West Cobb, GA April 2026

Investing in What Matters Most

Home should be a place of comfort. But for many people, vein disease shows up in the moments that matter most—On your feet in the kitchen, walking the stairs, relaxing at night, or trying to sleep. Leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and fatigue can quietly limit mobility and enjoyment of daily life. At Truffles Vein Specialists, we focus on advanced vein care that improves comfort at home and supports long-term quality of life.

Truffles Vein Specialists provides advanced vein care focused on lasting quality of life.

Letter From the Editor

Dear Readers,

In this Investment Issue, we take a closer look at what it means to invest, not only in markets and real estate, but also in businesses, communities, ideas, and ourselves. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a first-time homebuyer, an entrepreneur building from the ground up, or simply seeking greater financial clarity, this issue was created with you in mind.

Inside, you’ll find expert insight, thoughtful perspectives, and real stories from individuals navigating today’s economic landscape with intention and resilience. We explore why investing in Metro Atlanta continues to present opportunities, share the story behind Atlanta Vibe volleyball and founder Colleen Craig’s vision, and highlight how one children’s book author is helping shape how young readers understand money.

As markets shift and headlines change, one thing remains true: informed decisions create lasting impact. Our goal with this issue is not only to spotlight opportunity, but to clarify trends, highlight innovation, and provide practical knowledge you can use with confidence.

Investment looks different for everyone. For some, it means building generational wealth. For others, it’s launching a business, expanding a portfolio, or strengthening the local community. No matter the path, meaningful progress begins with awareness and the courage to act.

Thank you for reading, for supporting thoughtful journalism, and for being part of a community that values growth and forward thinking.

Here’s to smart decisions and meaningful returns.

Warmly,

ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR

@WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Marcus Dickman | marcus.dickman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ana Markosi | ana.markosi@citylifestyle.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Ian Jarvis Hathaway | ian.hathaway@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Linda Carroll | lclifephotos@gmail.com

Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wendy Edwards, Tran Bui, Andrew J. Bramlett, Brennan Smith, Angela Broockerd

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Have you had friends over for dinner or have you gone out lately?

Are you part of a group of friends that travels, paints, gardens, plays cards, etc.?

Do you have an exercise group that helps you maintain your indepedence?

Are you living in a maintenance free home?

As a couple, are you having the same needs as you age?

scene

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Kennesaw State University Nursing students to benefit from endowment

Nursing students at Kennesaw State University will benefit from a great act of generosity. Community member Glenn Gray gifted a $700,000 scholarship endowment to the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services in honor of his late wife, a nurse, and his late son, an oncologist.

Cobb Chamber President & CEO Sharon Mason Receives Award

Cobb Chamber President & CEO

Sharon Mason received the David Hankerson Award at the second annual Avant Garde Awards presented by the Office of the District Attorney, Cobb Judicial Circuit. Named after David Hankerson, the first African American to manage Cobb County and one of the longest-serving county managers in Georgia history, this award honors Sharon Mason for her leadership efforts benefiting the county and community.

Photography by Cobb Chamber

Welcome WellSpa to Downtown Kennesaw

WellSpa opened its doors in Downtown Kennesaw, offering a variety of wellness services from massage therapy and facials to detox treatments and acupuncture. Their services are delivered in a professional environment and designed to support healthy skin and overall well-being. Visit WellSpa at 2652 South Main Street, Suite 2109, Kennesaw, visit  wellspamed.com/ kennesaw to learn more.

CHEF'S

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

CORNER

Asher & Rose Grocers Brings Fresh Local

Flavor to Marietta Square

Marietta Square has a fresh new destination for food lovers and neighbors alike. Asher & Rose Grocers, a modern grocer and café concept, opened its doors in late January at 45 W Park Sq. NE, transforming Piastra into a market-focused community hub.

Owned and led by Chef Greg Lipman and his mother, Betty Bahl, the space reimagines the traditional grocery experience, emphasizing locally sourced products and prepared foods. Having owned and operated Piastra for more than a decade, the duo decided to build on that legacy by creating a concept that better serves the Marietta community’s everyday needs while celebrating regional producers.

“Our vision for Asher & Rose is to blend the best of our most loved offerings from Piastra with café menu items inspired by the fresh ingredients found on our grocery shelves,” the owners say.

The modern grocer’s shelves feature an array of fresh produce, regional cheeses, custom cuts of meat and fish, bread, baked goods, dry goods, and prepared meals. The café portion of the store offers a market-to-table menu with seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner items made from ingredients sold in the market, as well as classic favorites from the former restaurant. The space retains a full bar program, serving wine, craft cocktails, beer, and seasonal beverages.

In addition to the market and café, the Asher & Rose will host wine socials, chef’s community tables, seasonal menus, and local events that further connect neighbors and support local producers.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with breakfast served until 10:30 a.m., Asher & Rose offers a new kind of downtown destination where grocery shopping and eating out blend seamlessly in the heart of the community.

WHITE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

This recipe melds the flavors of allium, white balsamic vinegar, and bright, fresh herbs into a savory, tangy, and mildly sweet dressing. It's the perfect addition to a crisp spring salad.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large shallots, roughly chopped

• 5 cloves of garlic

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 cup white balsamic vinegar

• Blended oil

• 1/2 tbsp herbs of choice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put all but oil and herbs into blender

2. Blend on high and slowly drizzle in oil until the mixture is just emulsified

3. Add herbs and season to taste

ARTICLE BY BRENNAN SMITH

GAME. SET. GROWTH

COLLEEN CRAIG: TURNING VISION, GRIT, AND COMMUNITY PURPOSE INTO OWNERSHIP AND LAUNCH OF ATLANTA VIBE, GEORGIA’S GROUNDBREAKING ENTRY INTO MAJOR LEAGUE PRO WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

ON THE COURT WHERE A DREAM TOOK SHAPE

On January 24, 2024, inside a roaring Omaha arena, the Atlanta Vibe clinched a fiveset thriller in the firstever Major League Volleyball match. For Colleen Craig, standing amid the noise, tension, and celebration, the moment was more than a win it was the realization of a dream years in the making. “I don’t know if you can beat that… maybe the next big inflection point is when you see it at State Farm Arena.” Colleen says. That victory marked a powerful beginning for Georgia’s first professional women’s volleyball team and for the woman determined to build something meaningful for the city and community.

A MISSION GROUNDED IN PURPOSE

To Colleen, life’s north star comes down to a guiding principle: “How can I utilize my God-given talents to do the greatest good?” “How can I give back?” These principles have defined her path from Cornell, where she walked on as a two-spot athlete in

track and volleyball, to earning her MBA at Harvard, to a successful career in finance and entrepreneurship.

Each chapter prepared her for this one leading the professional women’s volleyball team in Georgia and participating on the Major League Volleyball Board of Governors. Finding home in Atlanta, Colleen, who is the first female owner in Major League Volleyball, wasn’t sure she would stay in Atlanta for more than a few years. Colleen was born in Buffalo, NY and first moved south after receiving her MBA in 1996. She returned in 2013 after years in the NYC financial services industry to raise her three sons near family. It didn’t take long for Atlanta to win her over. “You get down here and immediately realize Atlanta is special… Many people are transplants…folks are so nice…there are Fortune 100, Fortune 500 companies... not to mention great weather. I fell in love with it.” she says. Her growing love for Atlanta, combined with a desire for meaningful impact, pushed her to search for new opportunities, especially through sport.

BUILDING THE BASE: LAKEPOINT AND RALLY VOLLEYBALL

Stepping away from her hedge fund career in New York City, Colleen reflected on what helped her succeed in the business arena. A common denominator was her sports experience. She dug deep into the process conducting her own primary research, immersing herself in the industry and meeting with stakeholders across the country. She saw quickly where she could help. She noticed a fragmented volleyball ecosystem coupled with massive participation and significant upside potential. “They need to apply some basic business principles… I can help with that.” Her early foothold came at LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, which inspired an even larger vision. In 2014, she launched Rally Volleyball a platform supporting youth, collegiate and adult participation through leagues, tournaments and volleyball programming.

A DEFINING MOMENT AT THE AVCA CONVENTION

By 2022, she was searching for the “top of the pyramid” a way to elevate the sport at its highest level. That moment arrived at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention, where she learned about Major League Volleyball’s initial franchises. Within weeks, she knew Atlanta should have one too. By February 2023, Colleen signed to launch the Atlanta Vibe, with a debut

season scheduled for 2024. “This is a traditional pro sport… You own a franchise.. You operate in your city. This is a no brainer.”

LAUNCHING THE VIBE: A TEAM ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Now in their third season, the Vibe compete in a deep and talented Major League Volleyball landscape while forging a presence in three distinct arenas: the consciousness of sports fans in Georgia, on the floor against their opponents and in an impactful way in Atlanta communities. The 2026 Vibe schedule includes 12 home matches at Gas South Arena in Duluth and two in downtown Atlanta at the Georgia State Convocation Center, a deliberate choice to reach diverse communities. “We represent a wide swath of the city.” Colleen sees this opportunity as building a community asset, not a private venture. She brings a startup mindset to build smart, strong, and with purpose.

A VISION THAT EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE COURT

For Colleen, the Omaha win remains a cherished memory, but it’s only the beginning. She imagines bigger arenas, broader reach, stronger pathways for women athletes, and a sustainable future for professional volleyball in the U.S. Atlanta Vibe isn’t just a team it’s a movement, a mission, and a statement about what’s possible when passion, purpose and community come together.

atlantavibe.com

Calling Metro ATLANTA HOME

Mavis Lane REALTY

Inspired by her love of home, family life, and annual trips to home shows with her husband, Mavis Lane Anderson began her career in real estate nearly 30 years ago in West Cobb.

“I love helping people find the right house that fits their lifestyle, needs, and taste,” Mavis says. “It just fits my personality. I always try to take everybody's needs personally and help them find just the right thing.”

After 10 years in the business, Mavis envisioned a small, personal brokerage where she could do business her own way. She opened her boutique real estate brokerage, Mavis Lane Realty, in 2014, just one block from the Avenues of West Cobb. Having lived and raised her children in the area for years, Mavis is proud to call West Cobb home.

Today, Mavis is regarded as one of West Cobb’s most trusted real estate professionals, known for her integrity and steady guidance.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in West Cobb, now is the time. “Now is a great time to buy a home, and we expect a busy spring market,” Mavis says. “West Cobb is still a seller's market, even though we're seeing more balance with increased inventory. Buyers have more inventory than in recent years and lower mortgage rates, giving them more choice and more buying power.”

To begin your next chapter in West Cobb, visit mavislane.com .

Sam

WENGER

After a career in construction, Sam Wenger knew he wanted a change. Originally licensed as a contractor in Oregon, Wenger moved to Atlanta last year in search of a new challenge. Real estate offered the perfect next step.

“Construction gave me a strong foundation,” Sam says. “But I wanted to try something new in a new state.” Now licensed in real estate and with a background in contracting, he brings a practical, hands-on understanding of homes that many agents simply don’t have.

For Wenger, the most rewarding part of the job is the people he serves. He recently closed on a home on Atlanta’s north side for a couple whose closing date fell on the wife’s birthday. “They were very happy,” he says. “I’m just happy they’re happy.”

With Atlanta preparing to host global events like the upcoming World Cup and continued infrastructure growth across the city, Sam believes now is a strong time to invest. He works with several investors who are actively looking to secure properties ahead of anticipated growth. “A lot of people are happy with where things are compared to even a few months ago,” he notes. “It’s rapidly changing.”

Outside of work, Wenger stays connected to the community through sports and staying active, whether playing basketball at the local YMCA or spending time outdoors.

Sam comes from a large family of builders, and he hopes to eventually merge his real estate expertise with his family’s background. He envisions helping them move beyond building homes to investing in them, creating additional income streams and opportunities.

For now, Sam is focused on building his presence in Atlanta, combining construction knowledge, market insight, and a client-first mindset to help buyers and investors make confident decisions.

Visit shannonsellsteam.com/agents/sam-wenger to learn more and view current listings.

Lynn O'BRIEN

For more than a decade, friends and colleagues told Lynn O’Brien she would be a natural in real estate. But as a single mother raising four children, including one with special needs, timing mattered. With three children involved in travel baseball and a commitment to high personal standards, she knew she couldn’t fully serve clients the way she wanted to.

Two years ago, that window finally opened. “I drove right in,” she says.

Now established in the business, Lynn approaches real estate with one guiding principle: treating every client like family. “Integrity is key,” she explains. “I treat everybody with the highest regard as I do my own family.”

That mindset shapes every part of her process. Real estate transactions can be stressful, but she believes confidence comes from authenticity and clear, upfront communication. As a self-described problem solver, she manages the details behind the scenes so her clients don’t have to carry the burden.

“I don’t bother them with the little things,” she says. “My service is attentive and exceptional.” From preparing for showings to navigating contracts, she walks clients through each step with thorough explanations and factual guidance. Her goal is to create a seamless experience in which clients feel informed, supported, and protected.

Lynn has deep roots in the community. Having grown up locally and raised her children in the surrounding areas, she provides perspective on neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle. “It’s a sense of home for me,” she says.

In today’s market, Lynn sees steady movement. Inventory is increasing, interest rates are stabilizing in the six percent range, and buyers and sellers alike are negotiating more carefully. In a hot market, she advises her clients to price strategically.

“Price the house right, or wait longer to sell,” she notes.

Grounded in integrity, driven by experience, and deeply connected to her community, she brings both heart and strategy to every transaction, helping families navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence.

Visit lynnobrien.kw.com to learn more and view current listings.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

MONEY Talks

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

For Alex Ryan, writing has always been a lifeline. What began as journaling about her day quickly expanded into poetry, short stories, music, and anything that allowed her to take what she felt internally and give it shape on the page. English was always her favorite subject in school. Grammar, storytelling, and expression all felt natural. “Any way that I could express myself and make what was inside of me real, that’s what I loved to do,” she says.

Years later, that lifelong passion would evolve into something far greater than personal expression. Alex is the creator of Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money, a vibrant children’s book that introduces financial literacy in a playful, accessible way. The title character, Zina Bina, was inspired by Alex’s daughter, whose big personality and joyful spirit made her seem, in Alex’s words, “like a little book character.” Originally imagined more than a decade ago, the story was shelved as life shifted and responsibilities grew.

Last November, Alex felt called to return to it. This time, the character would carry not only her daughter’s bubbly energy, but also Alex’s own hard-earned wisdom about money.

Raised with basic financial principles, budget carefully, pay bills on time, respect credit, Alex understood the concepts, but not how to apply them practically. As a young adult and later a single mother, that gap in understanding led to financial mistakes that lingered longer than the decisions themselves.

“It’s easy to make a mistake,” she reflects, “but you pay for it so long after that.”

Determined to change her trajectory, Alex immersed herself in financial education. She learned that literacy extends far beyond saving and budgeting. It includes mindset, investment strategy, discipline, and understanding how money can work for you rather than against you. As she began teaching her teenage daughter what she was learning, she realized that these lessons needed to start much earlier.

“Children develop their money mindset between the ages of five and seven,” she explains. “If we’re not giving them healthy information, they’re forming their own beliefs, often based on scarcity or fear.”

That insight became the foundation for Zina Bina’s story. Through bright illustrations and relatable scenarios, the book breaks down big financial ideas into digestible, engaging lessons. Alex describes it as more than just a picture book. “It’s a movement. It’s something families can return to as their child grows.”

Self-publishing the book has been both rewarding and humbling. Alex candidly admits she learned many lessons the hard way, navigating print-on-demand services, royalty structures, and distribution fees without a full understanding at first. “I made mistakes because I didn’t have all the information,” she says. “But you learn, and you do it better the next time.”

A key part of the book’s magic lies in her collaboration with illustrator Marcin Piwowarski. What began as a professional partnership evolved into a genuine creative friendship. Together, they spent months perfecting Zina Bina’s look and personality. “When you have alignment creatively, you create better,” Alex says. That trust and openness shine through in the finished product.

Today, Alex sees her work as advocacy as much as artistry. Her message to parents is simple but urgent: start the conversation early.

“If we can teach kids songs and show lines, we can teach them about money,” she says. “Open the dialogue. Make it fun. Break it down.”

Through Zina Bina, Alex Ryan is equipping the next generation with tools many adults wish they’d had. And in doing so, she’s turning her personal journey into something purposeful, practical, and profoundly impactful.

Visit zinabinaworld.com to learn more.

STORIES From the HEART

True Heart Tales: A Series Built on Compassion and Connection

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

Brittany Petish is a Marietta-based children’s book author and illustrator whose stories are rooted in real-life encounters with animals and the healing power of love and loss. She began writing after the passing of her beloved dog, Annabelle, a life-changing experience that led her to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There, she met “Sally,” a wounded deer who became the inspiration for her debut book, Sally the Brave

By day, Brittany works in government communications, leading teams of designers, animators, and illustrators on projects for the CDC, NIH, and energy clients. She has also volunteered with special needs children for 18 years, a passion that deeply informs her compassionate, heart-centered storytelling.

Brittany self-publishes and digitally illustrates each of her books, beginning with a personal narrative before bringing it to life through art. Her growing True Heart Tales series, which now houses five titles, celebrates resilience, kindness, and meaningful connection.

In less than a year, the series has earned international recognition. Sally the Brave received silver and bronze medals in the international Feathered Quill Book Awards, was shortlisted for the Chanticleer International Book Awards’ Little Peeps category and was named a Finalist in the 2025 Wishing Shelf Book Awards in the United Kingdom.

Beyond her own stories, Brittany partners with wildlife rehabilitation centers, conservation organizations, therapy farms, and permanent animal care facilities to share authentic stories while giving back to the animals and communities that inspire her work. Visit truehearttales.com to view books, find author events, and learn more about partnerships.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you? Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction. Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Growing Gardeners

Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County Cultivate Community Through Education

In gardens across Cobb County, learning happens in the soil. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County (MGVOCC) has built a reputation for connecting residents with practical, research-based gardening knowledge while strengthening community ties.

Tied to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, the program aligns with a broader mission to educate the public on agriculture, nutrition, natural resources, and youth development. Locally, the focus is simply to grow gardeners.

“I’ve been a Master Gardener since 2018,” Sydney Hembree, longtime volunteer, says. “I started the program while I was in graduate school. The classes run from January through late March or early April, once a week from about 8:30 or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You learn a lot in a short amount of time.”

The training covers everything from selecting the right turf grass for Georgia lawns to planting with wildlife in mind and even building rain barrels. After completing the coursework, participants spend the remainder of the year as interns, paired with active Master Gardeners and required to complete service hours through outreach, 4-H programming, and staffing the Master Gardener desk at the Cobb Extension Office.

For Sydney, the internship opened unexpected doors. Drawing on her background in communications, she stepped into a publicity role for the organization’s 2019 fundraising events: the

annual Plant Sale and Garden Tour. Despite cold and wet weather that year, the events saw record attendance and vendor participation, thanks in part to strong recruitment efforts and expanded offerings.

One of the most visible additions has been the “Kids Corner,” which she now leads annually at the Plant Sale. What began in 2019 as a simple photo booth has grown into an interactive educational space built around rotating themes such as planets, Georgia wildlife, and cooking with herbs.

“We see over 300 children and families at the sale,” she says. “Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the lightbulb go off in a kid’s eyes when they learn something new.”

Beyond large events, MGVOCC members work year-round to share fact-based gardening advice and encourage sustainable practices. The organization emphasizes education and service, helping residents feel confident in their landscapes while fostering environmental stewardship.

“The program is a fantastic way to connect and share practical knowledge,” she says. “It’s rewarding to see people get excited about learning.”

THE COBB MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE

The Cobb Master Gardeners plant sale is the perfect way to celebrate spring. Browse a selection of plants homegrown by local Master Gardeners, visit the free Kids Corner to play and learn, and check out the Yard Sale for some interesting finds. In addition, shop for garden gifts from local vendors, plants from all over the Southeast, locally sourced honey, herbs, and sauces, bird accessories, glass crafts, yard art, and more. There’s something for the whole family. The plant sale will be open from April 17 to 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Jim R. Miller Park. Admission is free.

THE COBB MASTER GARDENERS GARDEN TOUR

Learn about native plants and get inspiration for your spring garden at the Cobb Master Gardeners garden tour. Visit four gardens, located in East Cobb, in any order on May 9, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The tour is self-guided, but the homeowners and Master Gardener volunteers will be on site to answer questions. Tickets are $15 per person and will be available to purchase at cobbmastergardeners.com starting April 17. Children 17 and under are free. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Investing in Artificial Intelligence

Kennesaw State University to Launch Bachelor's Program in AI

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from healthcare to logistics, Kennesaw State University is positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation in Georgia. The university recently received approval from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, making it the first institution in the state to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the rapidly growing field.

Set to debut in Fall 2026 on KSU’s Marietta Campus and online, the degree will be offered within the College of Computing and Software Engineering. University leaders say the program was designed in response to growing employer demand for professionals who can develop, implement, and ethically manage AI-driven technologies.

“With AI driving innovation across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, public safety, and business services, our new degree is structured to help meet Georgia’s expanding need for a highly skilled workforce,” Ivan Pulinkala, KSU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, says. He noted that the program aims to prepare graduates for careers that strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness while responding directly to employer needs.

The launch builds on KSU’s existing investments in artificial intelligence education. The university already offers an AI

concentration within its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and introduced a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in 2024. The addition of a standalone undergraduate degree creates a more defined and comprehensive academic pathway for students interested in specializing in AI from the beginning of their college careers.

A distinguishing feature of the program is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students will complete a first-year experience course and a writing-intensive course tailored specifically to computing. The curriculum culminates in an applied AI capstone project in which students collaborate with industry partners in their chosen minor area. Internships and undergraduate research opportunities will also be available for academic credit, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience before graduation.

The degree's interdisciplinary structure further sets it apart. In addition to a foundation in computing, students will complete a required minor in a field where AI applications are expanding. This approach is intended to help graduates understand how to apply AI systems effectively and responsibly across industries.

“The interdisciplinary nature of the degree, including the core foundation in computing and the required minor in a field where AI applications are growing, will equip our students to maximize the limitless potential of artificial

“By expanding its AI offerings, KSU reinforces its role as a leader in technology education in Georgia.”

intelligence,” Yiming Ji, interim dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering, says. He emphasizes that graduates will be prepared to apply artificial intelligence ethically and effectively in real-world settings.

The program’s launch comes at a pivotal moment. A recent Georgia Chamber of Commerce report projects that AI will play a significant role in adding 186,000 new STEM jobs in the state

over the next five years. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment of computer and information research scientists will grow by 21 percent between 2021 and 2031.

By expanding its AI offerings, KSU reinforces its role as a leader in technology education in Georgia. As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of work, the university’s newest degree ensures its students are prepared to lead that transformation.

Peach Cobbler Factory Marietta

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