OTM APRIL 2026 by Tara Hill Hanover

T50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival

he 50th Annual Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of downtown Kennesaw, Georgia. Presented by Superior Plumbing and organized by the Kennesaw Business Association in cooperation with the City of Kennesaw, this milestone event continues a long-standing tradition that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Taking place over the weekend of April 18–19, the festival offers a full slate of activities designed to appeal to all ages. On Saturday, festivities run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Sunday hours are from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. With free admission, the event remains accessible to everyone, making it a popular destination for families, friends, and visitors from across the region.

One of the festival’s biggest attractions is its expansive marketplace, featuring more than 250 arts and crafts booths. Attendees can browse a wide variety of handmade goods, unique gifts, and artisan creations. Complementing the shopping experience are numerous food vendors serving classic fair favorites, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Entertainment is a central highlight of the weekend. Festivalgoers can enjoy live performances on multiple stages, including a main entertainment stage located at the south end of Main Street. Local dance groups, school choirs, and

musicians will perform throughout the weekend, showcasing the talent and creativity of the community. In addition, acoustic music will fill the Food Court area, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy familiar tunes.

A special feature returning this year is the Georgia Grown Member Village, which highlights products and goods from across the state. This addition celebrates local agriculture and craftsmanship, offering attendees the chance to discover and support Georgia-based businesses.

For families, the festival includes a variety of kid-friendly activities, making it an ideal outing for children as well as adults. A beer garden is also available for those looking to relax with a beverage while enjoying the festivities.

Convenience is a priority, with free shuttle service running between SwiftCantrell Park and the festival grounds throughout the weekend. Additional parking is available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist Church, and SwiftCantrell Park, helping to ensure easy access for attendees.

As the Big Shanty Festival marks its 50th year, it stands as a testament to Kennesaw’s strong community spirit and dedication to hosting memorable events. With its blend of entertainment, shopping, food, and local pride, this year’s festival is set to be a can’t-miss celebration for all who attend.

Saturday

Over

and craft booths

Common Threads Boutique is now open in Smyrna!!

We’re excited to be part of the local community. Our selection is thoughtfully curated with YOU in mind. Whether you’re stopping in to treat yourself or pick up a meaningful gift, you’ll feel right at home. We invite you to shop local, connect, and discover pieces you’ll love! We can’t wait to meet you!

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Cobb County. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2026 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Tara Hill Hanover

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Justin Hanover

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Brinson

JRM Management

Allyson Balzuweit Amy Shelby

Lanie Beth Sinclair OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610

(678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com

Schwartz Dentistry for Children: 17 Exceptional Years, Dedicated to Pediatric Dentistry.

We are excited to announce that we are adding a new tween/teen section! A quiet, chill vibe! Come check us out!

Timeless, Board Certified, Independently Owned, and Award Winning. Dr. Aaron Schwartz and his Team of experts take pride in building dedicated trust and long-lasting commitment to your child’s oral-healthcare needs. They prioritize a preventative model of care and aim to ensure that you and your child feel welcomed, informed, comfortable, and respected. Choose an independently owned pediatric dental office instead of a corporate-run Dental Support Organization (DSO).

Expert care with your child’s future in mind. A positive, caring dental experience for your child, focused on prevention. Dr. Shah & Dr. Ross

Trust your child’s oral health to a team with

The 5th Annual Taste of Mableton, will be May 2, 2026 at the Mable House Complex located at 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. The activities will begin at 9am until 4pm. The festival attracts an audience of 10,000+ for a full day of food, fun activities and live entertainment for the entire family. It is a wholesome celebration of the city of Mableton and is produced by the Mableton Improvement Coalition (MIC).

The funds raised from Taste of Mableton realizes MIC’s mission of promoting activities, enhancing communication, and facilitating initiatives that benefit the community’s welfare and spirit. As such, the Taste of Mableton focuses on bringing its residents, businesses, schools, churches, elected officials, community leaders, civic organizations, and not-for-profits together in an inclusive and fun atmosphere.

The free festival starts at 9am with a 30-minute parade featuring the Pebblebrook High School Mighty Marching Machine, South Cobb High School Blue Eagles Marching Band and the Osborne Red Sea of Sound. Additionally, TEOTL the highly recognized Mexican cultural foundation will also be there featuring their traditional dancers and equestrian teams.

The parade ends at the grounds of the Mable House complex and kicks off the festival with a high-spirited Battle of the Bands.

ENJOY:

The Food Court (20+ Food vendors)

Market Place (Artisan and Craft Vendors)

Kids Fun Zone (bounce houses & Arcade behind Education Pavilion)

Education Pavilion (Schools)

City Hall/Civic Center (City Agencies, County Commissioners)

Faith Village (Churches, Pastors Collective)

Non-Profits/Service Organizations (TPL, Girl Scouts, H.O.P.E. family Resource Center)

Health and Medical Center (Kaiser Permanente Medical vehicle)

Public Safety Village (2nd Precinct Police, Park Rangers and Cobb Sheriffs)

Stage/Sound System/LED Screen (all day concert featuring local entertainment)

VIP Reception/Mixer

Volunteer/public safety base

The all-day concert featuring local entertainment will begin at 10am to wrap the Battle of the Bands.

Mableton Improvement Coalition is a 501c4. It is a 25-year old all volunteer, nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization working to promote activities that enhance communication, and facilitate initiatives that benefit the community’s welfare and spirit. MIC hosts candidate forums for elections, reviews zoning applications, hosts programs that strengthens Mableton’s schools and its students and more. The organization thrives off volunteer energy, membership fees and sponsorship dollars. Taste of Mableton is MIC’s primary funding source.

Sponsorship Packages are available. Visit us online for details! www.mableton.org/taste-of-mableton/sponsors

Our Town

5th Annual TASTE OF MABLETON

Sports

Talkin’ Sports

By Justin Hanover

The Importance of Mentality and Mindset in the World of Sports Today

Everybody knows that in order to become really good in sports, or even great, you will need a work ethic and some God given natural talent. There is no debating the importance of being physically gifted. But there is so much more than physical talent that is needed these days. The mental approach is downright fascinating and as you will read going forward, “it is the differentiator and the separator.”

I sat down with a good friend of mine who I have known for many years in Tamara Siemon. Tamara is a mental performance coach and owns “Elite Mindset Development”.

JH: “Thanks so much for the time, Tamara. As you know I have three children and have been a coach in many sports for years and years and have also always believed in the importance of one’s psychological approach to athletics. What made you not only get involved with this field but also form a business out of it?

At the same time, we have more access than ever—social media, training resources, coaches, you name it. There are endless drills and people to learn from, both locally and online. That access is a great thing, but it can also make it harder for athletes to keep perspective and not feel like they always have to keep up.

Kids today are developing earlier and specializing sooner, which raises the level of play—but it also adds pressure. We had to figure things out as we went, but we didn’t have the constant comparison that comes with social media today.

JH: Tell me about Elite Mindset Development. What is it and how can you help a young athlete these days?

TS: Elite Mindset Development is a mental performance coaching practice focused on helping athletes strengthen their mindset to perform consistently at their highest level. Just as athletes train physically, they must also train men-

TS: Thanks Justin. About 10 years ago, I started to notice how much youth sports had changed as I watched my own kids compete. The level of play was higher, the schedules were more demanding, and many kids were taking private lessons at a young age. With that came increased expectations—and naturally, more pressure, stress, and even burnout. It became clear to me that while athletes were developing physically, there was often a gap in the mental and emotional support they were receiving.

As a multi-sport athlete who went on to play field hockey at Duke, I didn’t fully understand the power of mindset until college. Once I did, it helped me become a more consistent and confident version of myself. Looking back, I’ve always been drawn to encouraging others and helping them reach their potential. I loved coaching the swim team and field hockey when I was younger, but I wasn’t sure how to combine my passion for mindset with my love of coaching and mentoring.

After researching different coaching certification programs, I found one that really aligned and earned my certification in the spring of 2022. Since then, I’ve continued learning and growing through research, collaboration with coaching peers, and my work with athletes. I’m incredibly grateful that something I care so deeply about has grown into the work I get to do every day.

JH: I feel as if when we grew up in the 80’s and 90’s sports wasn’t as serious or stressful. You just sort of went out to the field or court and played unlike today where everything seems to be under a microscope. Is that reality and does the world of social media play into this?

TS: It’s so true. When we were growing up, the “mental game” wasn’t something we really talked about in middle or high school. Now, it’s a huge factor— especially if you want to play at a competitive high school or at any college level. There are so many great athletes today, so talent alone is no longer enough. The mental approach has really become the separator.

tally to consistently perform at their best.

My core mission is to help athletes train their mindset as intentionally as their body—building confidence that is stable and repeatable, performing consistently under pressure, developing resilience through adversity, and clarifying their WHY so they can compete with purpose and control what they can con-

JH: Break all of that down in its simplest form for me.

TS: Ok, first let’s first talk about self-awareness and self-control. If we want to perform well, whether in the fifth grade or wanting to get drafted, we have to be in control of ourselves before we can control our performance. For example, try and take a penalty kick in soccer with the game on the line if you’re not in control, or try to close a sales deal when your mind is racing and your emotions aren’t in check. With any type of pressure, we have to be calm and mentally focused, and this starts with controlling our breathing. It may sound simple, but this alone takes time and practice.

Kids sometimes struggle with failure and the speed bumps they hit along the way. My job is to help the student athlete figure out their goals and challenges, then introduce the right tools to help them strengthen their mindset and manage their “mental game” as they pursue what matters most to them. I don’t have all of the answers, but I try to meet everyone where they are, serve as an objective and compassionate resource, and walk with them on their journey.

JH: Tremendous stuff, thanks so much, Tamara!

Reach out to Tamara and give your child a mental edge—schedule their intro session at elitemindsetdevelopment.com and receive $50 off by mentioning “Our Town”.

Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone, 680 The Fan and the Atlanta Falcons. He has also done play-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children.

Stronger Every Day: The Key to Healthy Aging May Be Muscle

By Kimberly Brinson

For many years, the conversation around exercise focused mostly on cardio—walking, jogging, cycling, and anything that raised the heart rate. While those activities are important, research (and a lot of the current social media fitness influencers) continue to make the case that maintaining muscle strength is one of the most important factors in healthy aging. I am in full agreement here.

Strength training is no longer just for athletes or bodybuilders. It’s for anyone who wants to move well, feel capable, and maintain independence. In fact, building and maintaining muscle may be one of the most effective ways to support overall health at every stage of life.

Why Muscle Matters More As We Age. Beginning in our 30s, the body naturally starts to lose muscle mass. Without intentional resistance training, this gradual loss accelerates as we age. Muscle plays a crucial role in metabolism, joint stability, posture, and mobility.

Strong muscles help protect bones, support healthy blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of falls or injuries. They also make everyday tasks—carrying groceries, climbing stairs, and lifting grandchildren feel easier and more comfortable.

For individuals concerned about bone health—particularly women navigating their post-menopausal journey, strength training is widely recognized as the

most effective way to support and maintain bone density when done safely and progressively.

One of the most empowering aspects of strength training is that the body responds at any age. Research consistently shows that people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond can gain strength, improve balance, and enhance quality of life through resistance training.

Strength Training and the Menopause Transition. For women, the years surrounding menopause bring additional changes that make strength training especially valuable. As estrogen levels decline, the body experiences shifts in bone density, muscle mass, and metabolism.

This is why many women notice changes in strength, energy levels, and body composition during midlife. It’s not simply a matter of “getting older”—it’s biology.

Good news is that strength training is one of the most effective ways to work through these changes. Resistance exercise helps stimulate bone tissue, preserve lean muscle, and support metabolic health. It also improves posture and joint stability, which become increasingly important. Many women I work with in our community are surprised to learn how much strength and stability they can rebuild once they begin training with a program designed specifically for them.

Beyond the physical benefits, strength training can provide a powerful sense of confidence and resilience. Feeling physically strong translates into feeling capable in other areas of life. Never play small! Our community needs your knowledge and wisdom, as well as your biceps!

Starting Safely and Building Confidence. One of the biggest misconceptions about strength training is that it requires heavy weights, complicated exercises, or high-intensity workouts. In reality, effective strength training begins with simple movements that teach the body how to move well.

Exercises that focus on functional patterns—such as squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, and stabilizing—build a foundation that supports everyday life. Resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and controlled weight training can all be excellent starting points.

Just as important as the exercises themselves is the environment in which people learn them. Many individuals feel more confident beginning a strength program in a supportive setting where guidance, safety, and proper technique are emphasized.

Working with knowledgeable professionals who understand movement, joint health, and the unique needs of aging bodies can make the process both safer and far more effective. The right guidance helps people progress at the appropriate pace, avoid injury, and build lasting habits.

Redefining What Strong Looks Like. The definition of strength has changed. People are training not just to look stronger—but to live stronger.

Healthy aging isn’t about stopping the clock. It’s about giving your body the tools it needs to keep moving forward with energy and resilience, letting you accomplish all those goals you have set for yourself.

Changing Sheets, Changing Lives with Lift Off Linens™

There are certain roles in life that don’t come with a clock-out time. Caregiving is one of them.

Whether it’s a parent helping a child through bedwetting, a family caring for a special needs adult, or a spouse tending to an aging loved one—these moments are often filled with love, patience… and exhaustion.

What many don’t talk about is the quiet, repeated struggle that happens behind the scenes: nighttime bedding changes, disrupted sleep, protecting mattresses, preserving dignity, and trying to make it all feel normal for the person receiving care.

That’s exactly where Lift Off Linens™ steps in.

A Simple Idea Born from a Real Need

Lift Off Linens™ wasn’t created in a boardroom. It was born out of real-life caregiving challenges—moments where families were doing their very best, but needed a better way. The concept is simple, yet powerful: a modular bedding system that allows you to change only what’s needed—without stripping the entire bed or lifting the mattress.

innovation—and it is. But it goes deeper than that. It protects:

Instead of removing everything in the middle of the night, caregivers can quickly swap out the top layer, keeping the fitted sheet in place. That means:

Less physical strain

Less disruption to sleep

Less stress for both caregiver and loved one

And sometimes, that small change makes all the difference.

Who Lift Off Linens™ Is For

If you’ve ever had to do a full bed change at 2:00 a.m., you already understand. Lift Off Linens™ is designed for:

Parents of children who wet the bed

Families raising children or adults with special needs

Caregivers supporting non-verbal or mobility-limited individuals

Those caring for elderly loved ones at home

Hospice and in-home care providers

This isn’t just a product—it’s a solution for people who are giving their all, every single day.

Take, for example, one caregiver’s experience. A mother caring for her 29-year-old non-verbal daughter shared how exhausting nighttime routines had become. Frequent changes, disrupted sleep, and the constant worry of keeping her daughter comfortable and clean took a toll.

After using Lift Off Linens™, everything shifted.

What once required a full reset in the middle of the night became a quick, manageable change. The stress eased. Sleep improved. And most importantly, her daughter remained comfortable and undisturbed. That’s the kind of impact this product is designed to have.

Protecting More Than Just a Mattress

At first glance, Lift Off Linens™ may seem like a bedding

Time – because every minute saved matters

Energy – especially for caregivers already stretched thin

Dignity – by reducing disruption and maintaining comfort

Peace of mind – knowing you’re prepared for whatever the night brings

Caregiving is emotional. It’s physical. And it’s often overwhelming.

Lift Off Linens™ doesn’t eliminate those challenges—but it lightens the load in a meaningful, tangible way.

Designed for Real Life

What makes Lift Off Linens™ different is that it was created with real-world use in mind:

Quick-change top layer for fast swaps

Moisture protection to safeguard mattresses

Soft, comfortable materials that feel like home —not a hospital

Secure fit design that stays in place through the night

It’s practical. It’s thoughtful. And it’s built to work when you need it most.

Caregivers don’t need complicated systems. They need solutions that work—consistently, simply, and reliably.

For the Caregiver Who Keeps Going

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me,”—you’re not alone. And if you’re thinking of someone else—a friend, a neighbor, a family member—who is quietly carrying the weight of caregiving, this may be something worth sharing with them. Because sometimes the most meaningful support doesn’t come from big gestures. It comes from something that makes everyday life just a little easier.

A little more manageable.

A little more restful.

More Than a Product—A Mission

At its core, Lift Off Linens™ is about more than bedding. It’s about recognizing the people who show up every day— without applause, without recognition—and giving them a tool that says:

“We see you. And we want to help.”

From families navigating childhood bedwetting to those caring for loved ones in their later years, this product was designed with heart. Because caregiving isn’t just a responsibility—it’s an act of love.

And anything that supports that love… matters.

Learn More

If you or someone you know could benefit from a simpler, more supportive nighttime routine, Lift Off Linens™ is worth exploring. Because better sleep, reduced stress, and preserved dignity shouldn’t be luxuries.

They should be part of everyday care.

Lift Off Linens™ — Changing Sheets. Changing Lives.

Join us for 150 arts & crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities

SATURDAY: 10 AM -6 PM | SUNDAY: 12 NOON – 5 PM FREE ADMISSION

Structured learning for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years

Pre-K4

Accredited Kindergarten & 1st grade programs

Spring Nutrition Reset:

Simple, Real Food Strategies for a Busy Season of Life

April has a way of waking us up.

The days are longer, the weather softens, and suddenly there’s an urge to open windows, clear out clutter, and start fresh. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling school schedules and sports or entering a season of life with a bit more breathing room, spring is the perfect time to gently reset your habits— without extremes.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a drastic reset to feel better in your body or your swimsuit before summer. You need a realistic approach with simple real food strategies that actually fit your life and schedule.

Spring is actually the perfect time to simplify your nutrition, refocus on real food, and build habits that carry you into summer feeling strong, energized, and in control. Spring also naturally nudges us toward lighter, fresher foods. You might notice you’re craving crisp veggies, fresh fruit, and meals that don’t feel heavy. That’s not something to ignore—it’s something to lean into. Let’s talk about how to do that.

Instead of overhauling everything overnight, think of this season as an opportunity to:

• Add more color to your plate

• Eat in a way that supports your energy

• Simplify meals so they work for your schedule

This approach works whether your days are packed with carpool lines, baseball games, dance recitals or quiet mornings with coffee and a book.

For the Busy Season: Keep It Simple. If your life feels full (and maybe a little chaotic), nutrition has to be realistic. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.

Focus on meals that:

• Include lean protein to keep you full (chicken breast, salmon, ground turkey, eggs, grass fed beef and greek yogurt)

• Have fiber-rich carbs for steady energy (whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, high fiber bread and sweet potatoes, but also be sure to be adding colorful veggie and fruit to every plate)

• Include healthy fats for satisfaction (nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and superseeds like chia, flax and hemp hearts + olive oil/avocado oil for cooking)

Think: meals that actually hold you over so you’re not grazing all day or crashing mid-afternoon.

Create “Go-To” Meals for Busy Days. Spring schedules can get unpredictable, which is exactly why having a few repeat meals in your back pocket is so helpful.

Think of these as your “default settings”—meals you can throw together without overthinking. For example:

• A protein snack plate - hard-boiled eggs, uncured meat, fruit, nuts, and veggies

• A rotisserie chicken bowl with rice, cucumber, tomatoes, and tzatziki

• A quick pasta with chicken sausage, marinara, and spinach

For Those In a Slower Season: Focus on Nourishment as a Daily Ritual

If your schedule has more flexibility, this is a beautiful time to reconnect with food in a different way. Spring can be an invitation to:

• Try a new farmers market

• Cook more meals at home and incorporate seasonal produce

• Sit down and truly enjoy your food

But here’s the key—don’t fall into the trap of eating too little. Even if you’re trying to transition to healthier eating habits after winter, your body still needs nourishment, energy, and consistency. Skipping meals or under-eating often leads to low energy, cravings, and muscle loss over time. Instead, focus on building meals that feel both nourishing and enjoyable.

Spring Foods to Lean Into. Spring produce makes healthy eating feel easier— and more enjoyable. These foods naturally add flavor, color, and nutrients without requiring complicated recipes.

Spring produce makes this time of year feel fresh and energizing. Start adding one or two of these into meals you’re already making. Some easy options to incorporate:

Asparagus

Sugar snap peas & English peas

Cucumbers

Radishes

Spinach

Lettuce (all the spring greens)

Green onions (scallions)

Strawberries

Here’s a seasonal recipe for a quick and balanced dinner packed with flavor and nutrition that’s super easy to put together.

Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

Ingredients:

1–1.5 lbs chicken (breast or thighs)

1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)

2 cups baby potatoes (halved) or chopped sweet potatoes

2–3 carrots (sliced)

2–3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt + pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F

Add potatoes + carrots to sheet pan and toss with olive oil + seasoning

Roast 10–15 minutes first (until a little tender)

Add chicken + asparagus to the pan

Drizzle everything with a little more oil + seasoning

Roast another 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through

If you take one thing away after reading, let it be this: Start by adding—not restricting, and remember that small shifts create momentum without overwhelm.

This is exactly how I work with my coaching clients who are looking to transform their eating, their health and their body without diets.

Spring doesn’t require a complete overhaul and your body doesn’t change overnight. Small, consistent habits that feel good and can be built upon are the key to sustainable results that actually stick.

a healthy and realistic approach to eating for optimal health with individualized strategies that considers all aspects of life.

Allyson Balzuweit is a Registered Dietitian based in Smyrna and has a private nutrition consulting business. She loves to help people ditch diets and embrace

Dobbins Air Reserve Base Partnership COBB CHAMBER CONNECTION

The Cobb Chamber believes that one of county’s defining strengths is the business community’s partnership with Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Dobbins is one of just nine standalone Reserve bases in the Air Force Reserve Command. It is home to the 94th Airlift Wing, the headquarters of the 22nd Air Force, and units representing every branch of the military—from the Navy Reserve Center Atlanta and Marine Corps Reserve to the Georgia Army and Air National Guard Headquarters. In March, Michael Parks concluded his service as commander of the 94th Airlift Wing and installation commander, and Diane Patton has assumed that responsibility.

Col. Patton brings exceptional operational and leadership experience to the role. Most recently, she commanded the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, leading more than 1,100 personnel. In her new role, she is leading a unit of nearly 2,000 Airmen operating eight C-130H3 Hercules aircraft in support of joint and multinational airlift missions.

Leadership transitions remind us that while commanders change, the mission continues. The Chamber will keep showing up and advocating on behalf of Dobbins to ensure that it remains one of the most supported military installations in the country.