Cobb Life Magazine - Nov./Dec. 2022

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The LIFE Nutcracker COBB NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2022 PUB LIS H E D BY T H E MARIE TTA DA I LY JO URN A L

850K LIGHT DISPLAY IN COBB

3 SPOTS TO TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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LIFE

EXECUTIVE

EDITORIAL STAFF

ADVERTISING STAFF

PUBLISHER Otis Brumby III

EDITOR Madison Hogan

V.P. OF SALES Tara Guest

GENERAL MANAGER Lee B. Garrett

CONTRIBUTORS Matthew DeBusschere,

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Opitz

V.P. OF CONTENT J.K. Murphy

Skyler Heath, Madison Hogan, Lisa Mowry, Jon Styf PHOTOGRAPHY Brooke Brantley, Pamela Dabrowa, HADLEY(s) Photography, Lisa Mowry

INFORMATION Cobb Life is published nine times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 30,000 homes and businesses.

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• 4 • NOVEMBER 2022

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contents

Winter issue NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

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COVER STORY “The Nutcracker,” is an age-old holiday tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the same every year.

The minds and dancers behind the Atlanta Ballet, now performing at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, are masters of detail, bringing fresh, new elements to Tchaikovsky’s classic.

Follow into their winter wonderland to discover the magic behind the curtain.

Features

10 MISSION This Marietta family of six is taking the Gospel on the road. Discover how Mo and Jeremiah Aiken piled their children and life into an RV, travel the country and touch the lives of those in need.

16 RECIPE Whether you’re a guest or a host this year, the Marietta Food Guy, Matthew DeBusschere has the tips and treats to keep you sane and well-fed during the holidays.

20 TRAVEL From surfing on Jacksonville beach to

enjoying the luxurious resort town of Cashiers, North Carolina to sipping wine in Dahlonega, there’s plenty of options for nearby travel this winter.

26 CALVARY There’s no place like home, and for the kids at Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs, they’ve certainly found it with the Turner family and their foster parents. Founded by the late Rev. Ben. F. Turner, meet the family that continued expanding and opening their doors to children since 1966.

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LIGHTS This Kennesaw couple might be giving the Griswold’s from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” a run for their money. Take a peek at their yearly display, which garners more than 850,000 lights and visitors from around the world.

In every issue 8 46 49 54 59 63 66 COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

Letter from the Editor Author Q&A News & Noteworthy November/December Releases Holiday Happenings Cobb Scene Now & Then

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letter from the editor

The most wonderful time of the year

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remember the first time I saw “The Nutcracker,” performed on a live stage. As a girl practicing dance and asking Santa for ballet slippers, there was nothing I wanted more than to see real ballerinas glide across the stage as snow fluttered around them.

I was amazed when a dancer, standing atop a contraption that made her dress into the shape of a giant teapot, entered the stage. One by one, little gum drop fairies escaped from under her dress in sparkling tutus. After the show while walking out of the venue, an usher at the door held a box of pink and purple ballerina ornaments for guests to take as souvenirs. I chose the pink one.

Since then, I’ve enjoyed several renditions of “The Nutcracker,” including The Atlanta Ballet’s at the Fox Theatre prior to their move to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. I spoke to Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin and Executive Director Tom West for this issue of Cobb Life Magazine about how they keep the magic and curiosity of the show fresh and exciting for audiences year after year.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

In addition to our cover story, we have several features this issue that will surely get you in the holiday spirit. At Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs, I walked the grounds with Snyder Turner where I met with the children who call it home. Their smiling faces and the Turner family’s dedication to helping local kids where it counts warmed my heart, as I believe it will yours.

For those of you looking to get away this season, travel columnist Lisa Mowry has three places to choose from: Dahlonega, Jacksonville and Cashiers, North Carolina.

From sipping award-winning wine to surfing to enjoying a luxury stay in the mountains, there’s a little something for everyone. I know I’m definitely taking the time to get away; I’ll be spending Christmas and most of December in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I’ll be seeing “The Nutcracker” at the famous Teatro Colón.

The Aiken family from Cobb has been on the road for nearly a year, traveling around the country and even as far as London to spread the Gospel. Their journey as a family mobile mission helping strangers and causes is sure to inspire you to give back this season (and hopefully year round, too).

For those of you staying home, Matthew DeBusschere, A.K.A. The Marietta Food Guy, has the perfect tips for entertaining, whether you’re a guest or a host. The local chef, MDJ food columnist, business owner and family man knows a thing or two about hospitality, so take his words to heart. After a nice meal with friends and family, take time to join visitors flocking from around the world to see the 850,000-light display at Lights of Joy in Kennesaw. The Taylors spend nearly 1,800 hours setting up their lights – fit for driving by or walking around – each year for onlookers, completely free. It’s a spectacle you just have to see for yourself.

I certainly can’t leave out the special musicals, ballet recitals, tree lightings and Santa meet-and-greets happening all over town, all mentioned in our Holiday Happenings list. We also have a list of November and December releases — the movies we’ll be watching, the shows we’ll be streaming and the books we’ll be reading — a fun look back at the MDJ Gobble Jog Benefitting MUST Ministries with our Now & Then segment and a Q&A with local authors Bill Hendrick and Stephen Davis about their collaborative book on Atlanta journalism during the Civil War. I hope each and every one of you has a beautiful finish to the year with friends, family and loved ones close by.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! ¡Ciao!

Madison Hogan • 8 • NOVEMBER 2022

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faith

GOOD & FAITHFUL

Servants LOCAL FAMILY LAUNCHES MOBILE MISSION ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Written by MADISON HOGAN Photos by BROOKE BRANTLEY

From left to right, Asher, Jeremiah, Ronan, Mo, Elijah and Auden Aiken travel the country to churches, events and causes to spread the Gospel and help where they are needed.

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rowing up in Marietta, Mo Isom Aiken enjoyed her life with family and friends as a successful athlete at Lassiter High School. Her talent on the soccer field took her to collegiate athletics at Louisiana State University where she was on the top of her game and even named an All-American.

She went so far as to train with LSU’s men’s football team as a place kicker.

But off the field, Aiken was dealing with hardship after hardship at home. Following the untimely death of her father, a former attorney who worked off the Marietta Square, in January 2009, she was in a car accident in November later that year. Despite her “worldly success,” Aiken said her personal life was broken and she struggled.

“It was actually through so much of that personal brokenness that I encountered the love and mercy of God and was transformed in such a beautiful way,” she said.

When Aiken found her faith, her life started to change in every facet. Her mission in life became to reach those who were hurting or feeling hopeless. ”My heart was really passionate about sharing the love of God and the mercy of Jesus and all of the hope for the future, no matter what the future held,” she said.

Her walk in faith would take her on a journey around the world, speaking her story and the Gospel. After publishing her New York Times Best-selling book “Wreck My Life,” she traveled to speak at events and churches. In April 2021, Aiken published her third book “Fully Known: An Invitation to True Intimacy with God.” “When I finished college, I had everything on paper that would have led me to a pretty successful broadcast career,” she said. “I was even brought in to ESPN headquarters. That’s the route I thought my life would go but at the same time I was welcomed in to minister and speak and share in different spaces.”

Aiken made a plan with herself and God; she would try speaking for six months before turning to her “worldly pursuit.” ”That was 11 years ago and it has just been a continued journey of saying yes to the Lord and following where He COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

The Aiken family has traveled to more than 16 states in the last year.

Jeremiah and Mo Aiken met through a mutual friend, a literary publicist.

• 11 • NOVEMBER 2022

faith

“We haven’t felt like we’ve lacked or missed the stuff we lived with before. We also really like each other. We really like each other as a married couple, as friends and we really enjoy our kids.”

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

would lead,” she said. “It’s led me all over the world teaching, speaking and ministering, as well as offering three different books … but it really has led to over a decade of really fruitful ministry.”

It even led to her family; Aiken met her husband, Jeremiah, through a mutual friend, a literary publicist. But as Aiken continued to form a life with Jeremiah and their four children, Auden (6), Asher (5), Ronan (3) and Elijah (1), the pull between her call to evangelize and being a wife and mother grew.

Traveling the world to spread the good news was nothing new, but leaving a family at home proved difficult. Until an idea came: She could bring her family with her.

“We really believe that the Lord had a better way and at the end of last year, it was really the time,” she said.

In December 2021, the Aikens decided to sell their home, giving away or selling most of their possessions, pack their lives into an RV and travel across the country as a mobile mission for the gospel.

“We went from 3,000 square feet to live in a 350-square-foot RV,” she said. “But what has been so beautiful is we realized in the process of first minimizing — just how little we truly need to be happy and healthy and well … We haven’t felt like we’ve lacked or missed the stuff we lived with before. We also really like each other. We really like each other as a married couple, as friends and we really enjoy our kids.”

Now a year into their pursuits, Aiken said they work as a multi-generational family team, traveling where they feel the call to serve. From chuches and events where they’re invited to speak to helping a family during the cancer treatment of their son, the Aikens are willing to lend a hand.

The family of six with the two bedroom, 43-foot fifth-wheel RV have spoken, taught and served in 17 states, traveling more than 25,000 miles.

“It has been an adventure, it’s been a lot of fun,” Jeremiah said. “It has really just been an unique and dynamic experience. It started off with hard and deep learning curves. The last few months especially, we’ve really got into a groove. We’re happy with our decision and where God led us.”

Though keeping family and friends in the loop while driving cross-country with four children under the age of 6 is no easy task, Mo said she’s able to make updates on the progress of the mission on their Instagram, • 12 • NOVEMBER 2022

The family

The family of six downsized from a 3,000-square-foot home in Cobb County to a 350-square-foot RV last December. By September, they had traveled more than 25,000 miles.

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COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 13 • NOVEMBER 2022

faith @5thwheelmissions.

“We’ve had so many special encounters,” she said.

“We’ve literally seen miracles, we’ve been blessed. I think a really beautiful piece is, as we’ve lived this way, we’ve been able to bless others but we’ve also been so blessed as well.”

An area of the country they hope to see is the northwest, but Mo said they will travel wherever they are needed. For the holidays, they plan to service whatever city they’re in at the time.

“Home is really where your people are,” she said. “At least for us, home is wherever we are together.” CLM FOLLOW THE AIKENS’ JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM @5THWHEELMISSIONS. TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE AIKENS’ MISSION, LOGON TO AMBASSADORSMINISTRIES.COM/5THWHEELMISSIONS The Aikens will continue serving others throughout the holiday season.

“We have lived here for 10 years, LEADING THE WAY LEADING THE WAY we must really like it.”

Celebrating a decade of life, STERLING EVER STERLING THAN EVER memoriesSTRONGER & STRONGER service to ourTHAN residents

“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization… but they don’t have the wellness center, green space, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents.

“We’re “What honoredI’ve that both Sterling Communities been recognized as ‘Best of but Cobb’ Retirement My parents thriving at Sterling Estates…

Bethave yours will, too” —Susan S. learned isarethat allEstates communities talk about wellness and socialization… theyfordon’t have theLiving, wellnessAssisted center, Living and

Memory Carespace, again in 2022. I’m to say it’s the 4th year rowcan we’ve wonwhat theseSterling awards provides and an awesome tribute to our staff green programming andproud staffing thatthat Sterling Estates has. in Noaone match for their residents.

Residents Fully Engaged In Wellness & for Social Activities • Large Wellnessinvite Centeryou With Indoor Heated Pool For what sets us apart.” members.

We’ve been serving seniors in greater Atlanta over 25+ years now...we to come and experience My parents are thriving Exercise at Sterling Bet yours will, too” —Susan S. And Recreation Therapists AndEstates…

Rehabilitative Services With Licensed Exercise Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living • Beautiful Courtyard And Front Lawn For Activities And Socialization • LocalCommunities Owners & Managers Residents Fully Engaged In And Wellness Social Activities •Staff Large Wellness Center With Indoor Heated Pool For •Fully Award Winning Food • Longevity •&Certified Parkinson’s The Disease Programs Residents Engaged InDining Wellness &Healthy Social&Activities • Local Of Owners Managers • AwardDelay Winning Dining And Healthy Food Exercise And Rehabilitative Services With Licensed Exercise And Recreation Therapists • Longevity Of Staff Large Wellness CentersSafe Withand Indoor Heated Pools For Exercise And Rehabilitative Services With Licensed Exercise And Come seeCourtyard the difference: SocialFor —The Sterling Way • Beautiful And Front Activities Local Owners & Managers Recreation Therapists • Beautiful Courtyards, Lawns andLawn Gardens for ActivitiesAnd and Socialization Socialization • •Certified Parkinson’s Delay The Disease Programs • Award Winning DiningSTERLING And Healthy Food • Longevity Of Staff • Certified Parkinson’s Delay The Disease Programs ESTATES

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LEFT

DEVILED CHEESE FILLED CANAPES PUFFED PASTRY

THE FRENCH DAISY

See recipe on page 18.

See recipe on page 18.

Holiday Hosting with the Marietta Food Guy

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WRITTEN BY MATTHEW DEBUSS CHERE

easons greetings, friends!

With the holidays fast approaching, we draw upon old memories and seek to make new ones. Often, these memories are centered around hosting, which (in my opinion) is one of the most sincere ways to love others: welcoming guests into your home and serving them well. When you do it right, your guests leave feeling full — full from delicious food and full from your love.

In the 15 years that I’ve been in hospitality, I’ve developed a philosophy surrounding the idea of hosting. Ultimately, I see hosting as sort of a posture you can carry throughout your life. I hypothesize that you are almost always a host or a guest.

Let me elaborate. Maybe you’ve just walked into the bank: guest; maybe you’re cooking dinner for your spouse: host; maybe you’re greeting the mailman; host, maybe you’re buying gum from the gas station: guest—all our interactions speak to one or the other. Even in moments when you’re alone with your thoughts, you can curate an intimate ambience and “host” yourself: Pour a glass of wine, put on a Miles Davis record and light some candles.

If you think about it, life has already determined that you will be a host and/or guest daily, so why not take some time to perfect your skills? This piece focuses on hosting, but if the responsibility of the family gathering hasn’t fallen on COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 16 • NOVEMBER 2022

your shoulders, think about being an intentional guest this holiday season.

Here are my takeaways for holiday hosting.

Hosting—when done right—is a pure, outward expression of love.

Similar to a kiss, do not offer to host a gathering if you don’t want to. I think it’s uncomfortable (for everyone) to invite someone into your home if you don’t actually want them there, or if the act of hosting creates too much stress for your family. Maybe pass along this responsibility to someone else and attend as a guest.

Plan.

It’s easy to lose sight of what’s important and get sucked into a logistical nightmare for the entirety of your gathering, but these are special moments that you

food & recipes could miss out on if you focus on minutiae such as last-minute house cleaning or trying to finish that ridiculous floral centerpiece on your buffet. Not to mention, you stand to make your guests anxious if they hear you complaining the entire time about, “how much there is to do.” Make sure you plan and give yourself plenty of time to finish those final preparations. If planning these details isn’t your strength, cut yourself a break and consider catering your next gathering.

Create an inviting ambience.

Walking into a social gathering, especially if you are one of the first guests, can be awkward enough; often, this feeling is exacerbated by silence. Music is not only a wonderful art form, but possibly the most effective resource (next to lighting) used to create a welcoming ambiance. Music can complement and fortify any occasion, as well as fill in those loud pockets of silence when your guests might otherwise feel burdened to speak when they have nothing to say. Similarly to silence, darkness can also kill the mood.

Unless this is a surprise party, turn on your lights. No one feels comfortable in a dark home.

about the scenes described in this 1959 classic. I’m told that this book was a staple in its time, similar to Martha Stewart these days (although, fun fact: Betty Crocker was not an actual person, but a fictional character created by General Mills).

This season, I’ll be preparing one of the book’s quick-and-easy appetizers. Small bites and beverages are so important when entertaining because you want to anticipate your guests’ needs.

These little treats will satiate hunger and help buy you some time to tie up loose ends while your friends and family mingle.

Anticipate your guests’ needs.

Be present.

Holidays can be chaotic from sunrise to sunset. That being said, you have no idea what your guests have been through in the moments leading up to their arrival. At a minimum, I assume my guests may enter my home hungry or thirsty.

Food and drink (sometimes strong drink) will help diffuse a lot of things.

I was recently gifted a first edition copy of “Betty Crocker’s Guide To Easy Entertaining.” I’m a sucker for literature about hosting and society (see Emily Post’s “Etiquette”), and I’ve been devouring this book while daydreaming

One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard was, “You have to invite yourself to the party.” Every time we host, my wife and I aim to finish

MATTHEW DEBUSSCHERE

The Marietta Food Guy COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 17 • NOVEMBER 2022

preparation 30 minutes before our guests arrive, so that we can have a private drink together and set the tone for the evening.

It’s really cool when you think of a party as a living, growing entity.

The party starts with my wife and me; we establish its identity by peacefully enjoying that first cocktail, and then we invite each guest that arrives into a positive ambience. I often do the same thing when operating my restaurant. I love arriving early and being the first person in the building; having that special opportunity to set a mood and invite employees and then customers into it.

Be intentional.

I can’t say it enough: These are special moments. These gatherings, when added up all together, essentially form your family’s DNA. They are all the memories that define what you think of when you think of your family. By hosting these parties, whether you realize it or not, you are wielding a powerful responsibility of somewhat penning the narrative of your family, or at least a few chapters.

When done well, we all remember the holidays being warm and fuzzy with grandma’s cookies, that Nat King Cole Christmas record, the

food & recipes smells of pine and balsam, exchanging words of life to one another, etc. Conversely, I can also assume that the idea of a family gathering during the holidays can cause angst. Why? Probably because enough of these gatherings in the past have been stressful.

As a host, I beg you never take these moments for granted. Your duty is not just that of creating food and ambience; it’s about creating opportunities for love to grow within your family in any way you choose to define the term. That’s the kind of stuff we’ll remember. That’s what creates fond memories and excites us all to do it again. Don’t host out of obligation, do it out of love.

Happy holidays to you and yours.

Matthew DeBusschere The Marietta Food Guy

2400 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna 30080 Close to Cumberland Mall, SunTrust Park, and right off of I-75 470-308-3333 www.chowkingcobb.com CHOW TIME • NORCROSS 2055 Beaver Ruin Road, Ste. G www.chowkingnorcross.com

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Deviled Cheese Filled Canapes Puffed Pastry Ingredients: ½ cup water ¼ cup butter ½ cup flour 2 eggs Deviled Cheese Filling Ingredients: 1 cup grated American cheese ¼ tsp. prepared mustard 3 tbsp. mayonnaise ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. grated onion 5 or 6 drops of Tabasco sauce ¼ tsp. celery seeds Instructions: Before you turn on the oven, turn on the music. It’ll help set the mood and get you in the holiday spirit. Heat oven to 400°F. In 2 1/2-quart saucepan, heat water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour; reduce heat to low. Stir vigorously over low heat for about one minute or until mixture forms a ball; remove from heat. Beat in eggs, all at once; continue beating until smooth.

On an ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less than 1/4 cupfuls about 3 inches apart. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool about 30 minutes.

While puffed pastries cool, combine all ingredients for the deviled cheese filling into a bowl and mix well.

Once pastries have cooled, slice each in half and fill with deviled cheese.

Platter, garnish with chopped herbs, and serve!

The French Daisy Are you looking to serve something special at your gathering?

Here’s a cocktail that’s sure to impress, dating back to the 19th century when the original “Daisy” first appeared in Jerry Thomas’ 1876 classic, “How To Mix Drinks.”

Dinner Mon.-Fri. ................. $15.49 All Day Sat. & Sun...$15.49

Ingredients: 2 fl oz Cognac ¾ fl oz yellow Chartreuse ¾ fl oz fresh lemon juice 1 bsp Absinthe 1 bsp sugar syrup Splash of soda water Mint sprig

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Celebrate your special events with us.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

Preparation: Combine all ingredients (with the exception of soda) into a mixing glass filled with crushed ice.

Stir and strain into a wine glass filled with crushed ice.

Add a splash of soda water and garnish with a mint sprig and lemon peel.

• 18 • NOVEMBER 2022

THREE-13

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Getaways:

BY LISA MOWRY

DAHLONEGA, CASHIERS AND JACKSONVILLE BEACH Dahlonega has wine and more in north Georgia

D

ahlonega is to Atlanta what Napa Valley is to San Francisco: a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway filled with wineries, good food, hiking opportunities and small-town charm. Consider this: Wolf Mountain Vineyard’s Blanc de Blancs Brut just won Best of Show at the San Francisco Wine Competition (beating out California and French sparkling competitors), and a double Gold Medal for its claret. The New York Times recently wrote about north Georgia wine country, and more wineries and activities keep popping up in Dahlonega, so the comparison to west coast wine country is legit and only getting better.

Dahlonega is also home to waterfalls and hiking trails (here’s a tip: take the two-mile Wine Hike at Montaluce Vineyards, where you walk past acres of grapes and the Etowah River, then end up back for a wine-tasting on their Tuscan-style building, a great two-fer of Dahlonega treats.) Red Oak Lavender Farm and the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm are two other opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature.

A fascinating aspect of the town’s history is its role in the nation’s first gold rush (yes, before California). Visitors can educate themselves at the Dahlonega Gold Museum in the middle of its Dahlonega’s town square is charming year-round, filled with stores, restaurants and attractions. Its annual events include Gold Rush Days and twinkly small-town December holiday events. (No surprise, it’s been the setting for two recent Hallmark and Lifetime holiday movies.) PHOTO: LISA MOWRY

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 20 • NOVEMBER 2022

Opposite Page Top Right: Three Sisters Vineyard, the first winery in Dahlonega, still thrives with tastings and events set on a picturesque part of the mountain country. PHOTO: LISA MOWRY Opposite Page Bottom Right: Wolf Mountain Vineyards’ Sunday brunch and scenic outdoor spots make it a popular destination.

PHOTO: LISA MOWRY

This Page Top Left: Venture down below to learn about gold-mining at Consolidated Gold Mine, where a guided tour teaches visitors about the 100+ year-old setting of America’s first gold rush. PHOTO: LISA MOWRY

charming town square. Venture out to Consolidated Gold Mine and tour the actual underground site of gold-mining over 100 years ago, 200 feet down, and learn about life as a miner and the town’s quest for gold.

For an overnight trip, check Dahlonega.org for info on festivals, restaurants and places to stay.

New(ish) B&Bs such as The Limelight Inn and The Mountain Top Lodge are set in the woods, while the Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas is conveniently in the heart of downtown, steps from all that’s going on.

With all wineries, meals and overnights, reservations booked ahead of time are essential in this popular town.

Cashiers is a mountain town both upscale and down-to-earth

L

ike its North Carolina sister city, Highlands, the charming Cashiers has been drawing folks from metro Atlanta for years.

Its easy location three hours from Marietta is a draw, and also the fact that Cashiers can be many things to different people. A high-end resort town to enjoy golf, cocktails and antiques? Yep, Cashiers is that. A place to hike, seek out waterfalls and have a beer at the end of the day? Cashiers checks that box, too.

To experience upscale Cashiers, check in to the newly renovated High Hampton resort, anchored by a 100-year-old-plus inn on the National Registry of Historic Left: The dramatic Whitewater Falls near Cashiers brings big results after a short hike with its double-cascading waterfall. (Tip: Since Whitewater Falls is south of Cashiers, it’s good to visit on the way up or back.) PHOTO: DISCOVERJACKSONNC

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 21 • NOVEMBER 2022

This Page Top Right: Blackened redfish with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus is a popular Cajun-inspired dish at Bourbon Street Grill, housed in a historic building overlooking the square.

PHOTO: DISCOVER DAHLONEGA

This Page Bottom Right: Elegant Montaluce Vineyards channels the feeling of a Tuscan winery.

PHOTO: LISA MOWRY

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Top Left: Views of Cashiers countryside, and maybe even a falcon or hang-glider are some of the rewards after hiking up Whiteside Mountain.

PHOTO: DISCOVERJACKSONNC

Bottom Left: The Cashiers Christmas parade will be held this year on Dec. 3. photo: DISCOVERJACKSONNC/ NICK BREEDLOVE

Bottom Middle: Rooms at Hotel Cashiers have a rustic-Scandinavian vibe. The retro motor-lodge is tucked on a hill surrounded by trees, but close to downtown Cashiers. PHOTO: DISCOVERJACKSONNC

Places and now owned by the luxury group behind Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. With beautiful views of surrounding mountains and trees, High Hampton has always been a place for relaxed family vacations, weddings, honeymoons and other special memories.

Its woodsy décor has been updated in small but important ways to elevate it on par with other top resorts. Golf, boating, tennis and hiking are favorite activities, with

two meals a day included in the cost.

As a homebase for exploring Cashiers’ many attractions, the new Hotel Cashiers in the heart of its downtown capitalizes on the “Schitts Creek” phenomenon of older motor lodges getting a new chapter. The pet-friendly, modern-rustic hotel overlooks Highway 107, and has wooded outdoor areas for sitting outside, and some nearby restaurants easy to access by walking.

A must-see is Whiteside Mountain, where the moderately challenging hike takes you almost 5,000 feet above sea level, with views of the valley and dramatic cliffs. The stunning Whitewater Falls is one of many local waterfalls to explore.

For more information: discoverJacksonNC.com COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 22 • NOVEMBER 2022

Top Right: The historic High Hampton resort blends luxury with rustic charms. New renovations have elevated it to one of the most prestigious destinations in the southeast. PHOTO: LISA MOWRY Bottom Right: The quaint shops and restaurants in Cashiers are one of the main draws.

PHOTO: DISCOVERJACKSONNC

Jacksonville Beach lets you channel your inner surfer

W

ith its 22 miles of beaches to explore, Jacksonville (Jax) is a convenient way to get the best of both worlds: a big city full of museums and jazz clubs, but then a large oceanfront experience just beyond.

Head to the newly renovated pier on Jax beach to watch dozens of surfers year-round, although you’ll also find them scattered in nearby Neptune and Atlantic Beach,

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Call us today! 404-771-1814 www.cauthornnohr.com Top: All skill levels of surfers gather on either side of the Jacksonville pier year-round to catch a wave. Lessons and camps are available for all ages all over town. PHOTO: LISA MOWRY Left: : The bright and modern lobby in the new Element by Westin hotel is a gathering place all day. PHOTO: LISA MOWRY Above: : The walkable mixed-use development Beaches Town Center is full of stores and restaurants a block from the beach in Neptune Beach area (considered part of Jacksonville Beach). PHOTO: LISA MOWRY

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searching for the big wave. If you want to get in on the fun to learn some surf skills, head to Jax Surf & Paddle (with a storefront in Beaches Town Center) or Saltwater Cowgirl Surf, which specializes in female-taught surf lessons.

After a day in the sun, head to Beaches Town Center to browse the shops, restaurants and bars in this walkable village a couple north of the pier.

Popular restaurant favorites such as The Local and Coop 303 have a mix of locally caught seafood and non-seafood specialties (tip: go early to avoid the long waits.) The Jax Ale Trail sets you on an adventure discovering the local craft-beer and cider scene, which has tripled over the years.

There are quite a few oceanfront hotels, but consider one just a block off the beach: the new Element by Westin takes “breakfast included” to a higher level, with custom treats such as southwestern breakfast tostadas or buttermilk pancakes as part of the nightly cost. The modern, eco-friendly hotel feels fresh. CLM For more tips, go to visitjacksonville.com.

heart is feature

HOME IS WHERE THE

CALVARY’S SANCTUARY FOR CHILDREN Written by JON STYF

S

Photos by PAMELA DABROWA

nyder Turner believes in a slight twist to a quote you might know from ‘Field of Dreams’ when it comes to the Calvary Children’s Home in Powder Springs.

“If you build it, they can come,” he said.

In August, Turner, the executive director at Calvary, celebrated his 51st year at the home, which is actually several homes for children who need a family and a place to stay long term. Since the home was opened by Snyder’s father, the late Rev. Ben F. Turner, Jr., in 1966, it has been a place where more than 400 children have grown up.

They have become professionals, from police to military to electricians and more. They have become mothers and fathers. But they have remained part of the Calvary Children’s Home family.

The children stay for at least two years and they become family for a lifetime, Turner said.

“We don’t care about you just while you are here,”

Cadence and Zoee race to Housemom Darlene Hancock for a group hug.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 26 • NOVEMBER 2022

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After rollerblading through the Calvary campus, Kyree takes off his skates for a quick snack-break.

Turner said. “We care about you from here on.”

Children come to the campus for a variety of reasons. But they are all in need of a place to stay, guidance and the family life they didn’t have before.

That’s what Calvary is able to provide them.

Currently there are 23 kids at Calvary and Turner said it was a blessing to be able to add a fourth cottage in January to house younger girls. That cottage is now full and the reason Turner brought up his mantra of building before the need arrives in anticipation of that need.

Children at Calvary attend area schools, heading to Kemp Middle School and Hillgrove High School or North Cobb Christian, where seven students currently have scholarships to attend.

Each cottage on the campus has a house family, each of which have been on the campus for at least 10 years.

Campus Director Brian Busby and his wife are in one of those homes, where they stay for 10 days straight

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before getting a weekend away.

Busby estimates that he has been a house parent for at least 100 kids during his 23 years on the campus, starting when he was 22 years old.

Busby’s grandmother cooked at the children’s home when he was growing up and Busby remembers going there to play Pac-Man downstairs. He later volunteered at the home as a teenager and went to work there full-time soon after.

“I became a Christian when I was a young man and, immediately almost, I was met with this concept to live for something that is going to outlive me,” Busby said. “All the Christian teachings and the love of God, that’s what’s fueled my heart to love kids whose • 28 • NOVEMBER 2022

Top Right: Zoee focuses on shading her purple heart.

Top Middle: Brantley launches a beanbag while Kyree executes his next move.

Center Middle: Zoee and Cadence share a moment together with their favorite stuffed animals in hand.

Bottom: From right to left, Campus Director, Brian Busby shares a laugh with Cadence, Brantley, Kyree, Snyder Turner, Zoee and Savanna during Bible study.

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Above: The Turner family sits in the main building at Children’s Calvary Home with a photo of the late Rev. Ben F. Turner Jr. From left to right, Benita Willis, Snyder Turner, Brent Turner and Lucille Turner.

parents can’t take care of ‘em.”

Busby said that he stays in touch with nearly all of the kids he has been a house parent for, who refer to him as Uncle Brian.

Since he started at the home, he has been the best man in one of their weddings, walked one former student down the aisle at her wedding and had another name his first-born child after him.

“One of the great joys of my life is seeing these kids care for their families,” Busby said. “When they came to the children’s home, their mom and dad were not able to be in their life and take care of them. But, as far as I know, all of the kids that we have raised are raising their children.”

Busby said that almost all, to his knowledge, are also drug free.

Raising funds for Calvary Children’s Home is necessary, but it’s not the driving force for the organization, according to Turner. They have a golf event fundraiser each year, with this year’s event raising $114,300 thanks to local sponsors and participants.

Turner said that the home has been able to maintain finances, even through COVID-19, without government assistance or taking on debt.

It costs at least $12,000 per year to minimally maintain necessities for the addition of one child to the home.

“We have been blessed,” Turner said. “The community has been amazing. Even through COVID, we have always been able to meet our needs.”

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Above: Kyree positions himself for the perfect throw

Turner said that his late father would cite Matthew 6:33, which says “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

That has come true, including one day when a women named Dorothy Rooker visited the campus. Rooker had cancer and wanted to make a difference, so she asked the staff what they would wish for.

“We told her we needed a dishwasher,” Busby recalled.

“She said ‘Think bigger than that. I’m dying of cancer but I want to make somebody’s dream come true before I go.’”

So the staff then said that they have always wanted a gym, which Rooker paid to have built on the campus.

She was there for the opening and took the first shot in the gym.

“She missed it by three feet but it was still so precious,” Busby said.

Those are the moments Busby enjoys sharing so much with the kids, who he says the house parents care for as their own.

House parents cook their favorite meals, drive them to early practices, attend events and games and are there for the kids as they re-build trust and establish a family unit that will last a lifetime.

“We want them to understand that they matter,” Turner said. “We believe that everybody has to know that somebody somewhere cares about them. Everybody needs to have somebody care about them. We want to instill that into them.” CLM

cover story ATLANTA BALLET BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE TCHAIKOVSKY CLASSIC

TALE OF THE Written by MADISON HOGAN

L

ONG BEFORE THE TABLE IS SET for Thanksgiving dinner and wreaths are hung for the winter holidays, the Atlanta Ballet is already on pointe preparing for the biggest show of the year: “The Nutcracker.”

Scored by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “The Nutcracker,” is a two-act ballet that first debuted in 1892, inspired from the E.T.A. Hoffmann short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”

But take it from Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin and Executive Director Tom West: this isn’t your great-grandmother’s Nutcracker. While characters and elements of the story remain, the Atlanta Ballet’s rendition of the classic is enhanced with technology and design, paired with nostalgia to make it “fresh and evergreen,” according to Nedvigin.

The latest version was created in 2018 and originally performed to a sold out crowd at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. in 2019.

After several years splitting shows between the Fox Theatre in Midtown and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Smyrna, the Atlanta Ballet took an intermission during the COVID-19 pandemic before moving north to CEPAC permanently.

Featuring state-of-the-art technology, lavish sets, creative costumes and a live orchestra, the Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker is an immersive experience for audiences, West said. Video images transport onlookers to a snowy night in 19th century Germany, peering into the lives of villagers, families and children as they gather on Christmas Eve. Giant cabinets and chairs surrounded by dancing mice and toys take viewers on a magical ride through a child’s dream of adventure, hope and love.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 32 • NOVEMBER 2022

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Nutcracker COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

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Piedmont Church will host more than 40 local artisans to showcase their arts & crafts. There will be more than 12,000 in attendance for this growing community event! There will be two stages, local dance groups, free children’s activities, a free petting zoo, a giant snow slide and FREE photos with Santa!

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Superior Plumbing wishes you and your family a great Thanksgiving!

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IT’S BACK FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR!

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ike most ballet companies that perform “The Nutcracker,” West said the show is Atlanta Ballet’s largest performance in terms of audience size, ticket sales and cost of production “without question.”

“In terms of ticket sales, ‘The Nutcracker’ is 75% of the tickets we sell all year long,” he said. “We can have more than 40,000 people come through the Cobb Energy Centre over the course of the month of December to see the show.”

From Dec. 9-26, the ballet will perform the show up to eight times a week, ranging from matinee and evening performances to one-hour shows for school field trips.

Rehearsals for the show begin as early as September, with company dancers comprising a majority of the cast, Nedvigin said. The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education helps cast the child roles, granting young, aspiring dancers the chance of a lifetime. The ballet will practice in up to three studios simultaneously before attempting to bring all the dancers in for rehearsals on stage.

Cast members switch roles for each performance, as some are more demanding than others, West said.

• 36 • NOVEMBER 2022

cover story

“There are many roles and many dancers perform various roles in the production from three to six roles within that span of performances in December,” Nedvigin said.

MAKING COBB HOME

F

ollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Ballet announced CEPAC would remain its permanent home and the site of its 2021 reopening of “The Nutcracker.”

The move, according to Nedvigin and West, was a smart one.

“We love being at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre,” West said. “It’s a great venue for this kind of show. It’s easy to get to. Parking’s great. It’s a very convenient location.”

Though the Fox Theatre housed more seats, CEPAC can accommodate more performances per week.

“The difference is the sightlines are better, the sound is better, the seats are more comfortable,” West said. “It’s just a way better experience … It’s a better equipped modern theater than the Fox. The Fox is a beautiful, historic space. But that also means it doesn’t have all the technical capabilities that the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

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At CEPAC, the Atlanta Ballet has more square footage on a deeper stage, allowing dancers to maneuver large sets easier, make their marks and add an extra wing for the company.

“The production is literally so huge … we have to squeeze to get by,” Nedvigin said. “So expanding the space for us, for dancers, allows them to move freely and larger, bigger, be more expressive as well.”

To set the ambiance for the ballet, the centre will be decorated with lights, snowflakes, Christmas trees and cutouts of main characters for photos with family, West said. A holiday market of sweets will cater to children, while a boutique of souvenirs such as nutcrackers and ballet shoes signed by the dancers will be available for patrons.

“They can come and see a show and buy some Christmas presents,” West said.

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ehind the scenes, Nedvigin said the staff, made up of Tony Award-winners in digital set and costume design, bring the magic to life.

“There’s always an evaluation of the arts,” he said.

“And I think nowadays, we have so many capabilities. All the technology has advanced so rapidly and so far, but we wanted to use that for our beautiful version of ‘The Nutcracker.’”

Audiences are evolving in their tastes, West said, which keeps the ballet on their toes. Nostalgia is the key to holiday traditions and what keeps audience members coming back year after year, West said.

“It was thrilling to bring great dancing together with things that would attract a new and evolving younger audience,” he said.

It may take audiences up to five shows to see every detail woven into the fabric of the show, Nedvigin said.

Even he continues to be surprised by the innovation.

“The artistic team, the creative team was so wonderful and creative that they produce a show with so many different elements that you can’t really embrace them all in one go,” he said.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

Because of the show’s versatility and nostalgia, it’s a draw for young and old, men and women alike with ranging interests, Nedvigin said.

“Everybody will find something that they love,” he said. CLM

•

• 39 • NOVEMBER 2022

feature

Joy TO COBB The story behind the Lights of Joy Christmas display Written by SKYLER HEATH Photos by HADLEY(S) PHOTOGRAPHY

t

Richard and Sherrie Taylor smlie in their festive attire at the front of their Lights of Joy Christmas display.

he holiday season is filled with an endless supply of happiness; a special kind of feeling that is almost indescribable. But there’s something to be said about the joy received while gazing upon a beautiful array of Christmas lights.

Christmas decorating for many people is considered an art; a refined skill that takes years of practice. And for Richard and Sherrie Taylor of Kennesaw, they’re the Picasso’s of Christmas décor — the real-life Griswold family.

The Taylor family’s “Lights of Joy” Christmas display isbilled as the largest residential light show in Georgia. Though the title speaks for itself, Lights of Joy’s frontal landscape stretches 700 feet wide while the entire exhibit contains more than 850,000 Christmas lights. All of the lights and extension cords put together add up to 60 miles.

Lights of Joy had a record number of 46,000 attendees last year. This year, the Taylors estimate they’ll exceed over a million lights on the property and expect an even greater turnout.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 40 • NOVEMBER 2022

But the popularity of the local light show is not just regarded to its external beauty — it’s the meaning behind Lights of Joy that consistently brings back thousands of families, friends and loved-ones each year.

“Our mission is to bring a little joy to everyone we meet,” Richard said. “When people visit our lights, it may be brief, but they’re not thinking about any other issues, no problems in their life, they’re all just out there having a great time.”

60 Holly Bushes

In retrospect, Lights of Joy began 29 years ago in 1988 when Richard wrapped 60 holly bushes with lights to mimic Christmas trees. Back then, the holly bushes were 3 feet tall, so decorating was an easy task. Now, the holly bushes stand at 19 feet tall and in total contain more than 120,000 lights.

For the first two decades of Lights of Joy, Kennesaw natives jumped in their cars and rushed to Ben King Road to get their annual festive fix of the grandiose display. The only problem— they couldn’t leave their cars.

“Every year during the holiday season, there would be bumper to bumper traffic on our little two-lane road” Sherrie said.

But in 2018, the Taylor family had an idea. Richard and Sherrie decided to expand their Christmas display by opening their roundabout driveway to the public.

They made a deal with the Influencers Church across the street. Since the partnership, patrons can park their cars at the church, walk over to the display and get an up close look at the extravagant light show.

“Since we opened the circle to the public, on busy

A sneak peak of Lights of Joy, the largest redidential light show in Georgia.

678-400-4268

feature

Assembling the Lights of Joy display takes about 1,800 hours or 75 days.

nights, I’d say we get over 2,500 visitors a night,” Richard said.

Two years ago, to give thanks, the Taylors raised $12,000 in donations for the Influencers Church.

When it came time to name their Christmas operation, Richard reflected on someone who brought him joy: his mother, Marjorie Hixon.

Growing up in a family of five, Richard said Hixon was not a fan of her first name. Her brother, Brook, gave her

the nickname “My Joy” as she always radiated joy onto others. She eventually just went by “Joy.” “She was the most giving, selfless and wonderful woman,” Sherrie said. “She really never thought about herself. She was always giving back to her family, friends, church and the community.”

In 2018, the Taylors decided it was time to name their annual light show, in honor of Richard’s mother.

“Everyone came by here saying what a joy it was to come see this display,” Sherrie said.

Operation Christmas lights

After 29 years of trial-and-error, the Taylor’s developed an effective system for assembling Lights of Joy. Richard and Sherrie said they begin decorating as early as August, but the tedious, behind-the-scenes work continues year-round.

Sherrie said she’s in charge of repairing the lights. In March, Sherrie begins testing each string of lights in hundreds of large storage boxes. While Sherrie’s testing

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• 42 • NOVEMBER 2022

and repairing, Richard’s installing and executing.

“We want to make sure everything is up and running so we’re confident the lights are ready to go,” Sherri said.

But decorating the landscape is no easy task either.

Richard said they have a team of five people, two men who have been there for 16 years, who help decorate the yard. And even with the extra set of hands, Richard said assembling Lights of Joy takes about 1,800 hours or 75 days.

The Taylor’s said that there’s a common misconception. Every year, Lights of Joy attendees assume their electricity bill breaks the bank. But in reality, the Taylor’s said electrical costs only contribute to 4% of their total expenses.

Lights of Joy heard ‘round the world

Lights of Joy is not just a holiday display, its an established generation-to-generation tradition for thousands of families.

“Every year we recognize a ton of familiar faces and families and we get to see the children grow up,” Sherrie said.

Richard said last year a Kennesaw local visited Lights of Joy with his family and approached the Taylor’s to say he has been coming to this display since he was old enough to walk.

The Taylor family said they take pride in their Christmas display and the joy it radiates onto others. They look forward to sharing their hard-work and dedication with others again this holiday season.

The couple’s project gained national traction in 2019 when it was featured in ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight Competition.” The Taylor’s said they had 21,000 visitors attend that year.

Since then, people from across the country and even the world come to visit the Taylor’s home for the holidays. Richard said they have families that travel every year coming from Canada, Illinois and Michigan.

“But one year, I was in total shock when someone visited us on the first night of us opening,” Richard said.

Richard said his jaw dropped when a woman told him she came all the way from Melbourne, Australia to visit Lights of Joy. “It’s a lot of fun witnessing all of these people coming together each year,” Sherrie said. CLM Lights of Joy Nov. 28 - Jan. 2, 6 to 11 p.m.

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COBB LIFE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

AN

D

QA

B BILL HENDRICK

MEET THE AUTHOR

By Madison Hogan

BILL HENDRICK had mulled the idea of writing a book on the Civil War for years, but he kept putting it off. During his time at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he met Stephen Davis, a Civil War expert, he interviewed for stories at the paper. After Hendrick officially retired from the newspaper business, his friendship with Davis continued.

When the old friends met up for lunch at Goldberg’s Eats in East Cobb in May 2017, they developed a pitch: a book on Atlanta’s leading newspaper during the Civil War, “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer.” After Davis sent the proposal to the University of Tennessee Press, the two started working on their first collaborative book together, “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Civil War.” A native of Portsmouth, Va., Hendrick studied journalism and history at the University of Georgia, graduating in March 1971. He spent eight years as a reporter and editor for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Birmingham, Louisville, Frankfort, Ky., and Manhattan, before moving back to Georgia after his first son was born to work for The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

There, he covered business, health, science, history, the military and general features. In 2008, he retired to become a freelancer, writing for the AJC, the Marietta Daily Journal and other publications. Hendrick, and his wife of 46 years, Laura, live in east Cobb. Sons Jordan, 43, and Stuart, 39, are both graduates of Walton High School and the University of Georgia. Jordan practices law in Marietta and Stuart is a teacher, writer and artist in Atlanta.

Hendrick, 74, is currently working on a second book, focusing on 19th century newspapers.

S

STEPHEN DAVIS

CL: How did the idea for “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Civil War” come about?

BH: I’d had the idea for at least 15 years but kept procrastinating. During my time at the Atlanta paper, I met Steve Davis, one of the top experts on the Civil War in the country, so whenever I was called on to do a story on any Civil War topic, such as the discovery of unexploded shells around Atlanta, I

STEPHEN DAVIS of Cumming is author of seven books on the Atlanta Campaign, including a two-volume study of Confederate General John B. Hood. His next one, “I Thank the Lord I Am Not a Yankee: The Wartime and Postwar Journals of Eliza Frances Andrews,” will be published later this year

by Mercer University Press.

Cobb Life Editor Madison Hogan chatted with Hendrick to get the scoop on the pairs’ latest work, what inspires him and how writing continues to shape his life. interviewed him. These talks turned into friendship that lasted after my retirement and to this day. We were having lunch one day and discussed writing a book on Atlanta’s leading newspaper of the Civil War period. Within two days of that May 2017 lunch at Goldberg’s in east Cobb, where we both lived at the time, he’d completed and sent off a book proposal to the University of Tennessee Press, which agreed after COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 46 • NOVEMBER 2022

sending it to numerous scholars that it was a good idea and overdue. As a long-time journalist I’d always wondered how reporters did their jobs long before the Internet, iPhones and even before typewriters were invented. Steve’s knowledge and enthusiasm turned a stale idea into a fresh product. It got me moving.

CL: What separates this book from other pieces you’ve written? What connects it?

BH: I wrote about almost everything you can think of, including economic and health issues, and history - one of my main interests - only on occasion. The book touches on many topics I wrote about in 30 years at The AJC and eight at The Associated Press, including health and politics and war. I’ve interviewed hundreds of veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and in some cases, families of men killed in action.

CL: What can readers expect from “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Civil War”?

BH: A thorough understanding of how southern newspapers reported the news and propagandized it in an era before objectivity. They’ll also learn that there are many similarities between what papers do now, and what they did then. The goal is to inform. In Civil War times, papers were as much propaganda sheets as reports on what was happening in the world. Then as now, papers made money from advertising.

In the Civil War era, papers often filled the front page with ads, though more news began appearing on the front page as the war progressed.

CL: How does inspiration strike you?

BH: Like most journalists, I’m inspired by the idea of learning things I don’t know, and also witnessing history. Our book shows how Atlantans (and people across the country) learned about what was going on in the world. When I hear about subjects I know little about, I want to ‘’cure’’ my ignorance. This ranges from what makes soldiers follow orders to what makes the brain work. I did a story once at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, interviewing scientists who had done research on why bravery, and cowardice, are contagious.

CL: Do you have any rituals/best practices for writing?

BH: Set yourself a deadline. Take copious notes. Fill notebooks with facts and color.

Get many points of view by never relying on just one or two sources. Organize your notes and make a rough outline of points you want to make. Maybe most important,

CL: What advice can you share with other local aspiring authors?

BH: It’s not as hard as you may think. Check out books and articles on how to write a solid proposal. Ask friends who have written books. Don’t give up or procrastinate.

Procrastination is a common trait of journalists.

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM STEPHEN DAVIS AND BILL HENDRICK’S DEBUT BOOK “The Atlanta Daily Intelligencer Covers the Civil War.”

While going through five years of microfilm, which is a blinding process, I found this telegram, published July 26, 1863, on page 2 of the Daily Intelligencer, particularly poignant because it sums up the meaning of war: “RICHMOND, July 14.—To Mr. J. W. Neisbet, care of the Intelligencer: Dear Father—I am at Jordan Springs Hospital near Winchester. I lost my left arm at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Come to me. Answer by telegraph. W. H. NEISBET.”21 Intelligencer Editor John Steele added that he knew no such Neisbit (it didn’t help that the telegrapher misspelled Nesbit), so all he could do to help the crippled soldier was to print his message and hope that someone would come forth.

After considerable research, we discovered

CL: How has your environment influenced your work?

BH: My job as a reporter took me all over the world, but especially all over Georgia and Atlanta. Being a Virginian, I didn’t know much about the state or how the Civil War affected the country in the 19th century and still does today. Look at how divided we are today. We’re at least as divided as we were in the mid-19th century.

CL: What’s your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite?

BH: Finishing a story and turning it in, or in this case, a book. (My least favorite is) setting a deadline and sticking to it. As Ernest Hemingway said, “There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.”

CL: Who are you currently reading?

BH: “Crime and Punishment,” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. (This novel is old and famous and I’ve been reading it off and on for several years. Generally I read non-fiction to make up for all the things I could have learned but didn’t in college.

that the story of twenty-two year-old Lt. William Hoyle Nesbit, 22nd Georgia Infantry, ended well. This involved researching his military records in the National Archives and using various online resources, like FindAGrave.

We learned after weeks that young Nesbit resigned on account of wounds in November 1863, became a bee-keeper and farmer, married, fathered six children and lived to the age of 83. Before moving to Cherokee County he lived in Alpharetta. Lt. Nesbit is buried in Hickory Flat Cemetery in Cherokee County.

ask questions. When I was very young I was assigned by The AP in New York to cover a professional tennis match. I’d never seen a tennis match and had no clue about the rules. But I asked a lot of questions and took a lot of notes and the big guys in NY praised the story to my shock.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 47 • NOVEMBER 2022

CL: Why did you start writing?

BH: I started college in the fall of 1966 with no idea of what I wanted to do. Gradually I decided I wanted to witness history. So I decided to major in journalism. And then I started writing because my professors told me to.

CL: What/who is your favorite book/ author of all time? Why? BH: Christopher Hitchens. He was a reporter and author whose works made me think of things that are difficult and scary to think about, such as “God Is Not Great”. My favorite book is, ironically, a novel, but a historical novel by James Michener.

CL: What makes your work stand out from other authors in the same genre?

BH: My work reflects my varied interests.

news & noteworthy

Cumberland Diamond Exchange celebrates 40 years in Smyrna

I

n the heart of Smyrna, less than a mile from Truist Park resides a neighborhood jeweler that has differentiated itself from the rest.

This year, the Cumberland Diamond Exchange celebrates its 40th anniversary — a landmark not reached by many companies in this day and age.

How did it survive over four decades when others came and went? The entrepreneurs share two strategies: treating clients like family and serving the community.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 49 • NOVEMBER 2022

“IT’S SOMETHING MONEY CAN’T BUY. THE LOYALTY AND RELATIONSHIPS WE’VE ESTABLISHED ARE PRICELESS.”

Owner Mark Jacobson

“It’s something money can’t buy. The loyalty and relationships we’ve established are priceless,” owner Mark Jacobson said.

He, along with partner and wife Rhonda, take pride in their famous, hand-crafted jewelry, customer service and impressive achievements. But they are most proud of the relationships formed over the years with the community.

“It is our responsibility as business owners that if the community supports you, you support the community and that’s been our mission from the beginning,” Mark said.

The CDE began in 1982 with two young brothers, Mark and Wayne Jacobson, who had a strategic business plan and a dream.

Mark met wife Rhonda and brought her onto the team in 1984. Shortly after, business accelerated.

“It’s a different world now than it was when we started 40 years ago,” Mark said.

Upon entering the store at 2800 Cumberland Blvd. in Smyrna, patrons are greeted at the door with a welcome and a complimentary beverage.

“We really run this business like it’s an extension of our own home,” Rhonda said.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

Patrons can then admire the unique assortment of jewelry that stretches to every corner of the store. Each wall displays awards, achievements and recognitions collected by the local jewelry operation.

“Our reputation is our greatest asset,” Mark said.

Among the many awards and accolades displayed, the CDE was recognized as the 2016 Jeweler of the Year and the 2015 Cobb County Small Business of the Year.

Since 2000, the Cumberland Diamond Exchange has also been among the top 5% of independent, specialty jewelers in the U.S. based on revenue, according to the Jacobsons. In 2017, Rhonda Jacobson was named Smyrna Citizen of the Year.

“We have achieved such great success because we are the servant to our client,” Mark said, “We’re relational jewelers as opposed to transactional jewelers.”

The family-owned jewelry business is involved in more than 40 charitable, nonprofit organizations in Metro Atlanta. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Wellstar Foundation, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center and the Cobb Library Association are just a few of the organizations supported by the CDE. “If you’ve been blessed, you should bless others,” Rhonda said.

Mark Jacobson said he and his wife are a great team.

But none of these important milestones could have been reached without a quality staff. Their staff is the backbone to the business, they said.

“We can teach anybody the jewelry business, but we can’t teach a person to have good character,” Rhonda said.

• 50 • NOVEMBER 2022

news & noteworthy

Southern brunch, biscuit restaurant opens in Acworth

A

new Southern brunch restaurant chain has opened its first Georgia location in Acworth.

Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly started serving up biscuits at 3330 Cobb Parkway in the fall, according to franchise owner Missy Moon.

Moon, who lives in Woodstock, said the location is one of five she plans to open in Georgia alongside her development group, Fresh Development One. After working in the restaurant business for 20 years with brands such as Nothing Bundt Cake, Five Guys and Newk’s Eatery, Moon said she and her partner fell in love with Biscuit Belly after visiting its satellite locations.

“We absolutely love the chef-driven entrees and the atmosphere,” she said. “What sets apart Biscuit Belly is the fact that the food is just fabulous. The rest is history.”

Moon said Acworth seemed like the perfect fit for the new location due to the town’s foodie flare, having opened her second Newk’s Eatery location along Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw.

“WHAT SETS APART BISCUIT BELLY IS THE FACT THAT THE FOOD IS JUST FABULOUS. THE REST IS HISTORY.”

Franchise owner Missy Moon

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For first time diners, she said the biscuits are large and fluffy, with gourmet Southern ingredients like roasted jalapeño pimento cheese, gravy and fried green tomatoes. For those with a sweet tooth, the menu offers a s’mores biscuit or the brie, honey, berry jam and praline Love Shack biscuit. For adventurous eaters, there’s loaded breakfast tots, pancake corndogs and bonuts — a twist on biscuit doughnut holes.

General breakfast items such as pancakes, eggs, hash browns and grits are also available.

“Our main thing is the food, the quality of the food, the freshness,” she said. “Every entree, every sauce, every gravy is prepped in house.

The food is phenomenal.”

Moon said her favorite item on the menu is The G.O.A.T. biscuit sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken breast, sweet pepper jelly and goat cheese.

“And I personally like the Frenchie, which is our French toast but we make it with our biscuit,” she said. “And it comes with strawberries and blueberries topped off with whipped cream and then syrup.”

Moon said she’s hired for several positions at the Acworth restaurant, but she’s hoping to onboard up to 50 employees.

“We’re looking for an additional 20 (hires) just for this location,” she said.

Founded in 2019 and franchising since 2020, Biscuit Belly opened its first location in Louisville with former pharmacists turned restaurateurs Chad and Lauren Coulter.

The company plans to have at least seven locations open, and 15

additional locations in development by the end of 2022. These locations will predominately be in the South and Midwest. This will bring their total number of stores to 35.

“I cannot say more about Chad and Lauren,” Moon said. “It’s been a pleasure working with them.

We’re very excited with our first location... and to be in the city of Acworth.”

Looking for a gift this holiday season? Order a book from the MDJ!

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hether your loved one is a Braves fan, a history buff or a local, the Marietta Daily Journal has a gift for everyone this season!

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 52 • NOVEMBER 2022

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICKUP OR SHIPPING: “Major League Deal: How The Braves Came to Cobb”: This hardcover, 100-page coffee-table style book tells the story in words and photographs of the move of the MLB franchise from downtown Atlanta to

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MOVIES N BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

Theaters November 11 Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

N ARMAGEDDON TIME Theaters November 11 From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, “Armageddon Time,” is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of

friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream.

N SHE SAID Theaters November 18 Two-time Academy Award-nominee Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star as New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who together broke one of the most important stories in a generation — a story that helped propel the #MeToo movement, shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood and altered American culture forever.

STREAMING N ENOLA HOLMES 2 Netflix November 4 Fresh off the triumph of solving her first case, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) follows COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 54 • NOVEMBER 2022

in the footsteps of her famous brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and opens her own agency — only to find that life as a female detective-for-hire isn’t as easy as it seems.

Resigned to accepting the cold realities of adulthood, she is about to close shop when a penniless matchstick girl offers Enola her first official job: to find her missing sister.

But this case proves to be far more puzzling than expected, as Enola is thrown into a dangerous new world — from London’s sinister factories and colorful music halls, to the highest echelons of society and 221B Baker Street itself. As the sparks of a deadly conspiracy ignite, Enola must call upon the help of friends — and Sherlock himself — to unravel her mystery. The game, it seems, has found its feet again!

N SPIRITED Apple TV+ November 18 “Spirited,” is a “modern musical reimagining” of Ebenezer Scrooge and spirits Christmas Past, Present and Future. The film stars Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer, Patrick Page, Sunita Mani and more.

november RELEASES

the gateway to the wider universe. Conscripted into the military under dubious circumstances, Tennal is placed into the care of Lieutenant Surit Yeni, a duty-bound soldier, principled leader and the son of a notorious traitor general. Whereas Tennal can read minds, Surit can influence them. Like all other neuromodified “architects,” he can impose his will onto others, and he’s under orders to control Tennal by merging their minds. Surit accepted a suspicious promotion-track request out of desperation, but he refuses to go through with his illegal orders to sync and control an unconsenting Tennal.

So they lie: They fake a sync bond and plan Tennal’s escape. Their best chance arrives with a salvage-retrieval mission into chaotic space — to the very neuromodifcation lab that Surit’s traitor mother destroyed 20 years ago. And among the rubble is a treasure both terrible and unimaginably powerful, one that upends a decades-old power struggle, and begins a war. Tennal and Surit can no longer abandon their unit or their world. The only way to avoid life under full military control is to complete the very sync they’ve been faking. Can two unwilling weapons of war bring about peace?

N DISENCHANTED Disney+ November 24 Ten years after her happily ever after, Giselle questions her happiness, inadvertently turning the lives of those in the real world and Andalasia upside down in the process.

BOOKS N WE DESERVE MONUMENTS

By Jas Hammonds November 29 Seventeen-year-old Avery Anderson is convinced her senior year is ruined when she’s uprooted from her life in Washington, D.C. and forced into the hostile home of her terminally-ill grandmother, Mama Letty. The tension between Avery’s mom and Mama Letty makes for a frosty arrival and unearths past drama they refuse to talk about. Every time Avery tries to look deeper, she’s turned away, leaving her desperate to learn the secrets that split her family in two. While tempers flare in her avoidant family, Avery finds friendship in unexpected places: in Simone Cole, her captivating next-door neighbor, and Jade Oliver, daughter of the town’s most prominent family—whose mother’s murder remains unsolved. As the three girls grow closer — Avery and Simone’s friendship blossoming into romance — the sharp-edged opinions of their small southern town begin

to hint at something insidious underneath.

The racist history of Bardell, Georgia is rooted in Avery’s family in ways she can’t even imagine. With Mama Letty’s health dwindling every day, Avery must decide if digging for the truth is worth toppling the delicate relationships she’s built in Bardell — or if some things are better left buried.

N OCEAN’S ECHO

By Everina Maxwell November 1 Rich socialite, inveterate flirt and walking disaster Tennalhin Halkana can read minds.

Tennal, like all neuromodified “readers,” is a security threat on his own. But when controlled, readers are a rare asset. Not only can they read minds, but they can navigate chaotic space, the maelstroms surrounding

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 55 • NOVEMBER 2022

N A RESTLESS TRUTH

By Freya Marske November 1 The most interesting things in Maud Blyth’s life have happened to her brother Robin, but she’s ready to join any cause, especially if it involves magical secrets that may threaten the whole of the British Isles. Bound for New York on the R.M.S. Lyric, she’s ready for an adventure.

What she actually finds is a dead body, a disrespectful parrot and a beautiful stranger in Violet Debenham, who is everything — a magician, an actress, a scandal — Maud has been trained to fear and has learned to desire. Surrounded by the open sea and a ship full of loathsome, aristocratic suspects, they must solve a murder and untangle a conspiracy that began generations before them.

december RELEASES

MOVIES N AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

Theaters December 16 Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their children), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.

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Netflix December 23 You’re invited to put the pieces together. In the follow-up to Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out,” Detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of colorful suspects.

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N CORSAGE Theaters December 23 Empress Elisabeth of Austria is known for her beauty and fashion trends. But in 1877, she celebrates her 40th birthday and must fight to maintain her public image. With a future of only ceremonial duties in front of her, she rebels against her public image and comes up with a plan to protect her legacy.

STREAMING N GLASS ONION:

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all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant — and emotional — journey through Whitney Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before.

Don’t you wanna dance?

Amazon Prime December 9 A woman’s life is upended when an engagement ring meant for

someone else leads her to the person she’s meant to be with forever.

N ROALD DAHL’S

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Netflix December 25 Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” is an inspirational musical tale of an extraordinary girl who discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what’s right, she’s met with miraculous results.

Live your

BOOKS N THE LIGHT PIRATE

By Lily Brooks-Dalton December 6 Florida is slipping away. As devastating weather patterns and rising sea levels gradually wreak havoc on the state’s infrastructure, a powerful hurricane approaches a small town on the southeastern coast. Kirby Lowe, an electrical line worker; his pregnant wife, Frida; and their two sons, Flip and Lucas, prepare for the worst.

When the boys go missing just before the hurricane hits, Kirby heads out into the high winds to search for them. Left alone, Frida goes into premature labor and gives birth to an unusual child, Wanda, whom she names after the catastrophic storm that ushers her into a society closer to collapse than ever before.

As Florida continues to unravel, Wanda grows. Moving from childhood to adulthood, adapting not only to the changing landscape, but also to the people who stayed behind in a place abandoned by civilization, Wanda loses family, gains community and ultimately, seeks adventure, love and purpose in a place remade by nature. Told in four parts—power, water, light and time — “The Light Pirate,” mirrors the rhythms of the elements and the sometimes quick, sometimes slow dissolution of the world as we know it. It is a meditation on the changes we would rather not see, the future we would rather not greet and a call back to the beauty and violence of an untamable wilderness.

N ALL THE DARK PLACES

By Terri Parlato December 27 Snow falls softly outside Molly Bradley’s home on a frigid January night. Inside, half a dozen close friends are gathered to celebrate the 40th birthday of Molly’s psychologist husband, Jay. Candlelight gleams against dark wood, wine flows and the house rings with laughter. Everybody loves Jay, Molly most of all.

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Holiday Happenings Cobb Life Events

- “the nutcracker ”

Compiled by SKYLER HEATH

Hip Hop Nutcracker DEC. 13

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta Cost: $31 to $81 Information: www.foxtheatre.org

Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre NOV. 25 – NOV. 27

Jennie T. Anderson Theatre - Cobb County Civic Center 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta Information: georgiametrodance.org

Get ready for visions of sugar plums, waltzing flowers and dancing snowflakes. In its 65th season of dance, GMDT is proud to present its annual production of the captivating classic, “The Nutcracker.”

The show will once again feature the brilliant sets, costumes and special effects that spark awe and wonder alongside Tchaïkovsky’s timeless music.

GMDT’s “The Nutcracker,” also welcomes back professional dancers D. Patton White as Godfather Drosselmeyer and Raul Peinado as Sugar Plum Cavalier. Rehearsals begin in September for the cast that will perform in six shows the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The Georgia Ballet DEC. 1-4

Jennie T. Anderson Theatre - Cobb County Civic Center 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta Cost: $15 to $40 Information: www.georgiaballet.org/ season or 770-528-0881

The Georgia Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a holiday classic and season favorite.

Each year, the ballet continues to grow and evolve. This timeless ballet is perfect for the whole family to enjoy as it’s full of magic, action and beauty.

Start a new holiday tradition with the family and Georgia Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

Atlanta Ballet DEC. 9-26

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Cost: $45 to $101 Information: www.atlantaballet.com

Atlanta Ballet’s newest version of “The Nutcracker” will be performed at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in December of 2022. This production premiered in 2018 and features state-of-the-art technology combined with lavish sets and costumes creating an immersive fantasy world befitting the most popular ballet of all time.

Based on the original book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the story takes Marie and her magical nutcracker doll away from a family Christmas Eve party and into a fantastical realm, led by a mysterious inventor.

Described by ArtsATL as “layered with imagery and so packed with visual details, it’s impossible to take it all in at once: Audiences can return year after year and make new discoveries,” this innovative production features larger-than-life sets and bold costumes enhanced by striking video projections.

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A holiday mash-up for the whole family, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” returns to the stage for its seventh season on tour.

Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

Just like the original, in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season.

Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre DEC. 16-18

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Theater 11320 Woodstock Road, Roswell Information: metropolitanballet.org

Celebrate 21 years of holiday tradition with us and come see Metropolitan’s fabulous full-length Nutcracker production with all the music, all the color and all the exquisite ballet

Cobb Life Events brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s original.

Book early for the best seats, and don’t forget our special matinee event ticket: Sugarplum Storytime — a pass that includes a matinee performance and souvenir storytime with the famous fairy and all the characters from the Land of Sweets!

Tree Lightings Smyrna

NOV. 29, 5 TO 8 P.M.

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Smyrna Community Center 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna Information: www.smyrnacity.com

The Big Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony happens with Santa and lots of holiday festivities to enjoy. Catch the spirit of the season and don’t miss the annual arrival of Santa and the very special way he lights the giant Christmas Tree in Smyrna, kicking off the holiday season of lights.

Marietta

DEC. 1, 6 P.M.

Marietta Square Information: winterwonderlandmarietta.com

The City of Marietta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be in conjunction with the arrival of Santa Claus in Glover Park on Marietta Square. The event begins at 4 p.m. with performances by local school choruses.

Santa makes his grand entrance at 6 p.m. followed by the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree.

Powder Springs DEC. 2 6:30 P.M.

Thurman Springs Park 4485 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs Information: www.cityofpowdersprings.org

After our break last year we’re excited to bring the Christmas Parade back to Powder Springs. There is no fee to

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• 60 • NOVEMBER 2022

participate. Following the Annual Christmas Parade head down to Thurman Springs Park, Home of the Hardy Family Automotive Amphitheater to see the town’s beautiful Christmas tree come to life.

Acworth

DEC. 2, 5:30 TO 8 P.M.

Downtown Acworth Information: acworthtourism.org/event/santas-arrival

The City of Acworth, along with their partner NorthStar Church, is excited to host this year’s Santa’s Arrival. Santa arrives in Historic Downtown Acworth on Center Street on Friday, Dec. 2 Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m.

There will be a host of live performances and activities until 8:30 p.m. to help Santa kickoff the holiday season. Don’t forget to visit Frana Brown Park, where guests can peruse the beautiful Festival of Trees! Bring the entire family to hear

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Cobb Life Events

spring/summer exhibition, “Origami in the Garden.”

Cost: $24-30 (Students $5) Information: arts.kennesaw.edu

Lights of Life

The Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music is proud to present an annual tradition: the inspirational Holiday Concert featuring KSU’s Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Choral Ensembles. Celebrate the season with Bailey School of Music.

NOV. 25 - DEC. 31 Mayor Tommy Allegood read “The Night Before Christmas,” and watch the lighting of the tree on the Plaza behind Henry’s. Enjoy pictures with Santa, eating candy canes with all his elves and filling the streets with holiday spirit.

Pictures with Santa are free each year and begin at 6:45 p.m. There will not be a photographer onsite, so please plan on bringing your camera to capture the special moment.

Kennesaw

DEC. 3, 2 TO 7 P.M.

Downtown Kennesaw and Depot Park Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov

Kennesaw will have a Day with Santa.

The event will feature a parade at 2 p.m. and the lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree at 6 p.m.

East Cobb Park

Life University 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta Cost: Varies by date Information: www.life.edu/lights-of-life

Life University introduced the Lights of Life in 1989, as a gift to the local community. It has since grown to be one of the most popular light shows in the Southeast, attracting nearly a half million spectators. Cars, vans and buses can cruise through the campus on a 1.5-mile drive. The event also features photos with Santa, pony rides, trains, a petting zoo and a concession stand.

Lights of Joy

NOV. 28 - JAN. 2, 6 TO 11 P.M. 1510 Ben King Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 Cost: Free Information: www.lightsofjoy.net/ The largest residential Christmas light display in Georgia with 850,000+ lights.

DEC. 4, 6 TO 8:30 P.M.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights NOV. 12 - JAN. 14

Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta Information: atlantabg.org

While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features return, guests can expect new twists, including an all-new exhibition in the Anne Cox Chambers Garden by French artist Cédric LeBorgne and three massive sculptures from the

Marietta Performing Arts Center 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta Cost: $32 - $40 Information: georgiasymphony.org

A Marietta and Cobb tradition, the GSO’s Holiday Pops! is sure to put guests in the mood for the holiday season. And this year, the GSO stocking is stuffed with musical holiday favorites and fun. Joining the orchestra as always is the festive GSO Chorus, and the performance will feature Marietta native Kaycee Grogan-Wallace and a special appearance by the jolly man himself, Santa.

DEC. 9-11, 16-18, 21-22

Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre 117 N. Park Square NE, Marietta Information: earlsmithstrand.org

Mark your calendars for our Holiday Lights Event with live music, outdoor fun, tree lighting and a visit from Santa.

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DEC. 3, 3 P.M. AND 8 P.M.

A Christmas Tradition

East Cobb Park 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta Information: www.eastcobbpark.org

LIGHT SHOWS

GSO presents Holiday Pops!

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Theatre and Musical Performances Kennesaw State University’s Holiday Concert DEC. 3, 2 AND 8 P.M.

Kennesaw State University Morgan Concert Hall 488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 62 • NOVEMBER 2022

“A Christmas Tradition” will return to The Strand stage for another unforgettable year of sharing the holiday spirit through sparkling song and dance. This hometown favorite holiday revue features costumed singers and dancers performing both traditional and funky Christmas favorites.

Marietta Pops Orchestra DEC. 10, 7 P.M.

First Baptist Church Marietta 148 Church Street Cost: $20 (Children under 10, free) Information: www.mariettapops.org

Fun, traditional holiday music for the whole family.

Cobb Scene

Katherine Vincent, Rudolph Vincent and their fourth-grader Roman attend the Sawyer Road Elementary family picnic.

Family picnic at Sawyer Road Elementary The students of Sawyer Road Elementary and their families gathered on the school soccer field for a family picnic. Students and teachers brought their lunches outside to enjoy the warm early-autumn day. Families stretched out on blankets and bought shaved ice from Flavors of Hawaii, an Acworth business. Some of the proceeds for the shaved ice were donated to the elementary school.

Above: From left, Amanda Bonilla and Alejandra Lopez, both first graders, have shaved ice with family, Eber Atrian, Yenifer Atrian and Luis Camino.

Left: At Sawyer Road Elementary’s picnic, Thomas and Riley Timmons eat Riley’s favorite kind of sushi: tempura shrimp.

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Above: Eric and Julie Niederhausen of Woodstock enjoying a shaved ice with “all of the flavors” at Sawyer Road Elementary.

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Above Cobb Superior Court Senior Judge G. Grant Brantley poses with his portrait.

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Former Congressman Buddy Darden speaks at the portrait unveiling for Cobb

Right

Fitzhugh Lee School’s Class of 1942 The 80th reunion of the Fitzhugh Lee School’s graduating Class of 1942 was celebrated at the Olive Garden in Dunwoody. In attendance were two of the three living graduates of the Class of ’42, along with their families: Paul Wright; his son, Steve Wright, and Steve’s wife Virginia; Paul’s daughter, Teresa Wright Wiggins and Teresa’s husband, Bennett; and Lenda DeBardelaben Holloway with her daughters, LaRee Holloway and Laynne Holloway. The third living graduate is Margaret Bane.

Cobb Scene Celebrating Judge Brantley Cobb County’s legal community took a break from busy schedules to honor one of their own, unveiling a portrait of G. Grant Brantley, a Cobb Superior Court senior judge.

Brantley, a retired Georgia Air National Guard brigadier general and longtime Cobb attorney, serves as one of the Superior Court’s eight senior judges — retired judges who have reached their retirement and pension age and are granted senior status by the governor.

The senior judges work part-time and sit as acting Superior Court judges.

Above From left to right, Judge Brantley’s wife, Claudia, and adult daughter, Mary Poston.

Above From left to right, attorneys Bill Gentry and Doug Hill.

Above Former Gov. Roy Barnes speaks at the portrait unveiling for Cobb Superior Court Senior Judge G. Grant Brantley.

Above From left to right, State Court Judges Marsha Lake and Jaret Usher.

SINCE 1875 From left are Paul Wright and Lenda DeBardelaben Holloway at the 80th reunion of the Fitzhugh Lee School’s graduating Class of 1942. Both graduates were born on Oct. 6, 1925, and will celebrate their 97th birthdays this year.

Home of the Brumby® Rocker

From left to right, LaRee Holloway, Steve Wright, Virginia Wright, Paul Wright, Lenda DeBardelaben Holloway, Laynne Holloway, Teresa Wright Wiggins and Bennett Wiggins.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

• 65 • NOVEMBER 2022

now & then

Then 2003 Gobble Jog

Volunteers and participants of the Marietta Gobble Jog prepare for a motorcade on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2003.

NOW 2021 Gobble Jog

More than 10,000 runners and 300 volunteers congregated at the Marietta Square to participate in the 19th Annual Gobble Jog, presented by the Marietta Daily Journal and benefiting MUST Ministries, on November 21, 2021. The race will celebrate its 20th annual jog on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24.

COBB LIFE MAGAZINE

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