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Marietta Stories l Inspiring and historical stories from the community of Marietta, Georgia

What makes the town of Marietta, Georgia so welcoming, friendly and the center of Southern hospitality? Listen each week as Amy and John speaks with the community so they can tell their heartwarming, sad and funny stories about this historic city.
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Marietta Stories l Inspiring and historical stories from the community of Marietta, Georgia
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 10, 2016

As Pete says, he’s a music teacher for 700 of the best kids in the world. But he has even bigger plans (more about that later).  

 

Pete moved here from NJ after being a full-time performer (singer, actor, director, magician, balloonist, costumed character - whatever paid the bills) in NJ, NYC and Philly to set his wife up with her new job in Atlanta.  He plan was to continue south and perform with Disney.  While waiting for the green light from Orlando, he started as a substitute teacher at Kincaid Elementary here in Marietta.  

 

Then in fell in love with the kids and knew he was meant to stay.  

 

Over 4 years ago, he started PSBcreative, a full service theatrical production company.  This venture was a natural progression since Kincaid elementary was earning an excellent reputation for putting on high quality shows.  

 

The team created an original rock musical specifically for young performers that deals with bullying which received really cool media coverage and now is represented by a soundtrack on iTunes.  

 

Currently Pete and his team facilitate two after-school arts programs that annually gives thousands back to Kincaid.  We have 1000s of costumes, props, scenic pieces (most of which as stored in Pete’s basement - he has an amazingly understanding wife) that are available to rent.  

 

Pete hopes to eventually get a "show bus" on the road so we can bring our costumes, etc. to schools and help them strengthen their programs. Sort of like a Wells Fargo Wagon from the old days but instead we're loaded up with show stuff and that shows up in school’s parking lot.  We believe that putting on a show can be an amazing community builder.  We really want to become known to groups that may not have the means to furnish a show.  We believe there\'s an infinite amount of positive ripples for a student, school and community through participating in programs such as our\'s.  

 

PSBcreative is now energized by a team of veteran educators and performing arts professionals who each are passionate about our mission to help as many schools and community groups as we possibly can.  Some of my former students  come back and work with us.  We have a production in December which has been designed, choreographed and directed by a former student.  

 

In early 2017 we'll begin rehearsals for an exciting endeavor that we've never attempted before.  We\'re going to bring open-air theatre to Cobb County.  We'll be performing Alice in Wonderland, outside on a playscape, under the lights at night.  My team thinks I\'m crazy (and I am) but they\'re used to it by now.  With each project we must seek opportunities to grow by challenging ourselves.  It believe this one will be one of our most inspired productions yet.  

psbcreative3@gmail.com

www.psbcreativearts.com

www.facebook.com/psbcreative

Nov 26, 2016

*CAUTION* This interview contains discussion of abuse. But, you need to listen!

Neill Blake lived in Marietta and chose to go to Clemson and become a forestry major, since she didn’t want to go to an all girls school. Her Mom REALLY wanted to, but she chose forestry knowing that an all girl’s school would not have that major!

Neill has lived a fascinating life that includes shootings and a mentally ill son. She is a powerful advocate for the mentally ill and their families.

You will love this fascinating and powerful interview!

namicobb.org

Nov 19, 2016

Shuler Hensley spent his first 20 years in Marietta and his family is a part of Marietta. His grandfather, the superintendent of schools, built the stone wall around Northcutt Stadium that also scored him free tickets to Marietta football games for the rest of his life. His father was a state senator and a civil engineer and his Mom (Iris Antley) was the artistic director of the ballet.

 

Growing up, Shuler was good in sports and ballet and saw no conflict doing both activities, until he got to UGA. There he decided to leave for NYC and go full time into singing and acting. 

 

Shuler talks about his acting life, networking and being yourself. He also talks about his favorite Marietta restaurants, where he now lives with his wife and kids.

 

Discussed during the interview…

 

Shuler Awards

Shuler Awards - ArtsBridge Foundation

 

Atlanta Boy Choir

http://www.atlantaboychoir.org/home.html

 

Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony

http://www.atlantasymphony.org/About/Robert-Shaw

 

Sweet Charity - off broadway

http://www.thenewgroup.org/

Nov 11, 2016

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES*

Lee Ellis grew up on a farm in rural Georgia, but when he saw an airplane, everything changed. Even as a child, he longed to have control of the skies. After going to the University of Georgia, he trained to become a pilot and ended up going to Vietnam. He was captured by the Vietnamese after being shot down and spent many years in a Vietnamese prison camp.

Lee tells the story of his time in captivity and what he learned about leadership and his new book, Engage with Honor.

Click the link to get access to Lee’s books and some of his media appearances.

http://www.leeellis.us

 

Please Support Our Sponsor!

Johnny Walker Realty

Office: 678-626-0403

carey.cox@icloud.com

262 Church St

Marietta

http://www.johnnywalkerrealty.com/

Nov 5, 2016

Born in Pakistan, Shahid traveled to England with his family when he was 10 years old. 

He loves the Liverpool soccer (football). Shahid was always confident, even though he couldn’t speak the language. He struggled until college, when he picked up his game. He studied information technology (IT) and graduated in 1998. As an IT guy, he learned to listen and was empathetic to people’s struggles with technology.

 

Shahid shares his biggest IT tip with Bill, turn it off and turn back on again.

 

When Shahid looked for to change countries he considered several places: Turkey, Canada, Dubai, and great thing for us he chose Marietta, Georgia, USA.

 

Shahid started Kvalito with clothes and accessories, a lot with the Asian flavor. 

 

Kvalito comes from the international language of Esperanto meaning 'Quality' or 'Degree of Excellence'. I think he is on to something…

 

 

Kvalito

2145 Roswell Road

Suite 300, Eastlake Shopping Center

Marietta, GA, 30062

Tel.: 678-402-6755

Email:  info@kvalitoinmarietta.com

http://www.kvalitoinmarietta.com

 

 

Also mentioned… 

Austin Long 

Soccer Nomad Podcast

h

 

Marietta Fish Market

http://mariettafishmarket.net

 

Jerusalem Bakery

http://www.jerusalembakeryandgrill.com

Oct 30, 2016

Carlos Marin grew up in Mexico and came to this country at the age of 15, without speaking a word of English. He met a kindly teacher in high school who helped him navigate through the difficult transition. He also worked in his brother’s restaurant and eventually went into business with him.  

 

Some years later, he is running his own business, Best Hand Car Wash on Whitlock Ave, building great customer service every time he sees you.

 

Carlos also talks about his great family, his wife and four kids. 

 

I think Carlos can teach a little about customer service to everyone, but could use some help dealing with his teenage daughter.

Oct 23, 2016

00:53 Johnny Fulmer talks about how a trip to NYC started our Farmer’s Market.

 

Church Street Market

 

770.499.9393

 

07:26 McKenzie Snow

https://www.facebook.com/McKenzie-Snow-art-205375386463851/

(678) 876-6369

12 Powder Springs Suite 255

Marietta, Georgia

 

12:11 Annie’s Baking

770-598-1355

http://www.lpfb.us

 

15:47 Scott and Dixie Reaver

The Herb Garden

770-425-8584

 

19:59 Christian Neculae, Sausage World

Dracula Pork and Dracula Chicken

http://www.sausageworldinc.com

678-234-7695

 

24:30 Allene’s Farm Fresh Produce

Sara Freeze

 

25:57 Mad Momma Gourmet Soups

http://www.madmamagourmet.com/

Owner Amy Smith

404-668-6881

 

30:50 Yae Organics

Natalie Murray

678-215-2409

http://www.yaeorganics.com

 

36:34 Marco Martinez

100% Salsas

https://www.facebook.com/100percentsalsas/

678-907-2379

 

45:00 Mo’ Mint & Thyme

http://www.momintandthyme.com

Burma Braham

404-916-1767

 

50:14 Triple J Land and Livestock Farm

https://www.facebook.com/tripleJLandandLivestockFarms/

Josh Banta

770-560-5849

 

57:09 Marietta Pedicabs

http://mariettapedicabs.com

Ghosts of Marietta

http://ghostsofmarietta.com

Brian Buckalew

http://www.cassandrabuckalew.com

Casandra Buckalew

ghosts@mariettatrolley.com

Oct 9, 2016

Christa McCay, the Registrar of the Marietta Museum of History and she thinks holding a piece of Marietta history in your had and knowing the story of the item, is the her passion. She also talks about her love of cemeteries, the museum’s disaster plan and some of the folks that are buried there.

On October 15th, she has a guided tour of the city cemetery and tickets are limited. Check it out! 

http://www.mariettahistory.org/events-calendar/touchstones-to-the-past-cemetery-walking-tours

Oct 4, 2016

Johnny Walker and Carey Cox know Marietta. It’s probably because they lived here since they were born and their ancestors lived and ran businesses here too. Carey wanted to continue their descendants’ entrepreneurial ways and asked Johnny to start a new business. So began Johnny Walker Realty (http://www.johnnywalkerrealty.com).

Bill sits down with them and talks about their lives and why community and Marietta are so important to them.

Johnny talks about his early years working in his Dad’s clothing store, Johnny Walker, Inc. Johnny is the son of Johnny “Mac” Walker, who started the clothing store many years ago on the Marietta Square and expanded as the company grew. Johnny worked for his Dad and learned to take care of customers.

Johnny recalls many things about Marietta growing up like trying to climb a greased pole in the Square for a dollar bill.

Carey Cox is next and he discusses his family. His ancestor was the first medical doctor in town. Carey recalls a simpler time in Marietta, where as kids he would ride their bike to schools and go all over town without an issue. His father started a printing company that ran for many years in town and Carey was paid in Cokes for his printing deliveries. He remembers those days with an antique soda machine in his office.

Carey worked as a mortgage broker and began selling real estate and decided it was time to start a business. Who else to teacup with, but Johnny Walker.

Does starting a new venture seem a little stressful? If you walk by the office at 262 Church Street some evenings you just might hear Carey playing his Gibson guitar. He calls it his stress ball.

Sep 24, 2016

Sally is the dynamic executive director of the Marietta / Cobb Museum of Art. Over her 8 years, she has grown the museum and reached out to the community to support art and build the community through art.

Chalktoberfest is a huge deal and is happening October 8 and 9th, 2016 in the Marietta Square. Three years ago when Chalktoberfest started there were 40 artists. Since then it has grown every year and this year there are 88 artists from 3 countries! 

The theme of this years Chaltoberfest is the old masters and includes 3D chalk and vertical boards (plywood with house paint).

http://chalktoberfest.com/

 

UPDATES:

Listen to the episode!Previous guests share their updates!

Mary Jane Huegel is not feeling well and sent me this update to include...

Well this is a trip I make every year about the first of September. I am just over the summers in Atlanta and need a change from the heat!  One of my best friends, and also someone I teach art with has a place up there! One year we go with our spouses and then the following year we invite artists to paint!

It started when Ginny and I took a trip to San Miquel de Allende, Mexico for a Tim Horn are class!  I'll never forget because it was my 50th birthday! Wow what a gift to myself! But, Ginny and I made some nice new friends from all over the country! Ginny and I go back way before this... But now every other year many of the folks from the trip from San Miguel meet back up in Maine and paint together! We have a blast painting, sharing, enjoying Gods Amazing creation! I'll send photos! But this year... Ginny and I asked our art students if they would like to come for an art workshop taught by Ginny and I to paint in Maine and we taught them all week! It was an amazing trip! So much happened! Prices coming!

 

We had 8 of our art students from Georgia come to paint! Ginny's husband,Jim, is an amazing chef and he spoiled us at each meal! Not sure we can get him to do this again... as he and his sue chef where exhausted by the end of the week! Maybe I can get some testimonials from our student, if you want? Anyway, Ginny and I, gave them our all!  Ginny and I are really overjoyed and proud of these teachable art students and the progress they have made! I think I have found my calling! I love sharing what was so graciously given to me with others for their enjoyment! This is truly rewarding to me! I believe that art  in my life has brought about so much calming joy! I especially love painting Plein Aire (outside) as I just love being in nature!  I really need to share this with others. I love people. I want to help people if I can. It's Not all about selling my art! Although, it is affirmation when people do purchase my art! But I'm reminded frequently, it was given to me for my enjoyment! So I continue to move in the emotions and love of my joy! So blessed to be able to do this! I have to say... I really do appreciate the precious collectors of my art. I hope and pray that my art brings you joy and happiness  and that you see its value everyday of your life! Truly that is my hope! There are many hard days when we as artist wonder why are we doing this!? It's a tough gig! Seriously, I feel like I've been to med school! Somedays, It's a love / hate relationship! But what can I do??? It's who I am!

 

Sep 18, 2016

*WARNING* Michael discusses some parts of the fighting in Marietta that may be disturbing to some viewers.

Michael shares his love of history and how he became interested in becoming a historian.

After that, Michael recounts Marietta as the Civil War becomes real. Battles rage around Marietta and then the chaos as the Confederate troops leave and the Union troops take over. Imagine 100,000 troops occupying the Square.

Overnight Marietta transformed itself from a Confederate hospital center to a Union hospital center. Some of these buildings still stand today.

Several other interesting to understand and intense time in Marietta history.

Contact Michael to find out more about lectures, battlefield tours and lots of other things.

http://www.civilwarhistorian.net

Sep 11, 2016

Michael Shaffer is passionate about the Civil War. He teaches classes at Kennesaw State and gives tours of many Civil War sites in the area.

Bill Nowicki interviews Michael as he goes through a detailed account of the history of Marietta and the area. Of course, there’s some stories thrown in!

There is a lot of material, so we've broken up the episode into 2 parts, enjoy part 1...

http://www.civilwarhistorian.net

Sep 2, 2016

Terri Abraham loved psychology in college, but felt she needed to pick a career that provided a steady source of income. She ended up in information technology (IT) until one day someone asked her if her age would affect her future career.

That’s when she decided to go back and start her counseling career.

Her practice, Marietta West Counseling Center, is up and running and she uses art, movement and other therapies to help her clients reach their goals.

She added Gwen Smith, Licensed Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, who works with people of all ages to live healthier lives.

Marietta West Cobb Counseling Center, Inc.

http://www.mariettacounselingcenter.com/

Terri’s Blog

http://mindfulmessages.com/

Artist: Kimberley McClintock - torn paper collages

http://www.kimberlymcclintock.com/

Double Take Cafe

http://www.doubletakecafe.com/

Hoboken Cafe

http://www.hobokencafega.com/

Dave Poes BBQ

http://davepoes.com/

Aug 27, 2016

Nathan Martin grew up in Kennesaw and struggled in school. He has dyslexia and barely made it out of high school with a 1.9 GPA. Needless to say, he never went to college.

For most of us, that would reason enough to give up. But Nathan started a company at the age of 21, but decided to find something he really cared about. He bought the domain gofothgoods.com and tried to find a product that helped people.

Then, on his way to Disney, one of his bags broke. He thought why not make something that he designed.

Other brand mentioned by Nathan: 

In God We Must - http://www.igwm.co/

 

Aug 26, 2016

Bill continues his interview with Jenny King of the Red Door Gallery. He meets up with Jonathan Chery, a work friend.

Jill Kettles talks about Harris Kettles of the Marietta Daily Journal and living near the train. She recalls the important role the actress Joanne Woodward played in revamping the Stand Theater and how to mow the hilly lawn with a chain (Marietta is hilly).

Emily Ryals, the director of the Marietta Art Walk shows up and Emily, Jonathan and Bill set off to check on things and lay out Pokemon themed clues. They discuss the Pokemon craze and how Emily is using it to help local artists and businesses in the square.

Bill speaks with Pete the husband of an artist. Pete’s a nice guy and does a nice job selling his wife’s art.

Tom Jenkins the photographer talks about Marietta and why it is great.

Emily discusses her daughter’s first day of school and talks about home school.

Susan Smith spends a few seconds saying hi and catch up on their lives.

They go to Tiny Bubbles Tea Bar (http://www.tinybubblesteabar.com/) and meet the owner Brielle Gaines. Jonathan and Bill enjoy a bubble tea and Emily moves on, but not before she get Bill and Jonathan to see Katie Bush and they talk chalk art.

Katie Bush (http://www.artkatie.com, http://www.aquaaurachalkdesigns.com/)

Jonathan and Bill return to the Red Door and meet a couple, Joy Callahan and Whit Callahan. They talk Marietta and Whit’s run in with the Marietta judicial system.

Art Walk, first Friday of the month supported by Marietta Businesses, check them out…

http://www.artwalkmarietta.com/

Aug 20, 2016

As Donna says, she grew up all over the place. Painfully shy, she didn’t know what she was going to do with her life.

In college, she decided to listen to her sister, face her fears and go into broadcasting. Eventually became a on-air reporter and anchor for various markets in the south.

After Donna moved to Marietta 9 years ago, she faced more fears by leaving reporting and starting a video business with her brother-in-law.

Now she owns her own business, Pro Video Talent, that uses CNN anchors to tell your business’ story.

I think she is over the shyness.

Pro Video Talent: http://bestspokespersonvideo.com/

Donna Davis: donna@provideotalent.com

Telephone: 770-485-6667

Atlanta Internet Video Marketing Association Meeting

Favorite restaurant

Shillings http://shillingsonthesquare.net/

Aug 14, 2016

Melissa Hergert grew up in a bad neighborhood with a single Mom. But she learned to work hard and never give up. She brings that work ethic to her business, Be Wellness Center (http://mybewellness.com/ 678-792-0213), where she helps people meet their goals through neurofeedback (brain training).

But she doesn’t stop there. She is passionate about the community and helping small businesses through her Marietta Professional Network Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/246575289065098/).

On this episode, Melissa runs through Bill through some brain training and talks about Brain Core, one method to help you concentrate and reach your maximum potential.

Afterwards she talks about things she loves about Marietta like the Double Take Cafe (http://www.doubletakecafe.com/) and all the things in West Cobb and the Square. Check them out.

Laurel Park http://www.mariettaga.gov/city/residents/parks/allparks/laurelpark

Fusion MMA http://www.fusionfitnessandmma.com/

Be Yoga http://www.beyogaatlanta.com/

Kennesaw Mountain https://www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm

Aug 11, 2016

Bill attends the Marietta Art Walk! and gets 2 bonus episodes out of it!

First up is the Red Door Gallery, Bill's home base where he meets a couple of artists and they share there inspiration and journey into the art world.

First up is Mary Jane Huegel who grew up in rural Kentucky and she gives Bill a tour of her life and her reasons to paint. 

Next up is Jenny King, a determined artist and entrepreneur who never gave up on believing in her art.

Enjoy.

http://www.reddoor48.com/

http://maryjanehuegel.com/

 

 

Aug 5, 2016

Anna Brumby grew up around a long tradition of building rocking chairs that fit the Southern tradition, neighbors and family visiting on porches.

Bill interview Anna in her showroom and factory on the Marietta Square and she was joined by one of her trusted employees, Paul and her dog, George.

Anna talks about the history of her family’s company, her journey to CEO and what she learned along the way. She also shares her favorite Marietta activity and her favorite restaurants.

Brumby Rocker

https://brumbyrocker.com/

Kennesaw Mountain

https://www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm

Kiosco Restaurant

http://kioscocolombianrestaurant.com/

Sugar Cakes

http://sugarcakespatisserie.com/

Jul 29, 2016

Anne Patrick grew up in rural Troup County Georgia in severe poverty. Anne and her brothers worked hard and success followed, but Anne never forgot her roots.

After getting her teaching degree, she starting giving back. She taught acceptance to her children when they made fun of the poor kids in her class. She continued to give back by going on mission trips and Anne tells some great stories from those trips.

At age 60, she started running and “caught the bug” and still runs today, 20 years later.

With her race experience, she started the Wonderful Days of Winter 5k, that is held the first Saturday after New Years from St. James Episcopal Church on the Marietta Square.

Wonderful Days preschool is small but highly successful school that prepares underprovledged, mostly hispanic children for elementary school.

Want to help?

https://wonderfuldaysofwinter5k.wordpress.com/

Like their FB page.

https://www.facebook.com/WonderfulDaysofWinter/

Jul 24, 2016

Bill Nowicki, the host of Marietta Stories talks about the genesis of the idea for Marietta stories and some clips of future shows!

1