by the folks in Cobb County as to what they want Cobb to be,” Lee said. “In my mind, I think most of us want Cobb County to be what it was in 2007, which is respected for being the best in every avenue we do. … If we want Cobb to continue to be great, with services and enjoyment from quality of life, we have to decide whether or not we want to invest in that future.”

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P. 70

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FACTBOOK

PAGE 71

A TRAIN RIDE THROUGH HISTORY PAGE 73

E A S Y E V E N I N G S I N AC W O R T H — PAGE 76

MINISTRY OF MUSIC — PAGE 82

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Staff/Laura Moon

Above from left: Several interactive displays aid in the teaching of the history of locomotives in the Jolley Education Center at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Harper Harris, lead interpreter, guides students from Sweetwater Elementary School through the exhibits.

LIVING HISTORY Southern Museum looks back as it moves forward

By Marcus E. Howard mhoward@mdjonline.com

KENNESAW — The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard exhibit is the first of many events designed by the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It recently opened at the museum, at 2829 Cherokee St. in downtown Kennesaw, as a temporary exhibit in the museum’s Special Events Gallery. It will remain open to the public until Oct. 16. The original Gate City Guard was a quasi-military group that was one of the first in Atlanta to volunteer to serve in the war.

The exhibit is just the beginning of a much larger plan by new executive director Dr. Richard Banz to extend the Southern Museum’s reach beyond Cobb County and transform it into a regional museum for north Georgia.

“Sometimes folks from Marietta have never been here or they think it’s about Kennesaw,” said Banz, who became executive director in December.

“We want to become a regional attraction for Cobb County and this whole area and really talk about Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth and the greater region of north Georgia.”

Since opening in March 2003, more than half a million people from all over the world have reportedly visited the museum.

The central theme of the Southern Museum is the railroad and the role it played in the Civil War and the region. While there are a lot of Civil War museums, each offering their own perspectives on the war, not many focus on the pivotal role of the railroad, said Banz, a Civil War buff who lives in Acworth with his wife, Debbie.

“It tells a comprehensive story of the Civil War and the role of railroads,” Banz said. “Whereas the Confederacy had railroads, they weren’t able to coordinate them the same as the North was through the U.S. military railroad. The U.S. military railroad had a lot of authority and power to be able to use the trains to their advantage.”

Dr. Richard Banz, executive director of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, stands in front of the famous General locomotive at the Kennesaw museum.

The most famous piece in the museum’s collection remains the steam locomotive known as The General.

On April 12, 1862, James J. Andrews and his band of Union spies stole The General while its passengers and

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

crew were eating breakfast at the Lacy Hotel in what is now downtown Kennesaw.

The spies almost made it across the Tennessee line before Confederate forces chased them down in another locomotive called The Texas. Some of Andrews’ Raiders became the first recipients of the Medal of Honor.

The episode, known as The Great Locomotive Chase, is one of the most popular stories of the Civil War and was made famous in the 1927 Buster Keaton film, “The General.” A Walt Disney movie was also made in 1956.

Banz has hopes that the museum will someday acquire The Texas, which is housed at the Atlanta Cyclorama in downtown Atlanta. The city of Marietta has its eyes on The Texas as well. Banz said there is already a space reserved for the locomotive at the museum, where cement was poured extra thick to support the weight of the locomotive.

“If it does ever move, I think it would be best here,” Banz said. “We tell the whole story of The Great Locomotive Chase.”

Meanwhile, the museum is already planning its celebration of the 150th anniversary of The Great Locomotive Chase in 2012. Among the activities will be an early morning breakfast and chance to relive the excitement of the chase.

Although originally designed in the 1970s to feature just The General, the museum has expanded over the years to also tell the story the Glover Machine Works, originally located in Marietta, with a collection of antique tools and locomotive machining equipment.

James Boland Glover II founded the factory in 1892 and in a 30-year span produced about 200 locomotives.

The reproduction exhibit includes a history on how steam locomotives were made and marks the first time the machine works has been put on display. It is said to be the only full-scale, belt-driven locomotive assembly line on display in the United States.

See Museum, P. 84

P. 73

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

SOUL MAN Music a driving force for The Deacon Brandon Reeves

By Davia L. Mosley dmosley@mdjonline.com

T

he Deacon Brandon Reeves is the creation of Kennesaw resident of the same name.

Reeves said he became interested in music, specifically the guitar, at age 5.

“I remember hearing the music of Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Dire Straits on the radio,” he said. “I knew that those were guitars that I was hearing and I wanted to do that.”

At age 11, Reeves got his first real guitar. He also took guitar lessons for seven years from Berklee College of Music graduate Ted Tuck. In 2005, he graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in jazz studies.

Reeves said he was dubbed “The Deacon” by Doo Hickman, a blues harmonica player and reverend. “He gave me the name on stage one night, and it stuck,” Reeves said, who has been playing music in church since he was little. He continues to play in church as a worship service leader at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Paulding County.

Reeves said life as a solo artist can be busy. “Right now I do everything. I sing, play guitar, write the songs, book the gigs, promote gigs, run my website, hire musicians and make sure that they know the tunes we’re gonna play,” he said. “But all in all, it turns out the way I want it to turn out, which is the reason I approach my music as a solo artist instead of having a democratic band mentality.”

His latest project, “Live at Twelve Oaks,” is a seven-song acoustic recording of cover songs. This was the first time Reeves did not record original

P. 74

material. “I’ve been playing these songs for years, and the longer I’ve played them, it feels like they’ve become mine,” he said. “So that was the idea — to capture those songs the way they’ve developed.

“No overdubs. No studio tricks. No headphones,” he said.

“Just my voice and my guitars and a couple of microphones.”

“Live at Twelve Oaks” is only available at his website, www.thedeaconbrandonreeves. com. Another first: Fans have the option of naming their own price.

“As an artist, I want my music to be available to as many people as possible,” he said. “I feel like this is the best way to make that happen.”

Speaking of fans, Reeves said he has great ones. “If we’re doing our job correctly, they can’t help but dance,” he said.

“They’ve been very responsive to my last record, ‘Emilia.’”

Reeves’ love of music goes beyond the stage — he also teaches music lessons at Ponier Music. He teaches nearly 25 students, ranging from small children to elderly women.

He says the highlight of teaching is having students who are excited about music. “The kids who are really excited about practicing and learning new songs and getting into it we always have a lot of fun,” he says.

So, what’s next for The Deacon? A busy year: He said he is focusing on branching out by booking gigs in places such as Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

But they’ll never be too far from home: “We’ll still be at all of our regular Atlanta area venues — Blind Willie’s, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, Two Urban Licks, etc,” he said.

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Acworth Opry a breezy hit on summer nights

By Marcus E. Howard mhoward@mdjonline.com

ACWORTH — Lovers of bluegrass music don’t have to travel all the way to Nashville, Tenn., to hear quality music from one of their favorite genres.

The Acworth Opry — located at Logan Farm Park at 4762 Logan Road near downtown — takes place the second Saturday of each month from May through October.

The concerts are free. Food and drink, including barbecue sandwiches, are sold onsite.

Concertgoers are asked to bring family, friends and chairs or blankets and enjoy great groups, great food, great folks and a lot of fun.

The opening act takes the stage at around at 5:30 p.m., followed by another performance at 6:45 p.m. The event usually will last until 8:30 p.m.

The first of several concerts for the Acworth Opry brought out dozens of folks with lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.

In May, Old Dixie Highway

P. 76

MDJ file photos

Above left: Members of Flatpicken Inc. play to the crowd at the Acworth Opry at Logan Farm Park last July. Above right: Shane Welch of Dallas, band member, tunes his mandolin. entertained the crowd and was followed by the Luther’s Mountain Band, which performed bluegrass tunes courtesy of a fiddle and banjo.

“It appeals a lot to the older community,” said co-coordinator Grady Clark of 41 Management & Productions. “It’s a very family-focused environ-

ment and they get to hear things that they haven’t heard in a long time.”

In addition to bluegrass, the Acworth Opry blends in a little country and gospel music that

appeals to a wide audience.

See Opry, P. 83

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

‘Apples to Peaches’ Kevin Dunbar’s journey has taken him from ....

Local singer brings diversity in music hood friend’s brother who played guitar. Dunbar said they would play together, citing guiocal singer Kevin Dun- tar as one of the main things bar, 31, uses his life that kept him out of trouble. experiences as the inHe was able to rekindle those spiration for his first release, memories with the presentation “Apples To Peaches.” The Kenof the guitar, given to him on his nesaw resident came to Cobb birthday in 2004 by his friend, County in 2000 after “taking a Amanda Moore. chance” and moving from his “It changed my life,” Dunbar hometown of Rochester, N.Y. said, “No one has done anything “I had been going down a like that for me ever, and I don’t bad spiral where things were not think I stopped really looking playing my good for me,” guitar after he said. “I had that.” to make a deciThe musision.” With a cian said he friend from began to parFlorida, the pair ticipate in open moved to mic nights in Smyrna where Marietta and Dunbar said he Kennesaw. started his jourAfter five ney. years of perDunbar said forming, he his parents’ disaid he began vorce when he to gain popularity in the area. was 12 had a major effect on his He said he was able to meet life. He said he went from partic- many people in the area, espeipating in choir and playing cially a lot of young talented trombone at a good elementary students. school to attending middle and Another person he met was high schools filled with violence. producer Zak Jordan, someone “At my middle school, cerhe recorded with years earlier. tainly carrying a trombone was An accidental phone call gave not a cool thing unless it was Dunbar another chance to fulfill used as a weapon,” he said. his musical goals. Dunbar As an adult, he said he heard meant to call another person of good things about Georgia and the same first name but with people coming here to get their Jordan on the other end, he took lives together. Although he was advantage of the opportunity. able to find a job, a gift in 2004 The pair began to start sharing allowed him to pursue music ideas and thoughts about the again. music.

At the time, Dunbar was “It just happened instantaforming an R&B band with his neously like that,” Dunbar said. roommate. However, he wasn’t “(Jordan) took (the record) to happy. another place.”

“We were very stagnant,” he Tony Copley also worked said. “Rather than me blaming with Jordan on producing “Apanyone for what I’m not doing, ples to Peaches” and it was I just used to probably show a mixed and mastered by lot of conviction about wishing Grammy winner Don McColI could contribute musically.” lister. The album was released He reminisced on a childin March and is also available MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31,

By Davia L. Mosley dmosley@mdjonline.com

L

Special/Kevin Dunbar

Kennesaw resident Kevin Dunbar has released his first album, ‘Apples to Peaches.’ on iTunes.

Dunbar said he has been compared to artists such as Hootie & the Blowfish, John Mayer and Jonn Popper from Blues Traveler. As a child, he said he listed to a variety of

artists ranging from Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, the O’Jays and Pet Shop Boys. As an artist, he says he appreciates the variety of comparisons he receives regarding his music.

“Those are the types of

2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

boundaries I want to cross,” he said. “With me being black and showing the diversity of what music can do to bridge those grounds. ” For more on the artist, visit www.kevindunbarmusic.com.

P. 77

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

STAR QUALITY Wheeler alumnus finds success with music

By Davia L. Mosley dmosley@mdjonline.com

C

obb County native Ron Pope brought his musical sounds to his home state during his “Whatever It Takes Tour.” The artist is recently released the EP “Born Under a Bad Sign” on July 5, where it reached No. 7 on the iTunes blues chart.

Pope said he always had music in his life. He said some of his favorite artists and musical influences are Jimmy Hendrix, The Edge from U2, Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

After graduating from Wheeler High School in 2001, Pope attended Rutgers for two years and finished at NYU, where he earned a degree in an-

Special/Ron Pope

thropology in 2005.

During his time at NYU,

Pope joined a songwriting group and began to perform around the city and beyond.

“We did the indie, hustling, starving artist kind of thing for a long time,” he said.

Pope and his band, Ron Pope and the District, released two albums, which garnered little attention. In 2005, Pope made an acoustic EP in his bedroom. He said he was not interested in being a solo artist and he wanted to play guitar.

However, the songs began to catch on, gaining popularity on MySpace. One song, “Drop in the Ocean,” was “where it all started,” Pope said. The song went from 100 plays to 100,000 plays daily in 2008. His success resulted in an appearance on MTV’s “Total Request Live.”

He was also offered record deals and eventually signed with Universal Records. However, he asked to be released from his contract in 2010. “I wasn’t getting anything out of it,” he said, and began to release music independently; Pope said he sold more than 100,000 singles before he had a record deal.

With his own label, Hard Six Records, Pope said the process is more democratic as opposed to being on a bigger label. He says he is part of a new generation of musicians.

“I’ve got this real, honest-togoodness grassroots movement happening,” he said, noting when people like his music, they share it around the world.

“Before you know it, the song’s

got 8 million plays on YouTube,” he said.

Two of Pope’s songs — “Fireflies” and “You’re the Reason I Come Home” — were featured on the Fox show “So You Think You Can Dance” last year.

He said the experience was “surreal.” It was also a career boost, as he simultaneously had two albums on the iTunes charts.

From now until the end of the year, Pope is embarking on another project, “26 Tuesdays.”

Each Tuesday, he will release one song on iTunes and to a group of pre-paid subscribers.

As for touring, he said, “It’s always great to come home and be in Georgia again.”

To learn more about Pope, visit www.ronpopemusic.com.

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Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Theaters in Cobb County ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE

Where: Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta Upcoming shows: “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Sound of Music” & “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Price: $27.50 to $48.70 Phone: (404) 377-9948 Website: www.atlantalyrictheatre.com

THE ART PLACE — MOUNTAIN VIEW Where: 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Upcoming shows: Delta Moon & Etowah Jazz Society Price: $10 to $25 Phone: (770) 509-2700 Website: www.the artplace.us

CENTERSTAGE NORTH

Where: 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta Upcoming shows: “There Goes the Bride” & “Noises Off” Price: $6 to $12 Phone: (770) 516-3330 Website: www.centerstagenorth.org

COBB CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Where: Cobb Civic Center, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta Upcoming shows: “Les Misérables” Price: $14 to $16 Phone: (770) 480-1266 Website: www.cobbchildrenstheatre.org

CURTAIN CALL YOUTH PLAYERS

Where: Curtain Call Place, 2800 Canton Highway, Suite 600, Marietta Upcoming shows: “The Pajama Game” Price: $7 to $9 Website: www.ccyp.org

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF

THEATRE, PERFORMANCE STUDIES & DANCE

Where: 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw Upcoming shows: “Detroit,” “KSU Storyfest,” & “Splittin’ The Raft” Price: $12 to $20 Phone: (770) 423-6650 Website: www.kennesaw.edu/theatre

POLK STREET PLAYERS

Where: St. James’ Episcopal Church, 161 Church St., Marietta Upcoming shows: “1940 Radio Mystery Theater” Price: $10 to $20 Phone: (770) 218-9669 Website: www. stjames-marietta.episcopalatlanta.org/Content/Polk_ Street_Players.asp

THEATRE IN THE SQUARE

Where: 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta Upcoming shows: “Mount Pleasant Homecoming” Price: $24 to $35 Phone: (770) 422-8369 Website: www.theatreinthesquare.com

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

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Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Author uses justice, Georgia as inspiration

By Davia L. Mosley dmosley@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Injustices in the justice system inspired Frederick Zeier of Marietta to write two novels: “Before You Seek Revenge” and its sequel, “Deliver Me From My Past,” which was released in March.

A career army officer, Zeier and his family — wife of 41 years, Sharon; daughter, Ellen Strickland; and Frederick Zeier son, Eric Zeier, All-American player from the University of Georgia and current color analyst for Georgia Bulldog Radio Network — moved to Marietta from Heidelberg, Germany, 23 years ago.

Zeier said each character brings a personal set of values to the novels. “I consider the

primary conflict in my novels is the battle between those with integrity, honor and an appreciation for the values of America against those who disregard the law and manipulate the system to suit their own benefit,” he said.

The books’ main character is Danni Walton, a woman from Georgia who seeks revenge on the people responsible for the brutal rape of her daughter.

Zeier says the first book is about righting wrongs and the second book focuses investigating the course of revenge.

“The first book developed a cast of characters that almost begged for a sequel to complete the story,” he said. “The expanding circle of intrigue turned into what some would consider a family saga that lays bare the impact of current economic recession and the threats of those who wish to do this country harm.”

Zeier says murder cases such

as Brian Nichols and Gary Hilton spurred him to write. The Nichols’ murders were caught on video at the Fulton County Courthouse and, after more than three years, Nichols was sent to prison.

Athens native Meredith Emerson was kidnapped, raped and decapitated. Hilton worked out a plea deal with the authorities to avoid the death penalty in her case. According to news reports however, he was found guilty of murder in the case of Cheryl Dunlap and sentenced to death.

“Is that justice for the parents of Meredith Emerson?”

Zeier asks. “If I was her father, it wouldn’t serve my sense of justice.”

However, Zeier emphasizes his books are not about the death penalty, but about justice.

“Justice that you as an individual would expect to have in the system and when you aren’t satisfied with what the justice

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system does,” he said.

Just as Zeier weaves Georgia court cases and crimes into his works of fiction, he also draws upon locations and events that the readers will immediately identify. He acknowledges that the reality of some of the events can be disturbing.

However, he said his ulti-

mate goal as a writer is entertainment. “If people can gain a sense of value of the good characteristics of my characters, then that’s an added benefit,” he said.

“Before You Seek Revenge” and “Deliver Me From My Past” are available for the Kindle and at www.Amazon.com.

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Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

World traveler

Author tells story of global adventure

By Sally Litchfield I MDJ Features Editor I sallylit@bellsouth.net

D

ick Roberts, 82, brings a world South America, Europe as well as the of experience to his newfound United States. career as author.

Roberts said the book, which is set in The Marietta resident Bolivia during the 1960s, is traveled the world through historical adventure fiction.

‘It’s a real thrill when his employment as a civil “The book is about a coryou walk over a road engineer. With those travels porate engineer from San and see a bird with a came inspiration for his reFrancisco who travels to Bo12-foot wing span fly cent book, “Under the Eyes livia to assist on a project,” over you and his head of the Condor.” said Roberts, who lived in looking down to see if After telling his wife, Bolivia for two years with you’re good food or not.’

Roberta, about his advenhis first wife and five chiltures with his different jobs, dren. While in Boliva, — Dick Roberts Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan he penned his first published Roberts was in charge of Marietta resident Dick Roberts displays his book ‘Under the Eyes of the Condor.’ book. building the Hydroelectric “(Roberta) encouraged Corani Dam. The book opens construction expertise that includes inGeorgia in 1977 for employment. me to write the book,” Roberts said. The with the Andean Condor, a magnificent Though many of Roberts’ friends wonRoberts have eight grown children, 14 bird who reappears throughout the novel, volvement with Ernesto “Che” Guevara followers. An account of life where mod- der whether the main character is really grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. observing life in the area. ern engineers mix with indigenous peoRoberts, he said, “They’ll just have to Roberts, retired, worked as construc“It’s a real thrill when you walk over a ple, Roberts also creates an intriguing keep guessing.” tion project manager and in other capaciroad and see a bird with a 12-foot wing tale of greed, murder, friendship and Robert’s book is available through ties on tunnels, hydroelectric plants, span fly over you and his head looking Deeds Publishing at www.deeds bridges, dams and railroads all over the down to see if you’re good food or not,” he love. “(Under the Eyes of the Condor) is publishing.com. The eBook is available world. Places include Australia, Singasaid, chuckling. interesting,” said Roberts, who came to at www.amazon.com. pore, Indonesia, New Guinea, Turkey, Robert’s book includes a narrative of

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P. 81

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Ministry of Music Zion Baptist Church spreads spirituality with joyful songs Davia L. Mosley dmosley@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — The documentary “Rejoice and Shout,” directed by Don McGlynn, uses footage of trailblazing gospel artists and interviews from current performers to examine the evolution of the music genre.

On Sundays at 7:30 and 10:30 a.m., the choirs at Zion Baptist Church sing songs of praise, inspiration and faith. Led by the Rev. Sharon Watson, minister of music, the congregration at the church at 165 Lemon St. is treated to a melodic service each week.

The origin of gospel music and Zion Baptist Church can both be traced back to slavery.

The traditions of the spiritual music are evident through emotional singing and the fervent playing of music each Sunday at Zion.

Watson has been involved with music ministry since childhood. She is originally from Buffalo, N.Y., and her father was a preacher. She has been at Zion Baptist Church nearly eight years. She is joined on Sundays by pianist James Johnson and drummer Taejah Goode.

As many noted in the documentary, gospel music has changed over time and continues to do so. For example, Watson said she remembers the Church of God in Christ denomination using instruments such

as drums, tambourines and guitars in their services, which was at one time “unheard of” in Baptist churches.

She said Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day” changed everything, and was seen as controversial. She said, “He was the Kirk Franklin of my time.”

Franklin and other gospel artists such as Mary Mary and Tye Tribbet use hip-hop elements in their gospel music, which Watson and others in the documentary say demonstrate the constant change in music.

“Churches have old people and young people,” she said.

“You have to accommodate them musically. You have to give them something they like.”

Nearly 80 singers make up the Mass Choir, Male Chorus, Sunbeams, Youth and Young Adult and Voices in Praise. Watson said her song selection comes from what will minster to the congregation.

“As a minister of music, I have to gauge what works for this church musically and spiritually — and what doesn’t,” she continued. “I have to keep an ear on what’s going on.”

However, she said her music selections have “a little bit of everything.”

“We’re lively,” she said. “We like a lot of joyful music.”

For more information on Zion Baptist Church’s music ministry, visit www.zionbaptist churchmarietta.org.

The Rev. Sharon Watson, Minister of Music

Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan

The choir practices in the sanctuary.

P. 82

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Opry Continued from P. 76 The 1972 thriller film, “Deliverance,” is said to have raised bluegrass music to new heights in popularity. After falling back down, the music genre once again rose in popularity when the 2000 adventure comedy starring George Clooney, “O’ Brother, Where Art Thou?” put it back into the mainstream.

Eric Cain, the other event cocoordinator, performs with Clark in Old Dixie Highway, a bluegrass band. He said he uses his music contacts to select performers each month at the Acworth Opry.

“Most of them are local and that’s what we want,” Cain said.

The opry’s venue at Logan Farm Park is a great asset, said Clark. Entertainers perform on an old hooded, flat bed stage on one end of a grassy field.

“By the time our event starts, it’s already shady and people have an opportunity to just enjoy the night,” Clark said.

Acworth Mayor Tommy Al-

legood said the opry offers something unique, which may explain why folks from other cities and counties attend the monthly event. It’s a part of what allows Acworth to live up to its status as an All-America City, he said.

“Quality of life is what brings people to a community,” the mayor said. “The recreation is such an important part of that quality of life.”

Though the Acworth Opry began in 2001 after moving from the Depot in downtown Kennesaw, it didn’t stay in Acworth very long. But three years ago, it was started back up when Clark approached Acworth Parks and Recreation Director James Albright and Jeff Chase, Acworth’s recreation coordinator, about resurrecting it.

“I said, ‘I know this is something that people really enjoyed back in the past and would like to see it if it could come back,’” recalled Clark. “So we talked about it. Jeff and I got involved with it with James, and came up with the best scenario that would work.”

Some of the improvements

include an earlier start time to give bands more performance time and the addition of sponsors.

Albright said the support the event receives from such organizations as the Acworth Business Association and Acworth Downtown Development Authority is critical to the Acworth Opry’s success. He said the city seeks partners in every event it does.

“This is a segment of the population that we want to serve and people that we want to bring into this community,” Albright said.

Sponsors of the Acworth Opry include: City of Acworth, Acworth Business Association, The Bright Side, NorthStar Church, AroundAbout-Acworth, Signs & More, Day’s Chevrolet, Vidsouth Communication and Fontis.

To get to Logan Farm Park from Interstate 75, take exit 278 /Glade Road. Go west on Glade Road. Cross over Highway 92 (Lake Acworth Drive). Turn left at the second road (Logan Road). Logan Farm Park is on the right.

MDJ file photos

Pathfinders Bluegrass vocalist Denise Etheridge of Powder Springs enjoys an evening of singing at the Acworth Opry.

Paint the Town

33 West Park Square on historic Marietta Square

770-419-7332 www.paintthetownmarietta.com

COME AND ENJOY a GREAT evening of FUN! JUST BRING YOURSELF (and YOUR FRIENDS) We supply everything you will need for your Masterpiece... You can relax with your friends and take home your finished artwork to hang in your home or give as a GIFT!

Acrylic Masterpiece Canvas Painting - $35 / person Every Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7-9:45pm Open Studio on Sunday from 5-7pm and 7:30-9:30pm (2 hr. sessions)

Marietta is Non-BYOB… we offer 7 different wines, cokes and water for your enjoyment.

Painting + Wine = FUN Must be 21 years or older to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages

We also can make your next party a fun painting experience!

Adult and Children parties are available.

You must call to reserve a date on our calendar (minimum 10 people to reserve)

Courtney Kotowski of Kennesaw sings along to the music.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

We will guide you through each step of painting your own Masterpiece to take home and proudly display!

Call today and Get your PARTY STARTED

Check us out on FACEBOOK & TWITTER! P. 83

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011 Executive director Dr. Richard Banz speaks about the visiting exhibit ‘The Old Guard of the Gate City Guard, Citizens, Warriors and Peace Makers.’ It is on display in the Cobb Energy Special Events Gallery which opened Memorial Day weekend and will end on Oct. 16.

Fair to mark 79th year From staff reports

Staff/Laura Moon

Museum Continued from P. 73 More will be added in general about the new industries that emerged in the South after the end of the war, according to the museum.

There are plans to move a section about the Glover family’s history over to where the Glover Machine Works is located, said Banz. He said the available space created will be used to talk more about the Reconstruction period.

“We do have items on Reconstruction, but we are going to have more on the African American experience and also the experience of being female,” Banz said.

In 2000, the museum expanded again to include an archives and library department, which includes 5,360 linear feet of archival space.

In June, plans were unveiled for a 14,000-square-foot library and archives facility, slated to open in mid-2012. The new building will house classroom space and offer opportunities for students, scholars, historians and the general public to access letters, diaries and military records; Glover Machine Works company records; and various railroad company documents.

The museum is looking to raise $1.6 million for the construction of the research center.

With the opening of the new facility, the museum has the potential to become the place for Southeastern railroad re-

P. 84

search, said Banz.

In addition, the museum’s Jolley Education Center will open a next exhibit in August about railroad safety. The North American Railway Foundation is sponsoring it.

Fourteen employees work at the Southern Museum; eight are full time and six are parttime workers. They include several educators who provide tours and design educational programs. There is also a curator, archivists, a special events manager, and administrative staff for the Kennesaw Museum Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the museum.

The foundation and the city of Kennesaw fund the approximately $1.2 million annual operating budget of the Southern Museum, said Banz.

“The Southern Museum is an extraordinary educational resource for Cobb County and the state of Georgia,” said Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews.

“It has taken many individuals to plan and implement a project of this magnitude. But most of all, it has taken vision and commitment. The many successes of the Southern Museum during its first eight years of operation didn’t just happen — it has taken men and women whom have dedicated themselves to creativity, excellence, and hard work.”

In 2001, the Southern Museum became affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., which allows it access to the Smithsonian’s collection.

“We’ve gotten to that phase where we’re a Smithsonian af-

filiate and a lot of people have been here,” Banz said. “Now we want to have new reasons for them to come back.”

Admission to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors older than 60, $5.50 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and younger. The museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

MARIETTA — The 79th annual North Georgia State Fair will be at Jim Miller Park from Sept. 22 through Oct. 2.

The fair, among the largest in metro Atlanta, attracts nearly 300,000 people every year and features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, flower shows, blueribbon competitions, local entertainment, and delicious fair foods.

There are also games and rides on the Great James H. Drew Exposition midway — one of the largest carnival midways in the United States.

Among the favorite attractions returning this year: K-9’s in Flight, Oscar the Robot, Brian Ruth the Master of the Chainsaw, and Wit Carson’s Petting Zoo and Pony Rides.

New things include Kachunga and the Alligator Show; hypnotist Tammy Harris Barton; and Keith King Bike and Stunt Show.

At least six country and contemporary musical groups will perform free concerts throughout

the fair. Colt Ford will appear Sept. 23; Josh Kelley on Sept.

24; Chris Young on Sept. 28; The Band Perry on Sept. 29; Big Daddy Weave, a Christian artist, on Sept. 30; and Mark Wills on Oct. 1.

All concerts are free with fair admission and begin at 8 p.m. in the covered arena.

Fair admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students ages 7 to 18, and free for children 6 and younger.

Parking is $3. Ride tickets $1 each. Bulk packs of 22 tickets for $20, or 55 tickets for $50 are available.

Discount admission and ride tickets, including 22 ride tickets for $11, will be available at all metro Atlanta Walgreens from Aug. 22 through Sept. 23.

The fair will be open Sept. 22 through Oct. 2. On Mondays through Thursdays, hours are 4 to 11 p.m. On Fridays, hours are 4 p.m. to midnight. On Saturdays, hours are 10 a.m. to midnight. On Sundays, hours are 12:30 to 10 p.m.

Jim R. Miller Park is at 2245 Callaway Road in Marietta. For more information, visit www.northgeorgiastatefair.com.

After Sept. 5, call (770) 4231330 or (770) 528-8989.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Arts & Entertainment FACTBOOK 2011

Cobb County Museums and Galleries AVERY GALLERY

390 Roswell St., Marietta Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; evenings by appointment Number: (770) 427-2459 Website: www.averygallery.com

AVISCA

FINE ART

507 Roswell St., Marietta Hours: Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment Cost: Free Number: (770) 977-2732 Website: www.aviscafineart.com

THE

YOUTH MUSEUM

649 Cheatham Hill Drive, Marietta Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; tours by appointment Number: (770) 427-2563 Website: www.theyouthmuseum.org

DK

GALLERY

25 W. Park Square, Marietta Cost: Free Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment; event Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Number: (770) 427-5377 Website: www.dkgallery.us

P. 86

FRAMEWORKS

GALLERY

1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Number: (770) 973-6701 Website: www.frameworksgallery.com

GALLERY

4463

Gallery 4463 4463 Cherokee St., Acworth Cost: Free Hours: Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Number: (404) 808-9971 Website: www.gallery4463.com

GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM 18 Whitlock St., Marietta Cost: Adults, $7; students and seniors, $6; group rates also available Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Number: (770) 794-5576 Website: www.mariettaga.gov/gwtw/links.aspx

KNOKE FINE ARTS 25 Alexander St., Marietta Cost: Free

Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; also by appointment Number: (770) 514-1766

MARIETTA

FIRE MUSEUM

112 Haynes St., Marietta Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends by appointment Number: (770) 794-5460 Website: www.mariettaga.gov/departments/emergency/fire/museum.aspx

MARIETTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY 1 Depot St. Marietta Cost: $5, adults; $3, students and seniors Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Number: (770) 794-5710 Website: www.mariettahistory.org

MARIETTA/COBB

MUSEUM OF ART

30 Atlanta St., Marietta Cost: Adults, $8; students and seniors, $5 Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.

Number: (770) 528-1444 Website: www.mariettacobbart

museum.org

ROOT HOUSE MUSEUM Corner of Church and Lemon streets, Marietta Cost: Adults, $5; students, $3; seniors $4 Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Number: (770) 426-4982 Website: www.cobblandmarks.com/ roothouse.htm

SMYRNA

MUSEUM

Smyrna Museum 2861 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna Cost: Free Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Number: (770) 431-2858 Website: www.smyrnahistory.org

SOUTH COBB ARTS ALLIANCE 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call for weekend and evening hours Number: (770) 819-3285 Website: www.southcobbarts.org

SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR AND LOCOMOTIVE HISTORY 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw Cost: Adults, $7.50; children ages 4 to 12, $5.50; seniors $6.50 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Number: (770) 427-2117 Website: www.southernmuseum.org

THE RED COCKERILL GALLERY 2845 Cemetery St., Austell Cost: Free Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Number: (770) 944-3160 Website: www.redcockerillgallery.com

VININGS

GALLERY

Vinings Gallery 4686 S. Atlanta Road, Smyrna Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Number: (404) 794-7762 Website: www.viningsgallery.com

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

HEALTH & FITNESS FACTBOOK

PAGE 87

PEDALING FOR PLEASURE AND HEALTH PAGE 89 COMPLETE LIS T OF CIT Y PARKS PAGE 92

WELLSTAR HONORED PAGE 89

COBB’S FITNESS CENTERS PAGE 90

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011

WellStar gets a prestigious ‘3-Star’ rating

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — WellStar Health System’s cardiac program has received a “3-Star” quality rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the National Quality Forum and the Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Report, for the first time — an honor that only 12 to 15 percent of participating hospitals across the country receive.

“This is an extremely big deal because it’s been endorsed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, which is the largest group of cardiac surgeons in the country, as well as internal members and in collaboration with the Institute of Medicine,” said Dr. William Cooper, medical director of cardiovascular surgery for WellStar Health Systems and associate professor of surgery for Emory Healthcare.

“All of this is in response to the general emphasis on transparency, and quality especially.

One of the problems with much of the public reporting is that it’s very difficult to really assess the severity of illness of patients. Risk adjustment is always imperfect, but what the society has done is collection millions of demographic data to come up with a very small amount of error in their reporting systems.”

Health systems can be given a one, two or three-star rating depending on how they rank in such criteria as program volumes and mortality rates. The “3-Star” rating denotes the highest category of quality for clinical excellence based on National Quality Forum — or NQF — standards.

See prestigious, P. 95

Staff/file

Dr. Cullen Morris, left, is a heart surgeon specialist and Dr. William Cooper is the medical director of cardiovascular surgery for WellStar Kennestone Health System.

The two also appear on the cover.

Staff/Margaret Landers

A group of cyclists from Lockheed Martin’s Marietta plant meet in Powder Springs on their day off and go on a cardio-testing 40-mile ride. From left: Bike Cobb board member Brian Genter, Roger Huff, Sabra Cohen, Curt Bonacci, Andrew Bickle, Karl Schulze, Joel Levesque, Mark Livengood, Henry Edmunds and Rick Metz.

Sharing the right of way Cobb has a number of rider-friendly trails for bicycling enthusiasts

By Margaret Landers mlanders@mdjonline.com

MABLETON — Avid bicyclist Celeste Burr said the Silver Comet Trail and Columns Drive are among her favorite places to ride in Cobb.

The Silver Comet Trail is a paved former rail bed and is ideal for newer cyclists, with slight grades and safer conditions than busy roads. It is the longest trail in the county, at 12.8 miles, but its full length takes it 61 miles to the Alabama border, where it connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail, according to the Silver Comet Trail website.

Columns Drive, a residential street near the Chattahoochee River, has a long, flat stretch that cyclists like for sprint training, though recreational users also need to keep the residents of the street in mind.

For those who train off-road, there is a Columns Drive Trail, part of the Cochran Shoals area of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The three-mile trail extends from the end of Columns Drive, and has a parking access. Organizations such as Team-In-Training, part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, use the area to train for their fund-raising races.

Other trails in the Cochran Shoals area of the park are cyclist-friendly as well, such as Sope Creek.

See sharing, P. 95

Staff/Jon-Michael Sullivan

Celeste Burr, secretary of Bike Cobb, takes a rest on the Silver Comet trail. On the cover, she takes a scenic ride along the 61-mile-long trail.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 89

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011 ATA

TAEKWONDO CENTER

FITNESS CENTERS IN COBB

3940 Cherokee St. NW Kennesaw (770) 427-8400 Gym type: Martial arts/fitness AMERICAN

BODY WORKS

Kennesaw 2851 Cobb Parkway NW (770) 420-0080 Gym type: Fitness/health AMERICAN

BODY WORKS

Marietta 3931 Mary Eliza Trace (770) 429-7878 Gym type: Fitness/health AMERICAN

BODY WORKS

Austell 2615 East-West Connector (770) 222-6190 Gym type: Fitness/health ANYTIME

FITNESS

Vinings 4500 West Village Place SE in Smyrna (770) 431-9470 Gym type: Fitness/health ANYTIME

FITNESS

Acworth 2483 Cedarcrest Road (770) 966-1200 Gym type: Fitness/health ANYTIME

FITNESS

Acworth 1727 Mars Hill Road (770) 421-6000

P. 90

Gym type: Fitness, private membership/training

Gym type: Fitness/health

Kennesaw 1625 Ridenour Blvd. Suite 305 (678) 275-2021 Gym type: Fitness/health

CATALYST

3939 Royal Drive NW in Kennesaw (770) 499-9143 Gym type: Fitness/health

South Cobb 1600 Roswell St. in Smyrna (770) 432-4090 Gym type: Fitness/health

ANYTIME

COFFEE’S

CURVES

Gym type: Fitness/health ANYTIME

FITNESS

FITNESS

FITNESS

GYM

CROSSFIT

FOR WOMEN

Marietta 3595 Canton Road (770) 592-5650 Gym type: Fitness/health

1800 Lower Roswell Road NE, Marietta (770) 321-6900 Gym type: Fitness/health

Acworth 3451 Cobb Parkway NW, Suite 8 (770) 974-3922 Gym type: Fitness, women only

ASPIRE

CORE

CURVES

WOMEN’S FITNESS

BODY WORKS

2000 Powers Ferry Road Suite 250 (678) 809-4000 Gym type: Fitness, women only

4358 Southside Drive in Acworth (770) 975-8228 Gym type: Fitness/yoga

AXCESS

COSMOS

FITNESS

2535 Hickory Grove Road NW in Acworth (770) 975-9960 Gym type: Fitness/health BALLY

TOTAL FITNESS

2211 Cobb Parkway in Smyrna (770) 988-0000 Gym type: Fitness/health BODFIT

BY MERCEDES

1720 Mars Hill Road, Suite 8, #128 in Acworth (678) 522-2572

FITNESS CENTER

2745 Sandy Plains Road NE, Marietta (770) 579-3488 Gym type: Fitness/health, personal training CROSSFIT

East Cobb 4696 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta (770) 977-8575 Gym type: Fitness/health CROSSFIT

Smyrna 5292 Oakdale Road (678) 910-1182

FOR WOMEN

Acworth 5330 Brookstone Drive Suite 240 (770) 422-9744 Gym type: Fitness, women only CURVES

FOR WOMEN

CURVES

FOR WOMEN

Marietta 1690 Powder Springs Road Suite 205 in Marietta (770) 426-0165 Gym type: Fitness, women only CURVES

FOR WOMEN

Marietta 2650 Dallas Highway SW, Suite 220 in Marietta (770) 426-4677 Gym type: Fitness, women only CURVES

FOR WOMEN

Vinings 2810 Paces Ferry Road SE (770) 434-9034 Gym type: Fitness, women only E.

COBB EXERCISE EXCELLENCE

255 Village Parkway Suite 540 (678) 419-0900 Gym type: Fitness/health

Kennesaw 3600 Cherokee St. NW, Suite 102 in Kennesaw (770) 426-0033 Gym type: Fitness, women only

EPIPHANY

CURVES

ESCALADE

FOR WOMEN

Marietta 2209 Roswell Road, Suite 100 (770) 977-7187 Gym type: Fitness, women only

HEALTH STUDIO

22 Mill St. in Marietta (770) 590-9047 Gym type: Fitness/pilates

ROCK CLIMBING

3694 Kennesaw South Industrial Drive in Kennesaw (770) 794-1575 Gym type: Fitness, Rock Climbing

See Fitness, Page 91

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011

FITNESS CENTERS IN COBB Continued from P. 90 FITNESS 19 1812 Powder Springs Road SW Suite 1109 in Marietta (678) 354-8919 Gym type: Fitness/health FIT

FAMILY

1675 Cumberland Parkway South, Smyrna (770) 436-1381 Gym type: Fitness, private membership/training FIT

FOR LIFE

4950 Olde Town Parkway Marietta (770) 321-4550 Gym type: Fitness/personal training FITNESS

TOGETHER

1255 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 26 Marietta (770) 321-1347 Gym type: Fitness/personal training FUSION

FITNESS AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

1075 Whitlock Ave. Suite J (678) 290-0282 Gym type: Fitness/martial arts GOLD’S

GYM

Acworth East 5505 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth (770) 592-4950 Gym type: Fitness/health GOLD’S

GYM

Austell 2840 East-West Connector (770) 432-8688 Gym type: Fitness/health GOLD’S

GYM

Kennesaw 2911 Busbee Drive (770) 425-4653 Gym type: Fitness/health GOLD’S

GYM

Marietta * 4930 Davidson Road * (770) 971-0557 * Gym type: Fitness/health GOLD’S

GYM

Kennesaw 3362 Acworth Summit Blvd.

(678) 973-0635 Gym type: Fitness/health IRON

CLUTCH FITNESS

2800 Canton Road Suite 2000 (770) 926-5269 Gym type: Fitness/ self-defense JAZZERCISE

CENTER

Mableton 555 Nickajack Road (770) 434-5303 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance JAZZERCISE

CENTER

Marietta * 1075 Whitlock Ave. * (770) 919-7007 * Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance JAZZERCISE

CENTER

Powder Springs 3210 Hopeland Industrial Drive (404) 915-8911 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance

JAZZERCISE

CENTER

Kennesaw 3195 Acworth Due West Road (770) 917-5868 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance JAZZERCISE

CENTER

Marietta 736 Johnson Ferry Road (770) 971-4970 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance JAZZERCISE

CENTER

North Cobb 3364 Canton Road (770) 424-6090 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance JUST

FITNESS 4 U

3101 Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 565-6330 Gym type: Fitness/health KNOCKOUTS

AND FITNESS

2325 Log Cabin Drive Suite 208, Smyrna (678) 668-1739 Gym type: Fitness/personal training LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Austell 1025 East-West Connector (770) 432-4262 Gym type: Fitness/health LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Marietta 4400 Roswell Road NE (770) 973-3370 Gym type: Fitness/health LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Kennesaw 4200 Wade Green Road Suite 38 (770) 427-9668 Gym type: Fitness/health LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Vinings 2995 Cobb Parkway (770) 956-9093 Gym type: Fitness/health LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Kennesaw 1185 Ernest Barret Parkway (678) 202-5503 Gym type: Fitness/health LA

FITNESS SPORTS CLUBS

Marietta 2550 Sandy Plains Road (678) 202-5178 Gym type: Health/fitness LITTLE

GYM

1295 W. Spring St. in Smyrna (770) 434-6661 Gym type: Gymnastics/children MIDTOWN

ATHLETIC CLUB

Windy Hill 135 Interstate North Parkway NW in Vinings (770) 953-1100 Gym type: Fitness/health MY

FITNESS GYM

4880 Lower Roswell Road Marietta (770) 578-1180 Gym type: Fitness/personal training

See Gyms, Page 96

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 91

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011 ACWORTH Acworth Sports Complex The 42-acre complex, on south Main Street just south of the downtown business district, contains six baseball fields, two football fields, multiple practice areas, batting cages and two concession stands. The complex is home to the Acworth Baseball Association and the Acworth Football and Cheerleading Association. The Sports Complex is home to Horizon Field. The Horizon League is a partnership with the Special Needs Development Group, Inc. that provides team sport opportunities to children with mental and physical disabilities between the ages of five and 21.

Baker Plantation Park This park is one-half acre neighborhood park off Baker Road near Cowan Road. There is a pavilion, which is on a first come, first-served basis, a playground, and two grills.

Bartow Carver Park Carver Park is located near Lake Allatoona on 3900 Bartow Carver Park.

It boasts grills, walking trails, a playground, and a covered picnic area.

Cauble Park Located on Beach Street on the north side of Lake Acworth, the 25-acre park contains fishing points, a boating ramp (for electric motor driven boats only), boardwalk, beach, volleyball net, rental facilities, two playgrounds and an open play area. The rental facilities include a beach house, lakeside gazebo and four pavilions. Parking is free during the week, but non-residents of the city of Acworth have to pay a $10 parking fee on the weekends. New additions are a series of trails that connects the park to Collins Circle and a boardwalk that crosses the lake and connects to Winn Street.

Dallas Landing Park Dallas Landing Park is an 82-acre park located on Allatoona Drive off Main Street. The park contains a beach, group pavilion, picnic table, grills, volleyball court and horseshoe pit. The park is also home of the Women’s Triathlon in August.

East Lakeshore Park East Lakeshore Park is located off East Lakeshore Drive near 1.5-acre park includes a playground, picnic benches and open play area.

Frana Brown Park Frana Brown Park is on the corner of Main Street and Morningside Drive in the heart of the downtown business district. The quarter-of-an acre park contains a fountain and benches for relaxation, and the original bell from the Acworth Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Logan Farm Park Located at 4762 Logan Road, this 50-acre park has a .75-mile long nature trail that connects to Cowan Road and Terrace Drive. The park also has a half-acre fishing pond, a multipurpose recreational field, playground and the Parks and Recreation Offices.

Newberry Park Newberry Park is located off of Toc-

P. 92

COBB’S SIX CITIES PARKS coa Drive. The 12-acre park contains two baseball fields, two concession stands, two parking lots and three batting cages. Newberry Park is home to the Acworth Baseball Association’s Senior League. The two baseball fields that Newberry Park contains are the Pinto / Shetland practice field for ages four through eight and the historic Coats and Clark Field for ages 13 through 16.

Overlook Park Overlook Park is located off Highway 92 near the bridge over Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona. The 1.5-acre park overlooks Lake Acworth and offers great fishing and picnicking opportunities.

Proctor Landing Park Proctor Landing is an 82-acre park located on Proctor Landing Drive off Hwy. 92 along the banks of Lake Allatoona. The park contains a beach, two group pavilions, picnic tables, grills, two volleyball courts and two horseshoe pits.

South Shore Park South Shore Park is located on Ragsdale Road off Highway 92. This 30-acre park sits on the South Side of Lake Acworth and contains parking, a beach and fishing areas.

Tanyard Creek Park Tanyard Creek Park is a 20-acre park in Downtown Acworth. The park can be accessed from McClain Circle, Cherokee Street and School Street.

The park contains open green space, parking and a community softball field. The Amos Durr Community Field is located at the McClain Circle entrance. Future plans include a multiuse trail. The field can be rented for a fee.

Terrace Drive Park This 1.5 acre park includes a playground, walking trail, basketball court and an open field. It is located in the Terrace Drive Park neighborhood.

For more information on any of the above parks, call (770) 917-1234 or go to www.acworth.org.

AUSTELL Clarkdale Park Clarkdale Park offers youth baseball programs at their three baseballfield facility complete with concession stands. The park is located at 4905 Austell-Powder Springs Road.

Collar Park Collar Park received a major upgrade several years ago. The park, at 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd. in Austell, includes a covered pavilion to host picnics, family reunions, and other events. A children’s playground is available along with tennis and volleyball courts. A new restroom facility was included in the upgrade and is a replica of the old train station that was located where the railroad tracks split at Austell-Powder Springs Road. A new gazebo was built and is host to the Concert in the Park,

the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and other events.

Legion Field Legion Park, at 5514 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell, consists of four fields for baseball or softball use. The park also features a gazebo, covered pavilion, and playground area for children.

Louise Suggs Memorial Park The site of the former Lithia Springs Golf Course, this 50-acre park includes a walking trail and free parking. Future plans include a pond, passive recreation facilities and an amphitheater.

Stephens Park Stephens Park is a small neighborhood park located on John Street. It includes a playground and a picnic area.

For more information on any of the above parks, call (770) 944-4300 or go to www.austellga.gov.

KENNESAW Adams Park Adams Park, a 33-acre community park near the intersection of Watts Drive and U.S. 41/Cobb Parkway, offers a unique blend of active and passive recreation. Adams Park features: six lighted baseball fields, four lighted softball fields, concession buildings, indoor

and outdoor batting cages, two lighted tennis courts, one lighted soccer field, 3,000-feet-by-8-feet-wide concrete trail, 26,000-square-foot Ben Robertson Community Center, Scout Hut building, playground, picnic pavilions and shelters, park bench seating, drinking fountains and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Community Center includes a banquet hall, two meeting rooms, a gymnastics room, fitness room, craft and painting labs and three dance studios.

Canterbury Soccer Park This park located at 605 Hawkins Store Road NE, features six soccer playing fields and two large concession stands.

Swift-Cantrell Park Swift-Cantrell Park, on Old Highway 41 near the intersection with Jiles Road, serves as one of the premier recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for Kennesaw area residents. At 42 acres, the city of Kennesaw’s largest community park features: two colossal, age-appropriate PowerScape Plus playground structures complete with climbers, swings, bridges and play events; and an Xscape System featuring circuits, walls, climbers and rings in a contemporary design that encourages new patterns of play. Also at Swift-Cantrell is The Frank Boone Dog Park, which is a 1.4-acre, off-leash dog park, and Swift Wheels

Skate Spot, which opened in October 2008. The park also has two lighted, asphalt trails; a one mile by 12-foot-wide perimeter trail and a half-mile by 8foot-wide inner-loop trail, acres of open turf for passive recreation, picnic pavilions and shelters, plaza area with park bench seating and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on any of the above parks, call (770) 422-9714 or go to www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

MARIETTA A.L. Burruss Nature Park This nature park, at 1485 South Cobb Parkway, has 45.66 acres of natural wooded area, nature trails and a picnic pavilion. It also provides offroad bicycling trails.

Al Bishop Park This park at 1082 Al Bishop Drive, has 5 so ball fields, a picnic pavilion, and a control building.

Birney Street Park This 1.5 acre park located at 358 Birney Street has a playground and a picnic pavilion.

Custer Park This park located at 602 Hyde Road includes a baseball field, 2 soccer fields, and a snack bar. This park offers a children’s playground. It is at 135 Gramling St. and is one acre.

See Parks, Page 94

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011 Continued from P. 92 Henry Memorial Park This 3.5-acre park at 81 Reynolds St., has two outdoor basketball half-courts, a playground and gazebo, and a 1,040foot walking trail.

Hickory Hills Park This 10.6 acre park, at 400 Chestnut Hill Road, has a walking track and ball fields.

Lake Park This half-acre neighborhood park is located at 400 Lake Drive. It has a picnic area, swing and benches.

Laurel Park At 151 Manning Road, Laurel Park 13 lighted tennis courts, a mile track, two ponds, a sand volleyball court, an outdoor basketball court, two pavilions, picnic tables and grills, an open play field and playground.

Lawrence Street Park Located at 510 Lawrence St., this park is next to the Lawrence Street Recrea on Center and includes a gym and a playground. There are various ac vi es and leagues offered at this loca on.

Lewis Park This 6.7-acre park has four lighted tennis courts, a dog park, walking trail, playground, so ball field for rental, park benches and picnic tables. The park is at 475 Campbell St.

COBB’S SIX CITIES PARKS Merri Park Located at 501 Wallace Road, this 4.9-acre park features a so ball field, jogging trail, and a playground. It is ADA accessible.

Monarch Park Located at the corner of Kennesaw and Maple avenues, this quarter-acre greenspace features a bu erfly garden.

Victory Park Victory Park, at 820 North Park Drive, is a 4.8-acre park with two lighted tennis courts, two picnic pavilions and two playgrounds.

West Dixie Park This 2.14-acre park features a picnic pavilion, playground, and halfcourt basketball. It is located at 125 West Dixie Avenue.

Whitaker Park Whitaker Park features a playground, a half-mile walking trail, gazebo and picnic tables. Whitaker is at 1540 Holcomb Lake Road.

Wildwood Park At 1050 Barclay Circle, near Life University, Wildwood Park consists of more than 28 acres with 2.5 miles of hiking trails, a one-mile jogging trail,

three picnic pavilions and a playground. The park also features a recently opened 1.5-acre, off-leash dog park.

For more informa on on the above parks, call (770) 794-5601 or go to www.marie agagov.

courts, baseball and so ball fields, football and soccer fields, a BMX track, and the new Ron Anderson Recrea on Center.

For more informa on on any of the above parks, call (770) 943-8001 or go to www.cityofpowdersprings.org.

POWDER

SMYRNA

SPRINGS

Powder Springs Park The Powder Springs Park is on Brownsville Road just west of downtown Powder Springs. The park contains 25 acres with ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and pavilions, an outdoor swimming pool and a passive recrea on area with paved trails.

Tramore Park A soccer facility located just to the west of the city with four full-size fields and several small fields for young children. The Southwest Cobb Youth Soccer League, the largest such league in the state, operates the programs at the park.

Wild Horse Creek Park Wild Horse Creek Park, on Macedonia Road, is a 53-acre mul use regional park with four lighted tennis

Askew Park This half-acre park has a playground and is located at the corner of Pinedale Drive and McCauley Road.

Brinkley Park Located in the south central part of the city at 1270 Hunter Street, Brinkley Park is adjacent to the American Legion center and Legion Field. The park includes ball fields, ba ng cages, a playground, picnic facili es and a building housing a small mee ng room.

Burger Park An off-leash dog park at 680 Glendale Place. It includes an area for big dogs and a smaller, fenced-off area for dogs under 30 pounds.

Chuck Camp Park Chuck Camp Park is in the northwest part of the city at 2270 Benson Poole Road, directly behind Cobb

Center Mall on South Cobb Drive. The park includes open space and a walking trail. The second phase of development will begin in the summer.

Church Street Park Located at 884 Church Street SE, this park includes picnic tables, horseshoe pits, benches and shuffleboard courts.

No pets are allowed.

Cobb Park and Kidscape Village I and II Located west of the city’s downtown complex on Powder Springs Road, Cobb Park affords users a wooded se ng and includes “Kidscape Village,” a large playground and a toddler-oriented play set.

Durham Park This 3-acre park features walking trails and open space. It is located at 1554 Spring St. Jonquil Park At 2411 Spring Road in eastern Smyrna, Jonquil Park consists of two ball fields, four youth soccer fields and sand volleyball.

Lake Court Park Lake Court Park is in the southwest por on of Smyrna on Lake Drive. The park is heavily wooded and includes a playground, volleyball court, pavilion with picnic tables, a picnic area and an open grassed playfield. Also includes a dog park.

See Smyrna, Page 96

Progressive Audiology Center does Hearing Aids....yes But:

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P. 94

• Tinnitus testing and treatment...yes • Dizziness testing and treatment....yes • Special Auditory testing....yes • Swimming Plugs....yes • Musician Plugs....yes • Hunter and Range Shooting Plugs....yes

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011

Prestigious Sharing Continued from P. 89

Continued from P. 89

WellStar began offering cardiac surgery in 2004, and offers a comprehensive cardiac program, with the exception of transplant services. The program is housed at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, where Cooper practices Cooper said this was the first year WellStar was not combined with Emory in its evaluation by the three organizations, as he and others in the program wanted to “get a clear picture of how we are performing as a standalone program.” Cooper said the program began as a partnership with Emory in 2004, though he and other surgeons perform their work at WellStar Kennestone.

“This allows us in some ways to set the record straight,” Cooper said. “This is validated, looked at independently, and gives us a much clearer picture of how well we’re doing based on the severity of the patients we’re caring for and gives ample consideration to those factors that have not always been considered.”

The off-road trail at A.L. Burruss Park, at South Cobb Drive and Cobb Parkway in Marietta, is another good place to ride, said Brian Genter, who like Burr is a member of the Bike Cobb group.

That park has four trails available to bikers, runners, and walkers totaling just over a mile, while the entire park covers almost 50 acres. Helmets are required for all cyclists there.

For those looking for places to ride, Genter suggests first looking for fellow cyclists.

“For new cyclists, I would say find some buddies that ride, and ride together. The easy way to do that is to get affiliated with your local bike shop, find out where they do group rides.

You can meet a lot of people that way,” Genter said.

One such club, Smyrna Cycling, is based out of A Trail of Wheels bike shop on South Cobb Drive. Websites of organizations such as USA Cycling, Southern Bicycle League, the Georgia Bicycle Federation also list clubs and teams to connect cyclists.

Cyclists can find Web resources to join up on rides and events with fellow cyclers, or join organizations such as Bike Cobb. Genter said Bike Cobb exists to “make roads safer or incorporate bicycle-friendly things like share the road signs and bike lanes.”

Bike Cobb is one of the largest organizations of its type in Cobb County, and members can blog about local events on the organization’s website and its Facebook page. Bike Cobb hosts many events, forums, and group rides to get cyclists together, visible to the rest of the community.

“There’s safety in numbers and more power in numbers,” Genter said.

Other organizations, such as The Commuter Club in Marietta seek to improve cyclist safety and offer classes for bicycle commuters to learn the road rules of etiquette. Offered through the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, these safety classes teach bikers how to keep their rights and space on the road.

Commuters can find resources on the club’s website to plan their commute, including walking, biking and bus directions, by companies such as A-TRAIN.

The Ranger Unit of the Cobb Police Department is responsible for patrolling the Silver Comet Trail, Columns Drive, trails near Kennesaw Mountain and elsewhere. All 10 members of the unit must take a 40-hour training course, said Sgt. R. Sorrow.

The Silver Comet Depot bike shop, at the Floyd Road intersection of the Silver Comet Trail, caters to all types of cyclists and trail users. The location is the original Silver Comet Depot train station, but it has been restored for daily use. They offer bike rentals, sales, fittings, and equipment available.

Eric Mortensson, the service manager for the Depot bike shop, says the initial Cobb section is the busiest of the trail.

They see “all types of riders,” from families seeking to rent bicycles to cyclists training for races.

“We do a shop ride Monday evenings. We try to get everybody here at 5:30 and wheels are on the ground at 5:45. It’s a 22-mile ride, and it can go a little bit longer depending on the group. Sometimes we might split up into two groups, a faster and a slower group,” he said.

At the Silver Comet Depot, they also hear some of the com-

plaints from the trail. The trail has no steep hills, only railroad grades, and is really good for sprint training. Mortensson says, “You get the people who do a lot of hardcore training out here and they ride really fast, especially on this little section, where it is so congested, every now and then you’ll hear some people irate because people come by them so fast.”

On July 1, the “3 feet 2 pass” law took effect, requiring drivers to give bicyclists adequate space when pass.

Genter, too, lamented that in Cobb, “you have to drive to ride your bike somewhere.” Cyclists are not permitted to be on the sidewalk, because Georgia law considers bikes to be vehicles.

He works at Lockheed Martin and is a part of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association.

The Leadership Association sponsors the Lockheed Martin Cycling Team with a tent at some of their rides. The Leadership Association even sponsored a team jersey for the Tour de Cure ride, Genter said.

A group of cyclists within the team sometimes ride together on their day off, meeting in a parking lot and planning a route from there.

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P. 95

health & fitness FACTBOOK 2011

Community Service Boards provide mental health help From staff reports

One in four Americans will suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime – ranging from common depression to more debilitating diagnoses. While health insurance may cover the costs of treatment for some, for tens of thousands of Georgians the crucial safety net for behavioral health care is the network of Community Service Boards throughout the state.

“We all know people afflicted with mental health or addiction problems,” said Tod Citron, Cobb CSB executive director. “These situations can have tragic outcomes. We offer

Smyrna Continued from P. 13 North Cooper Lake Park Dedicated in 2010, this 52-acre property is part of an inert landfill. It features a paved walking trail, a 2/3-mile intermediate off-road biking trail, an open field and the first official city of Smyrna Community Garden.

Ridge Forest Park A 1.1-acre passive park located at 3401 Ridge Road, Ridge Forest offers visitors exercise sta ons.

River Line Park Located at 6043 Oakdale Road, this park boasts mul -use fields, walking trails, a playground, pavilion, and concessions covering 14.2 acres.

Rose Garden Park Rose Garden Park is in east Smyrna on Turpin Road. Facili es include a ball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground and a pavilion with picnic tables.

Taylor-Brawner Park This 10-acre park offers the restored Brawner Hall and Taylor-Brawner House for rentals, along with walking trails, open lawns, a gazebo, pavilions, and a playground. It is located at 3180 Atlanta Road.

Tolleson Park and Pool Tolleson Park is south of the new downtown complex, adjacent to King Springs Road. The park is topographically divided into a lower and an upper sec on.

Ward Park Also known as La anzi Field, this park features a baseball field and a so ball field. It is located at 3590 King Springs Road.

Whi ield Park In northeast Smyrna on Whi ield Street, this park has a playground, picnic pavilion, half-court basketball court, and a grassy free-play area.

For more informa on on any of the above parks, call (770) 431-2842 or go to www.smyrnacity.com.

P. 96

the help that can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.

“We are seeing more people come to us seeking services because they are displaced workers who have lost their jobs and their health benefits,” Citron said. “The economy remains

Gyms

3161 Cobb Parkway in Kenneaw (770) 975-7179 Gym type: Fitness/health

Continued from P. 91 NCHANTING

YOGA

1521 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 180 in Marietta (678) 560-8922 Gym type: Fitness/yoga ONE

TO ONE HEALTH CENTERS

700 Sandy Plains Road NE Marietta (770) 795-0091 Gym type: Fitness/health OPT

WELLNESS

2997 Cumberland Blvd.

Suite 260 in Smyrna (770) 333-7991 Gym type: Fitness/personal training PEACHTREE

GYMNASTICS

1255 Johnson Ferry Road NE (770) 977-5557 Gym type: Gymnastics/dance/fitness PLANET

FITNESS

stagnant and people are turning more and more to us for care.”

The Cobb & Douglas Community Services Boards provide mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services to about 10,000 people annually with 400 employees at over 20 locations. In addition,

RETRO

FITNESS

about 4,000 inmates are served each year at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

The primary contact with the CSB for most clients is the Access Center where trained clinicians field calls ranging from routine to life threatening. More than 4,000 calls each month are

routed through the Access Center, ranging from clients setting up outpatient clinic appointments to true emergencies.

For information about services specific to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse issues, call the Access Center at (770) 422-0202.

etta (770) 793-7300 Gym type: Fitness/health

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2400 Cobb Parkway in Smyrna (770) 859-1980 Gym type: Fitness/health

4961 Lower Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 565-5450 Gym type: Fitness, women only

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2375 Highway 92 in Acworth (770) 974-5986 Gym type: Fitness/health TECHNIQUES BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU AND FITNESS

3405 Florence Circle, Powder Springs (678) 983-8089 Gym type: Fitness/self-defense TITANZ

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3150 Highlands Parkway Suite 113 in Smyrna (770) 432-6005 Gym type: Fitness/strength building WELLSTAR

HEALTH PLACE

330 Kennestone Hospital Blvd. Mari-

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Marietta 800 Whitlock Ave. NW Suite 106 (678) 355-5530 Gym type: Fitness/health WORKOUT

ANYTIME

Kennesaw * 1600 Kennesaw Due West Road * (770) 422-2279 * Gym type: Fitness/health WORKOUT

ANYTIME

Acworth 3335 Cobb Parkway NW (770) 974-8787 Gym type: Fitness/health

ANYTIME

Smyrna 3100 Highlands Parkway (404) 792-3555 Gym type: Fitness/health WORLD

GYM

4425 South Cobb Drive in Smyrna (770) 801-0006 Gym type: Health/fitness/training X

3 SPORTS

2343 Windy Hill Road SE Marietta (678) 903-0100 Gym type: Fitness/self-defense THE

YOGA ROOM

2440 Sandy Plains Road Suite 400 Marietta (404) 455-5805 Gym type: Fitness/yoga YOUR

BODY FITNESS

2639 Hickory Grove Road Ste. 140 in Acworth (770) 966-1500 Gym type: Fitness/health

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

SPORTS & RECREATION FACTBOOK

PAGE 97

CHATTAHOOCHEE TECH SPORTS MARIETTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE PROGRAM ON THE MOVE

/ P. 98

sports & recreation FACTBOOK 2011

Chattahoochee Tech offering local athletes another choice to play Marietta junior college soon to offer nine sports programs

By Carlton D. White cwhite@mdjonline.com

Staff / Jon-Michael Sullivan

Devin Davis, a graduate of Marietta High School, and David Pollock, a graduate of Hillgrove High School, are extending their football playing careers at Chattahoochee Tech’s club team while they complete their first two years of college.

P. 98

In an effort to grow its collegiate footprint and provide itself more exposure, Chattahoochee Technical College, which already had club-level athletics, went a step further and expanded its athletics and recreation departments to include junior college men’s and women’s cross country teams in 2005.

Since then, the Golden Eagles added men’s and women’s track and field at the junior college level, followed by men’s basketball beginning with the 2010-11 season. Women’s basketball is expected to debut as a junior college program as part of the 2011-

12 season, and club football, which started in 2010, is expected to become a junior college sport in the next few years.

With future plans to possibly include adding baseball, fastpitch softball and volleyball, Chattahoochee Tech will soon offer student-athletes an opportunity to prove themselves at the junior college level before advancing to four-year Division I, II, III and NAIA schools.

“Education is the first priority for all of our student-athletes,” said Dr. Ron Dulaney, Associate Provost for Athletics.

“But, sports adds another avenue for our students and opens up campus life.

See Choice, Page 99

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

sports & recreation FACTBOOK 2011

Choice Continued from Page 98 to get a good start on their education with us for two years, participate in sports, and go on to a four-year institution afterwards.”

CTC’s growth in athletics, with junior college teams competing in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association and club teams as members of the Technical College System of Georgia Athletic Association and the National Club Football Association, has stemmed in large part from the support of the school president, Dr. Sanford Chandler.

“We have a tremendous commitment from our president,” said John Furman, Coordinator of Sports Information. “Dr. Sanford Chandler has a vision for the school and cares a lot about sports. He understands how athletics can help the college grow and reach more and more people.”

Junior college sports not only helps grow the college, but it also helps the student-athlete.

Chattahoochee Tech’s athletics expansion has a number of advantages.

“Junior college athletics allows student-athletes two essential advantages,” said men’s basketball coach and athletics coordinator David Archer.

“Student-athletes who have not quite developed athletically, or may have been overlooked have an opportunity to improve their athletic skills in order to move on to the next level.

“Also, student-athletes who have not qualified academically to go to a four-year school have an opportunity to improve their academic standing and get acclimated to college courses while also competing in athletics.”

Another advantage for Chattahoochee Tech is the versatility it provides its students as they can choose degree-level courses that transfer to four-year colleges, or take a focused and directed technical education program and not pursue athletics after their two years of eligibility are up.

“CTC offers the best of both opportunities,” Archer said.

Chattahoochee Tech has campuses in Marietta, Austell, Acworth, Woodstock, Canton, Jasper and Dallas, and services six counties, including Cobb, Paulding, Bartow, Cherokee, Pickens and Gilmer.

“Locally, our coaches are in contact with area high school coaches, and when our president speaks at meetings, he brings up sports which has helped us grow in several areas athletically,” Dulaney said.

“Through our junior college affiliation, coaches’ meetings and word of mouth, we’re even attracting student-athletes outside our service areas. We have athletes from Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas among others on our teams.”

One such athlete is Donovan Miller, who qualified for the 2011 NJCAA National meet in the 800 meter run and the 4x400 meter relay for the Golden Eagles. Miller, a graduate of North Cobb High School, will be starting his second year at CTC this fall. He came to Chattahoochee Tech for a number of reasons, including its proximity to home, its success as a program and the coaches were easy to talk to

and get along with.

“Attending Chattahoochee Tech was a good plan for me athletically and academically,” said Miller, who is looking to earn a Technical Specialist Certification before moving on to a four-year school. “Even though it’s junior college, they race at very good meets over the weekends, and the times these guys run at other schools are very competitive. It’s a good program.

“Academi‘Academically, cally, coming coming here has here has allowed me to get a lot of allowed me to get my core courses a lot of my core out of the way, courses out of the get as high a way, get as high a GPA as possible and put myself in GPA as possible a good position and put myself in a when I transfer good position to another school. when I transfer to “Junior colanother school.’ lege is something to look at be— Donovan Miller, cause you get the North Cobb High same kind of School graduate and competition that current Chattahoochee you would at a Tech student-athlete.

Division II, III or NAIA school, and you get to meet people from all over the country as well.”

The transition to a four-year college is made easier by coaches seeking out a certain need.

“Typically, four-year colleges will recruit our student-athletes based on their specific criteria,” Archer said. “We have many studentathletes who are recruited in our various sports.

Quite a few have signed to move on to fouryear colleges.”

CTC’s passion for growing its athletics program isn’t hampered by its lack of athletic facilities. The Golden Eagles, who do provide scholarships for their junior college programs, have agreements with several of their Cobb County neighbors to help with training as well as competition events.

For instance, the club football team plays its games at Osborne High School, while the basketball team plays at the Smyrna Community Center.

“Without athletic facilities on campus, we are certainly challenged with storage of equipment,” Archer said. “However, we have space where equipment is stored on campus and accessed when needed. It just makes things a bit more logistically difficult. Facility providers provide access to locker rooms on game days.”

Local talent should get a boost as Chattahoochee Tech expands its athletics programs as students interested in competing collegiately have another option to consider. The process at CTC may take longer than expected due to the weak economy, but the Golden Eagles are committed to it.

“The budget is always a reality,” said Dulaney, who hopes to see football become a junior college sport over the next few years. “We want to evaluate football to the fullest, and we’re taking a look at other sports as well in the future. We want our sports programs to really take off.”

Staff / Laura Moon

Walton High School’s Amanda Kelly plays a shot to the 10th hole at the Marietta City Club earlier this spring. The City Club is just one of the local public courses that are getting creative in attracting players during the struggling economy.

Cobb’s public golf courses get creative in rough economy

By Adam Carrington acarrington@mdjonline.com

The current state of the economy has made local Cobb County public golf more creative.

The City Club of Marietta is using new tactics to encourage golfers to play its course and use its practice facility. Cobblestone Golf Course has put a spark in its summer junior program that will likely carry over into the fall. Fox Creek Golf Club and Legacy Golf Links are often praised for running top-notch practice facilities and the local driving ranges are also working to attract golfers.

“We’re doing things we haven’t done in the past,” said Ken Dixon, general manager of the Marietta City Club and Rinehardt University boys and girls golf coach.

For starters, the City Club of Marietta is offering early bird nine-hole specials for morning golfers and also has an early bird plan for the evening golfers who want to play nine on their way home from work.

The City Club of Marietta recently introduced a loyalty program for range balls. Each time a

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

golfer buys range balls or a round of golf, they get points for future discounts. It also offers a new range plan where golfers by a $40 minimum purchase and get range balls at a discount.

Marietta is also upgrading its GPS computer this summer with new units expected in mid July.

The club is also adding carts this summer.

In regards of competition, the City Club of Marietta will celebrate its 20th year in the fall by hosting an anniversary tournament, according to Dixon. Dates have not been set.

Meanwhile, Cobblestone has been busy getting children involved in golf.

The course has already hosted three summer camps in June for all levels and is hosting three more in July. The camp introduced golf and other related activities such as fitness activities and Frisbee golf.

Cobblestone also hosted a successful parent-child outing in late June and plans to do so again July 17 where they will play a 9-hole two-person scramble.

“We put (the first one) together in about 10 days and had See Golf, Page 100

P. 99

sports & recreation FACTBOOK 2011

Cobb Golf Courses

Golf Continued from Page 99

Atlanta Country Club (private) 500 Atlanta Country Club Drive Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 953-2100 www.atlantacountryclub.org Head Pro: Bill Johnstone Green fees: N/A Bentwater Golf Club (private) 100 Golf Links Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 529-9554 www.canongategolf.com Head Pro: Justin Tackett and Jim Sims Green fees: N/A Brookstone Golf and Country Club (private) 5705 Brookstone Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 425-8500 www.brookstonecc.com Head Pro: Mark Avery Green fees: N/A

Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 435-1000 www.legacyfoxcreek.com General Manager: J.R. Ross Green fees: $30 (weekdays), $36 (weekends). Twilight (after 4 p.m.) -- $21 (weekdays), $25 (weekends) Marietta Country Club (private) 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive Kennesaw GA 30152 (770) 426-1808 www.mariettacountryclub.org Head Pro: Stephen Keppler Green fees: N/A Pinetree Country Club (private) 3400 McCollum Parkway, NW Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 422-5902 www.pinetreecc.org Head Pro: Daryll Speegle Green fees: N/A Driving Ranges

City Club of Marietta (public) 510 Powder Springs Street Marietta, GA 30101 (770) 528-4653 www.cityclubmarietta.com Head Pro: Dan Mullins Green fees: $48 (Monday through Thursday), $53 (Friday), $58 (weekends and holidays). Twilight (after 4 p.m.) -- $36 (Monday through Thursday), $39 (Friday), $42 (weekends and holidays) Cobblestone Golf Course (public) 4200 Nance Road Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 917-5152 www.cobblestonegolf.com Head Pros: Chris Wright and Joyce Wilcox Green fees: $59 (Monday through Thursday), $69 (weekends and holidays). Twilight (after 4 p.m.) -- $44 (Monday through Thursday), $49 (weekends and holidays) Dogwood Golf Club (semi-private) 4207 Flint Hill Road Austell, GA 30106 (770) 941-2202 www.dogwoodgolf.org Head Pro: Ryan Medford Green fees: $60 (Monday through Thursday), private on weekends. Twilight (after 4 p.m.) -- $35 (Monday through Thursday) Fox Creek Golf Club & Driving Range (public) 1501 Windy Hill Road Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 435-1000 www.legacyfoxcreek.com General Manager: J.R. Ross Green fees: $30 (weekdays), $36 (weekends). Twilight (after 4 p.m.) -- $21 (weekdays), $25 (weekends) Governors Towne Club (private) 4200 Governors Towne Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 966-5353 www.governors towneclub.com Head Pro: Jim Mancill Green fees: N/A Indian Hills Country Club (private) 4001 Clubland Drive Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 971-2605 www.indianhillscc.com head pro: Lance Cantrell Green fees: N/A Legacy Golf Links and Driving Range (public) 1825 Windy Hill Road

P. 100

Atlantis Golf Instructional Center 1825 Windy Hill Road, SE Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 434-6331 Bucket of Balls: Small (35) for $4, medium (65-70) for $7.50, large (100+) for $10 Marietta Golf Center 1701 Gresham Road, NE Marietta, GA (770) 977-1997 Bucket of Balls: Small (35) for $5, medium (55) for $7, large (80) for $9, extra large (110) for $11 Tee 1 Up 3185 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 578-1234 Bucket of balls: small (40-50) for $5, medium (80-90) for $9, large (115) for $12

43 people,” said Joyce Wilcox, golf professional and LPGA member. “We had others that wanted to be there but it didn’t fit their schedule.

“I’m thinking we can build this into a fall program as well,” Wilcox said.

Tee 1 Up driving range in east Cobb is also working with junior golfers, offering weekly camps for juniors of all ages, accommodating all levels. The

camps run three days a week throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., covering all the basics of golf.

Atlanta Golf Instructional Center, Legacy Links and Fox Creek Golf Club, all located in Smyrna, were recognized by Sports Illustrated as having one of the best practice facilities in the Southeast, according to the website that they share. The clubs have more than 100 range tees combined. They also provide target greens, chipping and putting greens and are open as late as 9 p.m.

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(770) 426-1969 MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

REAL ESTATE FACTBOOK

PAGE 101

MOVING ON WITH MANGET PAGE 103

AFTER A LENGTHY SEARCH, FAMILY CALLS COBB HOME PAGE 103

SERENE SETTING PAGE 105

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

They looked at more than 100 homes before deciding to ...

Settle in Cobb

Genise and Courtney Shelton at their Sone Mill Creek home in Powder Springs.

‘When I saw it, I said, ‘This is it.’

Story by Katy Ruth Camp Photos by Jon-Michael Sullivan enise and Courtney Shelton decided after well as at Atlanta Medical Center, and Genise said marrying nearly two years ago and blend- the two met when he served as her son Justice’s ing their respective families into one of baseball coach. five children, it was time for a change — “He was the coach on his Little League team and that change and I was the team mom. At meant better schools and a the time, I had gone through On the cover: better quality of life in Cobb a divorce and his wife had County, Genise said. passed from a rare form of Genise and Courtney Shelton with “We were outgrowing our cancer so we just became their children, from left: Jalen, Jushome in Lithonia and wanted friends and started talking tice, Julian, Evinn and Jaxson. great public schools to send more and more in the parks our kids to, so we did a lot of after the games, and it was research, talked with a lot of friends, looked at just instant, easy conversation. Eventually, we reCRCT scores and found out that Cobb County has alized our kids went to the same school at Green a great school system,” Genise, who is a clinical Forest Christian Academy, but we had never seen researcher at Primary Care Specialists in Atlanta See Settle, P. 110 said. Courtney is also a physician at the center, as

G

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

Local developer plans to finish Manget project

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Local developer Dan Burge recently closed on a sales contract with Branch Banking & Trust for the unfinished Manget at Historic Marietta development.

A Marietta native, Burge, 65, estimates he’s developed between 45 and 50 subdivisions in the county over the years.

Burge said he had been sitting on the sidelines for the last few years watching the economy and waiting for the right kind of project to come along. The original 17.5acre development located east of the Square and south of Roswell Street was slated for 265 units that were to be a mix of single-family detached townhomes and condos by Cumming-based Hedgewood Homes. Hedgewood was able to build 12 single-family homes, 14 townhomes and an eight-unit condo building before the recession struck and BB&T foreclosed on the property in 2008.

The purchase gives Burge 11 singlefamily lots, 31 townhouse lots and 11 undeveloped acres.

Burge plans to do some touch-ups to the condo building and get the units on the market by next week. He’s looking at a price of $169,900 for each 1,500 square foot condo, a significant reduction over Hedgewood’s asking price of $280,000, he said. The bank struggled with selling the condo building, even though it’s basically complete, because it couldn’t get the plat recorded.

Once Burge gets the condos out of the way, his next step is to get a builder to start building 10 single-family homes between 2,500 and 2,800 square feet, circling the development’s new park off Haley Street.

Staff/Samantha Shal

Developer Dan Burge stands near the condominiums at the Manget development. The condos are the first properties Burge plans to sell.

P. 103

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

A slow recovery Real estate market has suffered, but experts see small improvements

By Katy Ruth Camp / krcamp@mdjonline.com

T

hose working in Cobb County’s real estate market say that while business has been rough and the housing market has probably hit bottom, small improvements are likely for the remainder of 2011.

Mark Vitner, a managing director and senior economist at Wells Fargo, said the first half of 2011 was disappointing to many economists, therefore lowering their expectations for market improvement for the rest of the year.

“Our expectations were pretty low to begin with, and I think activity will pick up in the second half. But we’re stuck with little to no job growth.

Until housing enters a fullfledged recovery, which is still probably a few more years away, it’s going to be hard for job growth to grow and therefore hard for the housing market to grow,” Vitner said.

East Cobb holds the most development, Vitner said, while west Cobb seems to be lagging behind.

“Parts of the western edge of Cobb still have a lot of supply, so we’re still seeing prices drop there. There isn’t much in terms of new development. In the eastern edge, we are seeing a little bit of development. We’ve had two years of economic recovery and some say it seems like a month, but there is some growth.

Overall, unemployment is not that great, but we’ve seen more growth in professional occupations, and those who are losing jobs are largely in unskilled positions. So more upscale housing — like in east Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth — is coming back a little faster than the overall economy,” Vitner said.

Vitner said that although east Cobb has less undeveloped space than west Cobb, more people want to live in east Cobb and as the economy begins to

P. 104

‘ ... we’re stuck with little to no job growth.

Until housing enters a full-fledged recovery, which is still probably a few more years away, it’s going to be hard for job growth to grow and therefore hard for the housing market to grow.’

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— Mark Vitner, managing director and senior economist at Wells Fargo recover, more people are living in smaller homes in the areas they want to build.

Steve Palm, owner of the Marietta-based real estate data firm Smart Numbers, said new home building has scaled so far back he’s not sure when it will recover.

“In 2004, we had about 6,700 permits issued and since 2008, we’ve had less than 3,000, combined, through April,” Palm said.

“That shows you we’re down over 50 percent in almost 31/2 years. Hopefully, one day I’ll say I feel pretty good about things, but I don’t see that happening any time soon.”

Still, 2011 continues to be a better year for home builders, as at least 464 permits were issued through June, compared to last year’s year-to-date figure of 365 permits issued.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

Staff/Laura Moon

The home belonging to Nancy Jordan Ingram is situated on a wooded lot inside the Kennesaw Moutain National Park.

Rooms with a view

Marietta residence sits inside pictureque Kennesaw Mountain National Park Sally Litchfield MDJ Features Editor

Nancy Ingram Jordan knows that sometimes the best house is the one with the good bones.

In 1987, Jordan and her late husband, Bill, looked at “zillions” of homes in Marietta.

Bill, who Nancy described as a “country boy” from Tolberton near Columbus, did not want to live in a subdivision. “(Bill) was used to a lot of land,” Jordan said. “We saw this home and immediately put a contract on it,” the mother of two grown sons said.

Picturesquely situated on a finger inside the Kennesaw

Mountain National Park, the home is one of 19 houses in the neighborhood. All the homes are located on large wooded lots providing privacy and a rural feel even though the site is just minutes from the Marietta Square.

Jordan, an attorney specializing in family law with the local firm of Brock & Clay, said laughing, “When I was growing up, this road was way in the sticks.”

Although the house didn’t have the “wow factor” when Jordan initially saw it, she quickly recognized its potential.

See Rooms, P. 109

Nancy Ingram Jordan says her home underwent a three-phase renovation, including a complete overhaul of the kitchen.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 105

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

Realtors in Cobb A T MORRIS REALTY GROUP, INC 3162 Johnson Ferry Road, 260-2 Marietta GA 30062 (770) 552-5922 Ausker Morris ausker@morrisrealtygroup.com ALL ATLANTA REALTY, LLC 3225 Shallowford Road, Building 100 Marietta GA 30062 (770) 565-7505 Debbie Redford debbieredford@coloritsold.com AMERICA’S REALTY, INC. 1970 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 993-4663 Michele Ambio mambio@msn.com ANCHOR REALTY PARTNERS 4937 Cherokee St. Acworth GA 30101 (770) 917-0322 Malinda Howe malinda.howe@yahoo.com esills@ashtonwoodshomes.com ASSIST 2 SELL 1301 Shiloh Road Suite 130 Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 514-8877 Christie Griffin cgriffin@remax.net ASSIST 2 SEL 85 Golf Crest Drive Acworth GA 30101 (770) 917-1000 Christie Griffin cgriffin@remax.net ATLANTA COMMUNITIES REAL ESTATE 3113 Roswell Rd Marietta GA 30062 770-2402001 E. Judson Adamson judsonadamson@atlantacommunities.net BARNUM REALTY GROUP 1690 Stone Village Lane Nw Kennesaw GA 30152 770-7927253 Daisy Barnum dbarnum@barnumrealtygroup.com BELL REALTY P.O. Box 441185 Kennesaw GA 30160 770-9433050 Joan Bell joanbell@joanbellrealty.com BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL 3600 Dallas Highway Suite 100 Marietta GA 30064 (404) 843-2500 Kevin Levent kevin.levent@metrobrokers.com BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL 2157 Roswell Road, NE Marietta GA 30062 (404) 843-2500 Kevin Levent kevin.levent@metrobrokers.com CCDC REALTY, INC 268 Lawrence St., Suite 100 Marietta GA 30060 (770) 429-4400 Linda Cole lcole@cobbhousinginc.org CHANDLER BRIDGES REALTY 2888 Cobb St. Marietta GA 30068 (404) 444-8122 Chandler Bridges chandlerbridges@bellsouth.net CHAPMAN HALL, REALTORS 3984 Amberley Lane Marietta GA 30062

P. 106

(404) 312-3823 Ann Michaels annmichaels@bellsouth.net CHASTAIN & ASSOCIATES, INC. 1301 Shiloh Road NW Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 4250020 Paul Chastain pyc@bellsouth.net CIRCLE REAL ESTATE SERVICES 19 Trammell St. Marietta GA 30064 (678) 460-2900 Bob Hodge bob@circlereo.com CLUB REALTY & ASSOCIATES 1781 Brookstone Walk Acworth GA 30101 (770) 427-4200 Joseph Sewell clubrealty@bellsouth.net COLDWELL BANKER RES. BROKERAGE 300 Village Green Circle Smyrna GA 30082 (770) 433-4140 Gilbert Castro gil.castro@coldwellbankeratlanta.com COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE 800 Whitlock Ave., Suite 115 Marietta GA 30064 (770) 429-0600 Frederick Cassidy

GEORGIA DREAM HOMES REALTY 4549 Stilesboro Road Kennesaw GA 30152 (678) 290-0085 Garfield McCook gavdrew@aol.com GREAT HOME RLTY & PROPERTY 1275 Shiloh Road, Suite 2940 Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 499-8193 Missy Gaye Harlow greathomesrealty@aol.com HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS 776 Whitlock Ave. Marietta GA 30064 (770) 422-6005 Lane Jones lane.jones@harrynorman.com HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS 4651 Olde Towne Pkwy

(888) 305-3800 Angela Mitchell angela@innovationsrealtygroup.com JEWELL WRIGTH REALTY 4034 Columns Drive Marietta GA 30067 (770) 955-6573 Jewell Wright jewellwright@mindspring.com JIM BULLA FOOTHILLS REALTY, LLC 2810 Foothill Trail Marietta GA 30066 (770) 565-7526 James Bulla bulla@atlmarietta.com JOHN SUAREZ & ASSOCIATES, LLC 4080 Indian Town Marietta GA 30066 770-5910799

Marietta GA 30068 (770) 509-3370 Jeanne Linden jeanne.linden@harrynorman.com HERITAGE REAL ESTATE BROKERS I 2870 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 874-0560 Susan Van Dyke susan@heritagegeorgia.com HORNER BAKER PARTNERS 111 Village Parkway Marietta GA 30067 (770) 579-4060 Lynn Horner Baker lynn@hornerbakerpartners.com INNOVATIONS REALTY GROUP 1640 Powers Ferry Road SE Marietta GA 30067

See List, P. 108

Two of the Best Around Atlanta GAY LOCKE

JENNIFER PRANGE

CRS, ASP, ABR

GRI, ABR, ASP

404-558-1004 404-291-0854

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COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL 37 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta GA 30068 (770) 955-0555 Charlotte Sears charlotte.sears@coldwellbanker atlanta.com DRAKE REALTY OF GREATER ATL 3535 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 565-2044 Glenn Drake glennfdrake@gmail.com DRECKSLER & ASSOCIATES, INC. 444 Manget St., Suite 400 Marietta GA 30060 (770) 916-1074 Charles Drecksler charlie@georgiahomes.com E. LYNN REALTY, LLC. 4416 Drury Lane Acworth GA 30102 (678) 776-3984 Lynn Miller lynnm2000@earthlink.net E. LYNN REALTY, LLC. 4416 Drury Lane Acworth GA 30102 (678) 776-3984 Lynn Miller lynnm2000@earthlink.net ERA SUNRISE REALTY 3900 Legacy Park Blvd.

Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 423-9494 David Griffith david.griffith1@era.com ERA SUNRISE REALTY 3900 Legacy Park Blvd.

Kennesaw GA 30144 (770) 423-9494 David Griffith david.griffith1@era.com ERA UNITED 2135 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 977-7888 Kathy Steward kathy.steward@metrobrokers.com

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

TOP 10 REALTORS: INDIVIDUAL

Deborah Ratchford

Hank Miller

Wendy Bunch Meyer

B.J. Martin

Gina Bridges

Rebecca Mohandiss

Susan Edwards

Ron Martinez

David Cruz

Connie Carlson

1. Deborah Ratchford Keller Williams Realty/Cityside Active Life

2. Hank Miller Keller Williams Realty/Cityside Active Life

3. Wendy Bunch Meyer RE/MAX Around Atlanta Active Phoenix

4. B.J. Martin Harry Norman Active Diamond Phoenix

5. Gina Bridges Keller Williams Realty/Cityside Platinum Phoenix

6. Rebecca Mohandliss Keller Williams Realty/Cityside Active Life

7. Susan Edwards Heritage Real Estate Brokers Active Life

8. Ron Martinez Coldwell Banker Active Life

9. David Cruz Coldwell Banker Active Life

10. Connie Carlson Keller Williams Signature Properties Active Life

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 107

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

List Continued from P. 106 JS GORDON AND ASSOCIATES, INC. 2658 Tabby Walk Marietta GA 30062 (770) 578-0121 Cindy Adams cindy@cobbrealtor.com KB HOME SALES ATLANTA, LLC 280 Interstate North Circle Atlanta GA 30339 (678) 255-4200 Timothy Keane tkeane@kbhome.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 200 Glenridge Point Parkway Suite 100 Atlanta GA 30342 (770) 443-8640 Shaun Rawls shaunr@kw.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 2651 Dallas Highway Marietta GA 30064 (678) 631-1700 Kimberly Jeans kimjeans@kw.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ACROSS 76 Highland Pavilion Court Hiram GA 30141 (770) 874-5333 Kelli Phillips kelli@kelliphillips.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA 3730 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 509-0700 Shaun Rawls shaunr@kw.com KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY CITYSIDE 3350 Atlanta Road SE Smyrna GA 30080 (770) 874-6200 Shaun Rawls shaunr@kw.com Marvin Brown marvinjbrown@kw.com KENNETH G. HORTON REALTY, INC. 4200 Governors Towne Drive Blvd.

Acworth GA 30101 (770) 966-8640 Shirley Johnson shirley@shirleyjohnson.com LANDMARK REAL ESTATE PARTNERS 887 Powder Springs Road Marietta GA 30064 (770) 870-9248 Judson Moore judd@landmarkrep.com MANNING PROPERTIES P.O. Box 3393 Marietta GA 30061 (770) 422-0408 H. Aymar Manning realtormember@yahoo.com MARCHMAN MCCLAIN, REALTORS 3040 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta GA 30305 (404) 406-8899 Catherine Barr kittybarr7@aol.com MARKCORP WORLDWIDE, INC. 125 Townpark Drive Suite 300-30080 Kennesaw GA 30156 (678) 383-4552 Barry Gazzard bestsell@markcorp.us MAXIMUM ONE GREATER ATLANTA 4451 S. Atlanta Rd, No. 102 Smyrna GA 30080 (770) 919-8825 Sue Hudson suehudson@prodigy.net MCCREARY REALTY MANAGEMENT INC.

P. 108

P.O. Box 6040 Marietta GA 30065 (770) 427-5711 Michael McCreary michael@mccrearyrealty.com METRO BROKERS BETTER HOMES & GARDENS 2157 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 203-2500 Kevin Levent kevin.levent@metrobrokers.com NEW DAY REALTY 1830 Scufflegrit Road Marietta GA 30062 (770) 405-3040 Renee Swann swannr@bellsouth.net NORTHSIDE BROKERS, INC. 3901 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (678) 996-2999 Will Gurley will@gurleyrealty.net NOVED BROKERS, INC. 125 TownPark Drive Suite 300 Kennesaw GA 30144 (678) 881-0857 Brandon Nichols info@novedbrokers.com OVERLOOK BROKERS, LLC 2187 Tayside Crossing, NE Kennesaw GA 30152 (770) 218-8138 Joseph Rowland hr@grace-developmentcorp.com PANIAGUA REAL ESTATE, LLC 2351 South Cobb Drive Smyrna GA 30080 (706) 277-0760 Rogelio Paniagua rogelio@optilink.us PELMORE REALTY 1060 Trestle Drive Austell GA 30106 (770) 944-8356 Joseph Pelmore pelmore5@aol.com PRIME PROPERTIES ATLANTA 4876 Clark Lake Way Acworth GA 30102 (770)424-3333 Maxine Willman maxinewillman@bellsouth.net PRUDENTIAL GEORGIA REALTY NW 2414 Dallas Highway SW Marietta GA 30064 (770)421-8600 Steve Allen sallen@prudentialgeorgia.com RE/MAX /AROUND ATLANTA 3375 Dallas Highway Marietta GA 30064 (678)819-9260 Charolette Steed csteed@aroundatlanta.com RE/MAX GREATER ATLANTA 2050 Roswell Road Marietta GA 30062 (770)973-9700 Ben Christopher benchristopher@mindspring.com RE/MAX INTEGRITY 2500 Cobb Parkway S-C1 Kennesaw GA 30152 (770) 428-2875 Steven George stevegeorge@remax.net RE/MAX INTEGRITY 3007 Canton Road Marietta GA 30066 (770) 428-7900 Steven George stevegeorge@remax.net RE/MAX ONE 1501 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta GA 30062 (678) 324-3480 Jill Reed

reedassociates@yahoo.com RE/MAX UNLIMITED 5205 Stilesboro Road Kennesaw GA 30152 (770) 419-1986 Pamela Rogers pamelarogers@remax.net RE/MAX WESTSIDE 2285 Asquith Ave. Marietta GA 30008 (770) 433-0333 Stephen Adams stevec.adams@yahoo.com REALEX INC. 425 Briarwood Court Marietta GA 30068 (770) 971-6996 Robert Long realex@mindspring.com REALTY BIZ, INC.

212 Gramling St. Marietta GA 30008 (770)424-6511 Elisabeth Helenek lizbizz7@bellsouth .net REALTY EXECUTIVES OF MARIETTA 990 Whitlock Ave. Marietta GA 30064 (678) 370-9000 Chris Norris chrisnorris@mindspring .com REALTY ONE 1322 Concord Road Smyrna GA 30080 (770) 433-2123 Bobbie Poole bobbie@realtyoneofgeorgia .com

RED OAK REALTY, LLC 701 Whitlock Ave. Marietta GA 30064 770-4241819 Colby Henson RedOakRealty@redoakhome.com RED TOP REALTY, INC. P.O. Box 575 Acworth GA 30101 770-9751100 Genelle Tutherow redtoprealtyinc@bellsouth.net RIVER NORTH REALTY, INC. 1860 Battlefield Road Marietta GA 30064 770-5908844 Carolyn Mills edgarc.mills@earthlink.net

See List, P. 110

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MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

TOP 10 REALTORS: TEAM

Mike Costigan

Marta Stewart

Angela Barner

Tina Robbins

Lynn Horner Baker

Bob Hodge

Debbie Redford

Judy Ballard

1. Mike Costigan Costigan Real Estate Group Active Life

2. Marta Stewart Stewart Broker Active Life

3. Angela Barner RE/MAX Unlimited Crystal Phoenix

4. Tina Robbins Robbins Realty Active Crystal Phoenix

6. Bob Hodge Circle Real Estate Services / Active Crystal Phoenix

7. Debbi Redford All Atlanta Realty Active Diamond Phoenix

8. Judy Ballard Atlanta Communities Active Platinum Phoenix

9. Sue Hilton Keller Williams Signature Partners

Rooms Continued from P. 105 “It was to me a house that I could make my own and the location was perfect — two acres inside the national park. Plus, it’s got great bones,” said Jordan, the daughter of Sylvia and Cobb Senior Judge Conley Ingram and sister of Cobb Superior Court Lark Ingram and Conley Ingram Jr. Jordan said that her husband, a structural engineer, not only wanted to live in the country, but also wanted a well-built house.

The Jordans purchased the home from the Franklin Knights and in 1988 moved in. They began transforming the sprawling three bedroom, 2½-bath ranch-style home into their own.

A three-phase renovation in-

Sue Hilton

Terri Schrews

5. Lynn Horner Baker Horner Baker Partners / Active Crystal Phoenix

10. Terri Schrews Atlanta Communities Active Active Crystal Phoenix

cluded making a screened porch into a spacious breakfast room, a garage into a family room, complete overhaul of the kitchen adding modern amenities, finishing out the basement into a game room and wet bar and a makeover of the backyard.

The couple knocked down walls, reconfigured the floor plan, and added windows and French doors.

“It lives large because we opened it up,” Jordan said, explaining that she didn’t want so large a house that she never saw her sons. “We were able to mold the house and decorate the house into a ‘wow.’ It’s just had a good feel to it,” she said. “It’s a well-loved house. It’s great for living and it’s great for entertaining. (The home) was a perfect place to raise a family.”

HUGH GILLIAM THE GILLIAM GROUP

ATLANTA COMMUNITIES Real Estate Brokerage

770.240.2001

www.SearchTopMariettaHomes.com MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL l SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 l MDJONLINE.COM

P. 109

real estate FACTBOOK 2011

Settle Continued from P. 103 each other,” Genise said, adding that it took Courtney about three months to get up the nerve to ask her on a date.

Genise said they both have been in the Atlanta area for about 10 years, after Courtney moved from Detroit to be closer to family members in the Atlanta area, and she moved to Atlanta from Chicago after landing a job at Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta as a producer.

Once they were married, Genise combined her sons Justice, 10, and Julian, 6 with Courtney’s sons Jalen, 12, Jaxson, 10, and daughter Evinn, 8, to create their new family.

“We were sending our kids to private schools, but knew we couldn’t afford that and we weren’t happy with the public school system there, so that was a major factor in our move. We found that Powder Springs had a good diversity, good grades, schools, and this subdivision had a pool so it was a perfect fit,” Genise added.

Genise said the couple looked at nearly 100 homes for almost a year before finding their six-bedroom home at 5498

List Continued from P. 108 ROBBINS REALTY 2513 Shallowford Road Building 200 Suite 210 Marietta GA 30066 (770) 971-5660 Tina Robbins tinar@leonandtina.com SLYMAN REAL ESTATE 134 Powers Ferry Road Suite 100 Marietta GA 30067 (770)405-0100 Paige Slyman slymanfamily@comcast.net SONJA MIKES RE, INC. 2950 Pete Shaw Road Marietta GA 30066 (770) 591-2827 Sonja Mikes sonjamikes@comcast.net SOUTHERN PRIME REALTY, LLC 2315 Arbor Court Marietta GA 30066 (770) 573-2507 Howard Carter usmchrc@bellsouth.net THE REAL ESTATE COMPANY 6146 Braidwood Lane Acworth GA 30101 (404) 313-5095 Ronald Cheney ron@tophousingexperts.com

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Cathers Creek Drive in the nearly 75-home subdivision of Stone Mill Creek in Powder Springs. The couple moved into their home on June 17. Their previous five-bedroom home in Lithonia is currently under contract, Genise said.

Marietta real estate agent Wendy Bunch of Re/Max Around Atlanta had the listing for the property and worked with the couple in their transition. Bunch said the home was a fair market sale and the original owner put it on the market last year when he was transferred to Nebraska for his job. The house originally listed for $399,000 and Bunch said he received an offer two weeks after it was put on the market for $389,000 but turned it down. Once the Sheltons viewed the home, it had dropped to $369,000 and after an appraisal came in at $359,000, the contract was ultimately signed at $340,000.

The Shelton’s home, along with the others, were originally for sale in the $500,000s in 2005, before the market fell out.

Once the housing market crashed, Bunch said the original builder, Valor, left several empty lots which are still available.

Current homes in the subdivision are going for between $380,000 and $449,000, Bunch said.

“The clubhouse is just beauti-

ful there, and it’s in a great area,” Bunch said. “It’s in the Hillgrove High School district right now, which is really desirable, and is right at the Cobb/Paulding line. It’s also close to many parks, such as Lost Mountain Park and Oregon Park, and The Avenue at West Cobb is really close by.

So it’s a great location.”

“When I saw it, I said, ‘This is it,’” Genise said. “The subdivision is a nice size, and all of the homes are different – not one is the same as the other.

And there’s a lot of character and uniqueness to the home and was well built. We had an inspector come out and he was in awe of how great the home was.

We also love the two-story fam-

ily room and the two-story family room, and the kitchen was brand new – everything in it is new. The hardwood floors are gorgeous, the owners before us just took really good care of the place. And there is a very open basement that isn’t finished out yet, but we can finish it.”

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THE REALTY GROUP 2285 Asquith Ave. Marietta GA 30008 (770) 4330333 John Amerson jbamerson@aol.com THE RESULTS REALTORS 3978 Devonshire Drive Marietta GA 30066 (770) 926-4016 Joseph Turner lenita1@bellsouth.net THE SETTINGS REALTY CO. LLC 1130 Waterford Green Lane Marietta GA 30068 404-3946542 Marc Wilson marc_wilson@riverlanding.com THOMPSON REALTY ADVISORS, LLC 6280 Austin Dr. Mableton GA 30126 770-9419535 George Thompson woodythompson@yahoo.com TINA FOUNTAIN, REALTORS 289 Washington Avenue Marietta GA 30060 404-8421555 Tina Fountain cbtf@tinafountainrealtors.com TRATON HOMES REALTY 720 Kennesaw Avenue Marietta GA 30060 770-4279064 Dwayne Hill

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