West Cobb, GA May 2026

Local Women, LASTING IMPACT

LOCAL SERVICES

LIVESAFE RESOURCES: A CENTURY OF SERVICE AND A FUTURE OF HOPE

PETALS ON WHEELS: THE STORY BEHIND MARIETTA’S BELOVED FLOWER TRUCK

ENTERTAINMENT

WHERE ANIMALS LEAD THE WAY: HOW BRITTANY PETISH TURNED GRIEF INTO GENTLE STORIES

Women are often the ones holding everything together, at home, at work, and everywhere in between. But vein disease can quietly show up in the moments that matter most.

Aching, swelling, heaviness, and fatigue can make everyday activities feel harder than they should. And while 1 in 3 women are affected, many don’t realize treatment options are simple, effective, and minimally invasive. At Truffles Vein Specialists, we help women feel like themselves again with advanced vein care designed for comfort, confidence, and long-term results Because you deserve to feel as good as you make everyone else feel.

Letter From the Editor

Dear Readers,

In this Women’s Issue, we celebrate the many ways women shape our communities, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact, often in both visible and quietly transformative ways. This issue reflects their stories, their resilience, and the powerful ripple effects of their work.

Inside, you’ll meet women who are leading organizations, building businesses, advocating for others, and turning personal experiences into meaningful change. From community leaders and nonprofit advocates to creatives and entrepreneurs, each story offers a unique perspective on what it means to lead, to persevere, and to give back.

We highlight individuals who not only excel in their fields but also lift others along the way, whether through service, mentorship, or innovation. You’ll read about efforts to support survivors, initiatives that strengthen families, and creative voices using storytelling as a force for healing and connection.

What becomes clear across every page is that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. It can be bold or quiet, public or behind the scenes. It can grow from hardship, passion, or a simple desire to make things better. However it takes shape, its impact is undeniable.

This issue is also a reminder of the importance of community, of showing up for one another, of recognizing contributions, and of continuing to create space for future generations of women to thrive.

Thank you for reading, for supporting these stories, and for being part of a community that values strength, compassion, and progress.

Here’s to the women who inspire us, and to the stories still being written.

Warmly,

ANA MARKOSI, EDITOR @WESTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

May 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

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Bickford | paulwbickford33@gmail.com

Linda Carroll | lclifephotos@gmail.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wendy Edwards, Tran Bui, Andrew J. Bramlett

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

General Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Implant Dentistry

IV Sedation

PRP/PRF Treatments

Periodontics

Tissue Grafting treatments

Smile Brighter Live Better!

Shining Smiles Family Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care in a state-of-the-art, boutique environment. Our multidisciplinary team provides general dentistry, periodontics, implants, wisdom teeth removal, lnvisalign®, and sedation dentistry. Experience advanced technology, exceptional precision, and personalized care in one of West Cobb's most beautiful and innovative dental offices.

"We focus on what matters most—your comfort, your health, and results that truly shine to help you smile with confidence."

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Kennesaw State University Engineering Administrator and Student Earn Professional Honors

Assistant Dean of Operations and Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Cameron Coates, was named Engineer of the Year in Education, while Mechanical Engineering Technology senior, Anastasia Morris, was recognized as the Engineering Technology Student of the Year at the 2026 Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Engineer of the Year Award ceremony. The two were selected from among their peers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, and other Georgia universities.

Marietta and AMB Sports and Entertainment Announce NWSL

Atlanta Headquarters

The City of Marietta has entered into an agreement with AMB Sports and Entertainment for the sale of property located at 1033 Franklin Gateway to develop a headquarters and training facility for Atlanta’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise. The $100 million investment will consist of a nearly 38,000-squarefoot headquarters and training facility, four full fields, and two one-half soccer pitches.

Brand New STEM Lab Opens in Cobb

The Cobb Safety Village and Fire Department recently participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Underwriters Laboratories Research Institute classroom. This lab is an interactive classroom where students can learn about fires and fire forensics. The lab is part of the Xplorlabs program, designed to engage middle schoolers in STEM.

Livesafe Resources

For more than a century, LiveSafe Resources has stood as a cornerstone of support for individuals and families facing domestic violence and sexual assault. Today, under the leadership of CEO Lisa Mello, the organization continues to evolve by expanding its reach, modernizing its services, and deepening its impact across metro Atlanta.

Founded in 1917 in Marietta as the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, the organization originally served women, children, and World War I veterans. Over time, its mission sharpened to address the urgent realities of interpersonal violence.

In 1978, it opened the first domestic violence shelter in the state of Georgia, followed by the launch of a sexual assault program in 1980, both groundbreaking initiatives that set the standard for victim services in the region.

EVOLVING TO MEET MODERN NEEDS

After separating from the YWCA model in the mid2010s, LiveSafe Resources broadened its scope to reflect the changing demographics and realities of abuse. While women remain the majority of those affected, the organization now serves individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

Today, LiveSafe is the state-certified domestic violence program for Cobb County and the designated sexual assault response provider for Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee counties. This includes coordinating forensic medical exams through trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), ensuring survivors receive both immediate care and critical evidence collection. In 2025 alone, the organization served more than 3,700 individuals, including over 2,000 in Cobb County.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALING

LiveSafe Resources offers far more than emergency response. Its wraparound services are designed to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

These include:

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing

• Legal advocacy, including assistance with temporary protective orders

• Individual and group counseling

• Child advocacy programs in partnership with schools and social workers

• Financial literacy, job readiness, and career support Through collaborations with local courts, law enforcement, and nonprofit partners, the organization ensures survivors are supported at every stage.

A Century of Service and a Future of Hope

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION

Despite the scale of the issue, misconceptions persist. Domestic violence and sexual assault affect every community, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, or background.

However, there are signs of progress. According to LiveSafe leadership, individuals between the ages of 25 and 45 are increasingly seeking help, an encouraging shift that reflects growing awareness and willingness to break cycles of abuse.

Education plays a key role in this change. LiveSafe partners with schools and community groups to promote healthy relationships and identify early warning signs, particularly among youth. By focusing on prevention, the organization aims to create generational change.

HONORING WOMEN WHO LEAD CHANGE

That commitment to community is reflected in LiveSafe’s signature annual event: the Tribute to Women of Achievement.

Now in its 41st year, the 2026 gala celebrated 15 exceptional women leaders from across metro Atlanta who have

demonstrated outstanding professional success, leadership, and service.

The 2026 honorees included:

• Terri Block

• Kimberly Harmon

• Michele Howard

• Vanessa Ibarra

• Ali Jackson

• Samantha Johnson

• Makia Metzger

• Amy Mollohan

• Allyson Moyer

• Laura Norton

• DeRetta Rhodes

• Raquel Riley Thomas

• Sasha Ugi

• Jaret Usher

• Kathy Young

From this group, Michele Howard was named Woman of the Year, recognized for her leadership and dedication to community impact.

The event not only celebrated achievement but also raised critical funding for LiveSafe’s programs, bringing in a record-breaking total of more than $290,000. The evening featured a dinner, auctions, and community-wide support for survivors.

A LIFELINE FOR THOSE IN NEED

At the heart of LiveSafe Resources is its 24/7 crisis line, a vital entry point for those seeking help. For many survivors, reaching out is not a one-time act. It can take multiple calls before someone is ready to leave a dangerous situation.

Whether someone needs immediate shelter, a safety plan, medical care after an assault, or simply someone to talk to, LiveSafe ensures that help is always available.

As LiveSafe Resources moves forward, its mission remains clear: to provide safety, healing, and a path to independence for survivors of violence.

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?

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Mom's Day Out

Mother's Day Experiences

Mother’s Day weekend in Cobb County offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the moms in your life with experiences that feel thoughtful, fun, and a little out of the ordinary. From relaxed outdoor markets and elegant tea services to live music

Marietta Mother’s Day

Craft & Vendor Market

May 8-10 | 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Glover Park with a vibrant market designed for thoughtful gifting and quality time together. This event features local artisans selling handmade jewelry, candles, home décor, and other unique finds perfect for moms. Guests can enjoy live demonstrations, interactive activities, and a variety of food vendors throughout the day. With a festive, community-driven atmosphere and free admission, it’s an easy, feel-good way to shop, explore, and celebrate moms all weekend long.

Georgia Mineral Society

Mother’s Day Show

May 8–10 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Held at the Cobb Civic Center, the Georgia Mineral Society Mother’s Day Show is a vibrant indoor event featuring minerals, fossils, jewelry, and unique handmade gifts. Guests can enjoy interactive demonstrations, educational classes, and family-friendly entertainment, including a kids' magic show. Silent auctions and door prizes run throughout the weekend, adding to the excitement. With free admission, this long-running Cobb County tradition offers a fun, relaxed way to celebrate Mother’s Day while discovering something new and unexpected.

and unique local events, there’s no shortage of ways to make the weekend feel special. Whether you’re planning a full day out or simply looking for a meaningful activity to enjoy together, there are options that cater to every pace and personality. You can spend the morning browsing handmade goods, the afternoon indulging in a cozy tea experience, and the evening enjoying a lively show or

Mother’s Day Tea Party

May 9 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

The William Root House’s annual Mother’s Day Tea Party is the perfect occasion to dress up and enjoy a family-friendly outing. This event will take place indoors or in the Root House gardens, weather permitting. Guests will enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches and pastries, and a selection of teas. Each reservation includes a farmhouse table and seating for four guests. Visit roothousemuseum. com to reserve your table.

Xscape: The Mother’s Day Love Affair

May 10 | 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Mother’s Day night with an unforgettable concert at the Fox Theatre. Xscape: The Mother’s Day Love Affair features the iconic R&B group Xscape alongside special guests, delivering a night of soulful hits and high-energy performances. Set in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful venues, this event is perfect for treating mom to a memorable evening out. It’s an ideal choice for music lovers looking to elevate the holiday with a fun, lively, and nostalgic experience.

concert. Many events are family-friendly, while others offer a more elevated, adults-only atmosphere, making it easy to tailor the day to what mom would enjoy most. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these local happenings make it simple to turn Mother’s Day into a memorable, shared experience rather than just another item on the calendar.

No More:

•

• Waiting room anxiety

• Scheduling headaches

• Picking up a wet dog.

Instead Enjoy:

• Professional grooming at your doorstep

• Convenient scheduling that fits YOUR life

• Less stress for your furry family member

• A sparkling clean pet without leaving home

Peach Cobbler Factory Marietta

Make your next gathering unforgettable with our delicious selection of cobblers, banana puddings, and handcrafted desserts. We offer professional catering services for corporate events, private celebrations, and special occasions.

• Full-Service or Delivery Options Available

• Individual Servings or Family-Style Pans

• Customizable Dessert Menus Let us take care of the sweet details. Contact us today to schedule your event.

Bradly Johnson

On our Shelves

Fresh

House

Customized

Curated dry goods

Fresh produce

Local dairy & cheeses 45 W. Park Square Marietta, GA 30060 770-425-9300

THE STORY BEHIND MARIETTA’S BELOVED FLOWER TRUCK

PETALS ON WHEELS

On any given weekend in Marietta, a mint green vintage truck brimming with fresh blooms draws a steady crowd. This is Emma’s Flower Truck, a small business rooted in family history, fueled by creativity, and driven by heart. Behind the wheel is owner Amelia Hamilton, who turned a meaningful piece of her past into a blooming, mobile floral experience.

The truck itself is a family heirloom. Originally purchased by Amelia’s father when he was just 15 years old, the truck has been part of her life since childhood. “We used to go trick-or-treating in the back,” she recalls. It was even the vehicle in which her father taught her how to drive. But the truck’s story

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

isn’t without its twists. It was once stolen and missing for two years before being unexpectedly recovered during a traffic stop. “They called my dad and asked, ‘Are you missing a truck?’” she says. “And just like that, he got it back.”

Years later, after being restored and returned home, the truck sparked a new idea. Amelia had already begun growing flowers in her backyard and had noticed the rising popularity of flower trucks on social media. When the truck reappeared in her life, inspiration struck. “I saw it and just thought, ‘I want to sell flowers out of this,’” she says. With her father’s enthusiastic support, Emma’s Flower Truck was born.

While the truck itself may be vintage, the business is anything but stuck in the past. Amelia balances homegrown blooms with carefully sourced flowers from local growers and wholesalers, especially for larger events. During the growing season, her garden produces a colorful mix of sunflowers, snapdragons, and zinnias: favorites that add a personal, seasonal touch to her bouquets. “The flowers I grow are really just for fun,” she explains. “But they make the arrangements feel extra special.”

What makes the business even more meaningful is how seamlessly it fits into Amelia’s life as a mother. With most events taking place on weekends, she’s able to spend her weekdays at home with her children, squeezing in deliveries and arrangements between school schedules and family time. “It works really well,” she says. “I get to be home when I need to be, and then work as much as I can on the weekends.”

Her children, especially her daughter Emma, the truck’s namesake, are part of the journey too. “She’s so good at organizing,” Amelia says. “If she comes out to the truck, she’ll set everything up and make it look better than I could.” While helping in the garden can sometimes feel like a chore, their involvement adds another layer of joy to the business.

Like many entrepreneurs, Amelia has learned through experience. From understanding what flowers thrive in Georgia’s climate to navigating the logistics of running a mobile business, each step has been a lesson. But perhaps the biggest takeaway is not to wait for perfection. “I just started before I was ready,” she says. “There’s always something to learn, so you just have to jump in.”

That willingness to leap has led to unforgettable moments, including a standout event at a local Oktoberfest celebration. Preparing months in advance, Amelia partnered with a grower to secure hundreds of sunflowers. “I told him, ‘I’ll take however many you can grow,’” she says. She received around 500 vibrant sunflowers, and every single one was sold by the end of the weekend.

With every bouquet sold, Amelia shares a piece of her history, her creativity, and her belief that the best things happen when you simply decide to begin.

SPANISH SANGRIA TWO WAYS

TRADITIONAL SPANISH SANGRIA INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 bottles of young, fruity red wine, good quality but not oaky or complex

• 2 oranges

• 1 lemon

• 1 cinnamon stick

• citrus-flavored soda or sparkling water (optional)

• 2 ounces brandy, vermouth, or other liquor (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash the lemons and oranges, then cut off thick pieces of rind and set aside. Juice the lemons and oranges.

2. Pour the wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and brandy (if using) into a large pitcher or pot and stir to combine.

3. Add the cinnamon stick, lemon, and orange rind

4. Let the sangria sit for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the wine to take on the aromas of the citrus rind and cinnamon.

5. Serve over ice and top with soda or carbonated water right before drinking if desired.

WHITE SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle of good-quality white wine

• 3 cups mixed fresh fruit, sliced, such as apples, peaches, grapes, and strawberries

• ¼ cup brandy

• ¼ cup fruity liquor of choice, such as Grand Marnier

• sparkling water (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and slice the fruit as desired. Place the fruit in a large bowl, add the sugar, and toss gently. Leave it to macerate for at least 5 minutes, but preferably overnight in the fridge. Toss occasionally as the fruit macerates to encourage the sugar to dissolve.

2. Stir the brandy and liquor of choice into the macerated fruit, then place the mixture in a large pitcher. Fill it three-quarters of the way with the white wine, then stir gently to combine.

3. Let the fruit infuse the wine in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor

4. To serve, fill a large glass with ice. Add some of the soaked fruit to the glass, then fill with the wine, leaving about a centimeter of space at the top. If desired, fill the glass the rest of the way with sparkling water and enjoy immediately.

Where Animals Lead the Way

How Brittany Petish Turned Grief into Gentle Stories

Brittany Petish didn’t set out to become a children’s author. She set out, simply, to heal.

After the loss of her beloved dog Annabelle, Brittany found herself searching for somewhere quiet enough to hold grief. She found it in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And there, unexpectedly, she found a story.

“I needed an escape,” she says. “And that’s where everything started.”

What began as mourning soon became something else entirely: a body of work shaped by animals, connection, and the quiet, transformative power of trust.

THE DOG WHO NEVER REALLY LEFT

Annabelle wasn’t just a pet. Brittany calls her a soulmate.

After her passing at age 12, the absence was immediate and disorienting. But in the space that followed, something unusual began to happen. Blue herons started appearing, again and again, in moments that felt too precise to ignore.

One followed her and her dog, Tate, down a river, reappearing at every bend. Another flew overhead while Tate ran on a tennis court after a storm. Even a logo on a closed toilet seat at an art show stopped her in her tracks.

“I’ve never doubted that that’s her way of showing up,” Brittany says.

In her first book, Goodbye Blue, Annabelle lives on in metaphor.

“I start with writing. It’s how I process. Then the images come.”

ARTICLE BY ANA MARKOSI

SALLY THE BRAVE

If Annabelle’s story opened the door, a deer named Sally stepped through it.

While spending time in the mountains, Brittany encountered a doe with a poorly healed broken leg and a torn ear. Vulnerable, limping, and often pushed aside by stronger deer, Sally seemed like an unlikely companion. But she kept coming back.

Day by day, the two built trust. At first, Sally would only watch from a distance as Brittany tossed corn. Then she edged closer, eventually eating directly from her hand.

“It felt like magic,” Brittany says.

Sally now returns regularly, even bringing her baby back to the yard. She sleeps there, Fetish believes, because it’s a place where she feels safe. Brittany, who has spent 18 years volunteering with children with special needs, recognized something familiar in Sally’s story.

“She was the weakest one. The one others pushed aside,” she says. “And I think that’s why I connected with her.”

Sally became the heart of Fetish’s book, Sally the Brave, a story rooted in resilience, gentleness, and the kind of courage that doesn’t always look strong from the outside.

A LIFE SURROUNDED BY ANIMALS

Animals are a part of Brittany's daily life.

Tate, her dog, is both a rescue and a trained therapy and service animal. Daisy, her rabbit, is what she calls a “foster fail,” a temporary guest who became permanent.

They appear in her books as extensions of real relationships. Each story in her growing collection is drawn from lived experience.

“There’s always a real animal behind it,” she says. “And a real feeling.”

STORIES THAT HEAL BOTH WAYS

Brittany’s books may be written for children, but their emotional reach is far wider.

At events and signings, she’s met readers navigating grief of all kinds, like a woman buying multiple copies of Goodbye Blue before attending a wake, a young girl who had lost her father just weeks earlier, a boy mourning his dog.

“The stories translate,” she says. “If you’ve ever lost someone you love, you feel it.”

For Brittany, these moments are the true measure of success. “If I touched one life, if for five minutes someone felt better— that’s why I’m doing this.”

BUILDING SOMETHING BIGGER

By day, Fetish leads creative teams for major clients, including work connected to the CDC and NIH. She manages designers, animators, and illustrators—skills that now serve her in a deeply personal way as a self-published author who handles every part of the process herself.

FOLLOWING THE SIGNS

In just a few months, Brittany has published five books, secured retail placements, planned dozens of events, and even earned silver and bronze medals in the Feathered Quill Book Awards, been shortlisted for the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and named a Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards

And yet, she doesn’t seem surprised. “Anytime I question if I should be doing this,” she says, “I get a sign.”

Sometimes, it’s a meaningful interaction at a quiet book festival. Sometimes, it’s a stranger who needed her story at exactly the right moment. And sometimes, it’s a blue heron appearing right on time.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WILD

At its core, Brittany Fetish’s work is about what animals reveal: vulnerability, trust, grief, resilience, and connection without words. In their presence, she found a way to process loss—and, in turn, to help others do the same.

From a grieving dog owner in the mountains to an author reaching readers across communities, her journey has been guided by instinct.

“Even though I’m doing this alone,” she says, “I’m not alone.” And in her stories, neither are her readers.

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Homes & Businesses

When it’s time to clean and freshen up your property, trust our team for reliable power washing services.

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Park After Dark

MARIETTA'S 40TH ANNUAL GLOVER PARK CONCERT SERIES

Summer concert season is here! The 2026 Glover Park Concert Series, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been announced by the Downtown Marietta Development Authority and the City of Marietta, with sponsorship from Wellstar Health System. This beloved free concert series will take place monthly from April through September at Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square, with each

The 2026 Glover Park Concert Series

show beginning at 8 p.m. on the last Friday of the month. The official 40th anniversary celebration kicks off on May 29 with special pre-concert activities, encouraging attendees to arrive early and join the festivities, which will continue throughout the summer. The 2026 lineup features a variety of tribute bands and genres, from Jimmy Buffett favorites to 80s greatest hits. All concerts are free to attend, with optional table reservations available, making it a perfect way for the community to gather and celebrate music under the stars.

May 29 | A1A, Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band

June 26 | Guardians of the Jukebox, Soundtrack of the 80s

July 31 | Seven Bridges, Eagles Tribute Band

August 28 | Kasper and the 911 Band, R&B and Pop

September 25 | Nashville Nation, Modern Country Hits

Glover Park

Glover Park is located on the Historic Marietta Square at 50 N Park Square, Marietta. The Glover Park Concert Series is a rain or shine event. Only visitor provided blankets and lawn chairs are allowed for general admission. Visit mariettaga.gov or call 770-794-5601 to reserve your table, view parking information, and to request additional information.