CLJANFEB2015_(1) 1
12/21/2014 9:37:51 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(2) 2
12/21/2014 9:39:47 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(3) 3
12/22/2014 12:40:18 PM
Cobb Life January/February 2015
Volume 11, Issue 3
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
Otis Brumby IIl
GENERAL MANAGER Lee B. Garrett
V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens
EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire
LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire
CONTRIBUTORS
Joan Durbin, Stacey L. Evans, Tammy DeMel, Therra C. Gwyn, Meredith Pruden, Michael Venezia, LaTria Garnigan, Michael Pallerino
PHOTOGRAPHER Shanda Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jennifer Carter, Kelly Huff, C.B. Smeltzer, Mark Wallace Maguire
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Adventure Outdoors 3 Alpha Travel 28 Aqua Guard Basements 76 Atlanta Air Charter 75 Atlanta Communities 22 Atlanta Fine Homes - Jim Glover 30 Atlanta Gastro 71 Blackwell’s Jewelers 35 Brawner Hall 40 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 17 COBB EMC 21 Cobb Hardware 78 Cole - McTish Marriage Announcement 72 Cumberland Diamond Exchange 59 Debbie Redford All Around Atlanta Realty 12 Dermatology Consultants 38 DK Gallery 31 Edward Johns Jewelers 55 Edward Jones - Udel Richardson 28 Elon Spa 45 Essigmann & Associates , Inc. 12 Estes Earthworks 47 Fabric & Fringe 54 Flag Company 79 Fleming Carpet 29 Gaines Park Senior Living 16
4
Geico 81 Giovanni’s 74 Gracepointe School 56 Happy Trails Pet Center 44 Harry Norman - Cobb Marietta 79 Henry’s Louisiana Grill 30 Indy Style Salon 44 Julep’s Home Décor 73 Launch Awareness Yoga Center 58 Life Grocery 6 Loud Security 39 Manders Dental 81 Marietta Antique Mall 72 Marietta Hearing 4 Marietta MFUMC Weekday Ministry 66 Marietta Podiatry 40 Market Place 120 62 Massage Heights 14 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 63 Medford - Peden Funeral Home 14 Miracle Ear 34 Miracle Method 58 Mt. Bethel Christian School 53 Mt. Paran Christian School 27 North Cobb Spine & Nerve 13 Northside Hospital 5 Northside Sleep Center 20
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(4) 4
Parc @ Piedmont 26 Pediatric Dental School 61 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 9 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 67 Presbyterian Village 77 ReMax Pure - Wendy Bunch 83 Roswell Street Baptist Church 57 Salon Spa Venessa 80 Signs By Tomorrow 10 Skin Cancer Specialists 15 Spa Dreams 54 Speedy Wiz Transport 56 Sterling Estates Senior Living 70 Superior Plumbing 2 Sweetwater Mission Spring Chicken Run 76 The Bottoms Group 7 The Framery 57 The Henssler Financial Group 41 Vespucci’s 66 Walker School 22 WellStar 84 West Cobb Funeral Home 11 White Rabbit 48 Winnwood Retirement 49
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MartySacks
PROOFREADER Whitney Betts
ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Guest
COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Opitz
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Stephanie deJarnette, Dawne Edge, Paula Milton, Charlene Kay, Jordan Emerson, Amber Harris, Kim Fowler, Katy Ruth Camp, Jill Abbott
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall, Carlos Navarrete
PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR Leigh Hall
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Dave Gossett
INFORMATION Cobb Life is published 10 times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 30,000 homes and businesses. To subscribe, email circulation@ cobblifemagazine.com or call 770.795.5001 To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com
12/22/2014 1:08:27 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(5) 5
12/21/2014 10:51:21 PM
WHAT’S INSIDE
23 departments
18 features 18 DUCK, DUCK, PULL! Meet the Marietta couple who run one of the area’s most beautiful duck preserves 23 BEST OF COBB From fried chicken to favorite place to see a play, we profile your picks
64 WINE Our wine guru achieves a very im-PORT-ant status 68 HEALTH AND WELLNESS High-tech gear to keep you on track and in shape ON THE COVER: Wasabi spiced tuna tartare with pickled cucumbers, broken wasabi vinaigrette and sesame crackers from Chequers Seafood and Steak. Photo by Mark Wallace Maguire
in every issue
6
FROM THE DIRECTOR
8
TALK OF THE TOWN
10
KID-FRIENDLY COBB
11
NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
14
HIGHLIGHTS
72
SCENE
75
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(6) 6
12/22/2014 1:09:39 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(7) 7
12/21/2014 10:53:13 PM
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Best of Cobb
staff picks
This annual issue continues to be a favorite among our readers year after year. And why not? After all, these are the winners that you picked. This year, we had a record-breaking number of votes. While some of the champs are tried and true — picking up their second or third Best Of awards — we also have several new winners this year. Part of that can be chalked up to Cobb’s increasing growth — not only in terms of population, but also the advances in the culinary, arts, retail and culture arenas. As part of a new tradition we began featuring years ago, I am also using this space for our staff’s Best Of Cobb. >>>Longtime writer and designer Stacey L. Evans’ picks: Best New Thing: Akers Mill Trail East, a 1.2-mile new multi-use trail segment along Akers Mill Road that connects the Bob Callan Trail to the Cochran Shoals Recreation Area in East Cobb. I love these two trails for biking and walking, and now traveling between the two is much easier and scenic. Best Dessert Drink: “The Caribbean or Cuban Milkshake at Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill in Kennesaw. The Cuban is a combination of tropical fruit pulp, milk and sugar, and you can choose from guanabana, pineapple, mango, passion fruit, papaya, and mamey. My favorite is the Caribbean Milkshake, a rainbow blend of all juices. It’s perfectly fruity and just the right amount of sweetness; one of those things you get random cravings for and it’s totally worth a 20-minute trek to get.” She also noted that The Corner Taqueria in Smyrna has the Best Veggie Burrito Bowl. “The ingredients are fresh and the flavors blend perfectly, especially when topped with the agave cilantro dressing. Paired with their chips and salsa, it’s a satisfying meal.” >>>Contributor Adam Miller said the Best Place for a Night-time Run is Pigeon Hill in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Best Place for Falafel and Jerusalem Goods is the Nazareth Plaza. >>>Our longtime wine writer Michael Venezia gives Marietta Square a major thumbs up as the Best Square in metro Atlanta. “It has history, exciting antique shops, cool boutiques, and great food and beverage options.” >>>Contributing photographer Jennifer Carter said her Best Place to Go Before a Road Trip is Ray’s Doughnuts. “Since they open at 5 a.m., Ray’s Doughnuts is the perfect place to stop before I hop on the interstate on my early morning road trips. Ray’s has the best doughnuts I’ve ever had, and they are the perfect traveling companion (or hostess gift when you get where you’re going.)” >>>Columnist Tammy DeMel said her Best Hair Salon is Shades
8
Salon in Marietta. “I’ve always hated those salons that seem to have groupies — when you walk in your feel like it’s high school all over again and you are not at the cool table. At Shades, everyone is part of the clique. Warm, friendly and inviting, these stylists know their stuff!” She mentions El Nopal has having the Best Margarita. “My family and I are regulars at this family-owned Mexican restaurant. Good, affordable food with the friendliest wait staff. But the best part, fabulous margaritas! Forgo the Texas and ask for the Diana, named for the owner. It’s the best margarita around! >>>Contributor and our de facto Fashionista Meredith Pruden said the Best Place to Get the Party Started is Sprayberry Bottle Shoppe. “They have over 600 beers (many of them hard to find craft) and 100 bourbons. They even get their own casks! The owner is a veritable thesaurus of beer, liquor and wine knowledge. The very Best Team Trivia is husband and wife duo Head Games Trivia. We play at Winston’s with wifey Jen and always have a fun time — even when we don’t win. She plays great music and the questions are always well-rounded and challenging. Plus, they’re always cooking up strange new combos like Trivi-oke. I know this is a weird category, but the Best Plumber I’ve found is Johnny of Eastridge Plumbing. Truly a life saver. If you love some water sports like we do in my family, the Best Dive Shop around is Atlanta Scuba and Swim off Barrett Parkway. Owner Rob Arnold has been diving for more than 30 years and is a knowledgeable and patient instructor. Plus, they have all the accessories you could ever need and host dive trips too. I just found out about Studio on the Square and can’t believe I didn’t know about them sooner. They definitely take the prize for Best Art Collective with everything from fine art and a printing press to custom fangs and video work. Amazing!” I hope you enjoy these unique picks and, remember, if you have any article ideas, feel free to email me at mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com. Have a great 2015. Best, Mark Wallace Maguire
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(8) 8
12/22/2014 1:09:44 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(9) 9
12/22/2014 12:42:09 PM
TALK OF THE TOWN CELEBRATIONS The Marietta Pilgrimage Annual Gala Celebration took place in December at the Whitlock Inn off the Marietta Square. Prior to the gala, the host committee was feted at a champagne reception at the lovely home of former governor Roy Barnes and his wife, Marie. Following the reception, the host committee joined the gala where Carriage House Catering created a lavish cocktail buffet. Women donned party frocks and were escorted by dapper men in black-tie attire. Among the merry-makers were Aleixs and Greg Amaden, Amy and Harlan Barnes, Marie Barnes, Alyssa Barnes, Cheryl and Greg Briscoe, Cathy and Chris Brown, Lauri and Bill Bruton, Catherine and Dean Castaldo, Carolyn and Doug Chaffins, Terri and Steve Cole, Liz Cole, Claire and Jason
Cyr, Dot and Bill Dunaway, Nancy hosted a house party for Leah and a small group and Sandy Edwards, of close friends on Dec. 5. The theme Julie and James of the celebration was a Ladies’ Night Eubanks, Claire and Pajama Dance Party (yep, that’s Ron Francis, Jennifer right!) at Trish’s east Cobb home. Gay, Linda and Felton The highlight of the evening might Hagood, Susan and have been when the ladies posed for Doug Haynie, Theresa photos and snapped selfies at midnight and Lon Jenkins, Beth in a neighbors’ yard decorated with Johnston, Connie Christmas décor. and Dempsey Kirk, Lisa Berry, Cat Casdia, Jennifer Mary Anne and Ben Johnson, Kim Korn, Melinda Mason, Mathis, Dawn and Tom Jenn Pressley, Kristin Shaw and McEachern, Matilen and Emily Wottrich joined in the fun. By Sally Litchfield Joe Sheram, Johnny Sinclair, Jean Alice and ♦♦♦ Thunder Tumlin, Dorothy and EVENT Rudy Woodruff, and the list keeps going. In December, local author and Marietta Daily Journal columnist Lauretta Hannon held a ‘thank ♦♦♦ you’ reading of Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory” at Marietta Museum of History. Happy birthday to Leah Yankus of Marietta. Leah turned 48 on Dec. ♦♦♦ 8 and her two childhood friends, Patricia Rhame and Jen Farmer,
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A retired Cobb County teacher recently wrote a new children’s book titled “Roxy the Roxstar” that benefits Mostly Mutts, a local rescue group. Mostly Mutts works closely with local animal shelters and other rescue organizations to reduce the number of animals euthanized each year. Kennesaw residents Trish and Jac rescued Roxy, an Australian Shepherd through Mostly Mutts in 2008, giving her and her puppies a “furever home.” Trish and Jac saved Roxy’s life because she had been labeled as “unadoptable.” The heartwarming true story tells about Roxy’s journey from abandonment to success. The book teaches life lessons and will surely reinforce for all that dreams can be reality. ♦♦♦ The Georgia Symphony Orchestra was recently honored with a prestigious 2014 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. GSO’s accomplishments this year include an educational partnership with Marietta City Schools. The Top-Rated Nonprofit award was based on the large number of positive reviews that the GSO received – reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients. People posted their personal experiences with the nonprofit. Being on the Top-Rated list gives donors and volunteers more confidence about their credibility. The reviews by volunteers, clients and other donors show the on-the-ground results of the nonprofit. This award is a form of recognition by the community.
10
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(10) 10
12/22/2014 12:42:43 PM
KID-FRIENDLY COBB Eve nt s and ac t iv it ie s for ch i ldre n 10 and under Brown Bag Lunch Film Series: ‘Maleficent’
at Switzer Library Monday, January 12 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Bring your lunch and and watch the mega-hit “Maleficent,” a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning. The movie will be shown in the Large Multipurpose Room. Rated PG; one hour and thirty-seven minutes. Contact: Stephen Brock at brocks@cobbcat.org 266 Roswell Street, Marietta 770-528-2320
Each child is scheduled for a 15-minute time slot to read one-on-one to Polly the dog, with a supervisor present. Registration is required. Other dates for this event: February 5 and 19 Contact: Melissa Adams at adamsm@ cobbcat.org 2250 Lewis Street, Kennesaw 770-528-2529
Baby and Toddler Story Time at the Vinings Library
January 12 and 13 from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Age: 0 - 3 years Age-appropriate stories, nursery rhymes, poems, songs and fingerplays. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun and stay-and-play after story time ends. This program is the same on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week. Parking is extremely limited. Contact: Miss Shannon at tyners@cobbcat. org or 770-801-5308 4290 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta
Toddler Time
at Sky Zone Kennesaw Thursday, January 15, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Cost: $12.00 per family Incorporate some fun fitness into your child’s day with play at this indoor trampoline park. Toddler Time is every Thursday with activities are specifically designed for children. Reservations are recommended. 1650 Airport Road NW Ste 105, Kennesaw 678-426-4400
Crafty Readers - Aurora Borealis at Mountain View Regional Library
Tuesday, January 13 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Age: Kindergarten to third grade Come hear stories about cold winter nights and the northern lights. Make your own northern lights to take home. This program will run about 45 minutes. Some children may need help with their craft. No younger siblings, please. Contact: Elizabeth Ivey at mountaic@cobbcat.org or 770-509-4964 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 770-509-2725
Toddler Tales: Counting Sheep at Kemp Memorial Library
Wednesday, January 14 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Age: Toddler This story time is enhanced by learning activities and nursery rhymes. A caregiver is expected to stay with the child and participate in all activities. Toddler Tales are every Wednesday morning. 4029 Due West Road, Marietta 770-528-2527
Wee Readers: I Call Him ‘Stampy’ at Kemp Memorial Library
Wednesday, January 21 11:15 a.m. to noon Age: 3 to 5 This story time will consist of age-appropriate books, songs, activities, a movie, and a craft. Wee Readers meet every Wednesday. 4029 Due West Road, Marietta 770-528-2527
At West Cobb Funeral Home, we have been committed to serving the families of our community for the past 18 years. Recently, we have renovated and added a tranquil pavilion which adjoins our spacious family reception room. See why more families are choosing our home, our services and our facilities.
Read to a Dog!
at Kennesaw Library Age: Independent readers Thursday, January 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
CLJANFEB2015_(11) 11
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
11
12/21/2014 10:58:12 PM
KID-FRIENDLY COBB Eve nt s and ac t iv it ie s for ch i ldren 10 and under “Trains, Trains, Trains”
at The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History Saturday, January 24 Cost: Adults $7.50; children 4 to12 $5.50; Children 3 and under Free The fifth-annual special railroad-themed event will include new layouts and activities, as well as an expanded version of the gift shop with a large array of train and railroad items. Kids will be able to take part in a take-home craft featured in the Museum’s classrooms. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch, and discover how they are used. 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw 770-427-2117
‘Mommy and Me’ programs
at The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History
traditions and participate in special activities. February 19 - I’ve Been Working on the Railroad February 26 - Building Big! – Learn about architecture from around the world.
www.southernmuseum.org
WILD KRATTS LIVE!
at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre January 31 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 to $72.00 plus fees The Kratt Brothers, of the popular animated ‘Wild Kratts’ PBS kids show ‘come to real life’ on stage and are off “To the Creature Rescue!” In this performance, The Kratt Brothers activate Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain and rescue a helpless animal. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta 800-745-3000
Legomania
all are at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays January 15 - Welcome Winter! – Winter fun with games, songs, and crafts. January 29 - Wild about Winter Animals – What do animals do in the winter? February 5 - Build-A-Train – Find out how steam locomotives were made long ago. February 12 - Be Mine! – Explore Valentine’s Day
at South Cobb Regional Library Thursday, February 12 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Age: 5 and up This drop-in program lets children build their imaginations with the library’s LEGOS. Contact: Laura Warner at warnerl@cobbcat.org 805 Clay Road, Mableton 678-398-5828
Atlanta Ballet ‘s Snow White
at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre February 14 and 15 at 2:00 p.m. This one hour version of Snow White performed by the Atlanta Ballet Fellowship Ensemble was designed for ages 12 and under, and is the perfect way to introduce children to the joys of dance. Cost: $10 and up. Tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster or at the Cobb Energy Centre. www.atlantaballet.com/tickets-performances/ snow-white
Parents’ night out
at Strand Academy January 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Age: 5 to 11 Cost: $30 to $40 Drop the kids off at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre for a fun and educational experience while you enjoy a night out. Kids will watch a classic movie musical then learn a song and/or dance from that musical. Add an extra hour for just $10 more, and children will spend the extra time playing theatre games. Pizza will be provided for dinner. 117 North Park Square , Marietta 770-293-0080
Essigmann & Associates would like to welcome
Howard Lincoln
to our team! When it comes down to what is most important in your life, Nationwide has you covered.
Essigmann & Associates, Inc. Local in Cobb County! Call us for a quote today! Sales: 678-666-5035 Main Office: 770-634-7464 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday by appointment only
www.facebook.com/essigmannassociates 12
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(12) 12
12/22/2014 1:11:00 PM
Attention Sciatica and Low Back Pain Sufferers... Could One Hour With Our Doctors Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? Now, in Acworth, GA, Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C. & Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. have what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatment. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size - even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 & L5-S1 herniations. If you've had disc problems for years, recently injured your back,or you're suffering with sciatica,you must hear about these new studies.Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5,they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery. But here's the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.) Before You Go Under The Knife And Opt For Spinal Surgery… You should seriously consider a less invasive approach called spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new technology that has been proven to reverse disc herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, which pulls the disc back into its normal position and brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing. Do You Have A Disc Problem? If you experience any of the following in your back or neck, chances are your pain is due to a disc bulge, herniation or degeneration: • A vice-like squeezing feeling in your back • Sitting causes back or leg pain • Stabbing pain at the belt line or in your neck • Can't turn over in bed without hurting • Numbness in your toes or fingers • Fire down your legs • Searing pain radiates into your arm • Prickling in your leg or toes Finally, Some Good News…… If you've been suffering with back pain or arm/leg pain caused by a disc bulge, disc herniation or squashed or compressed discs. Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering in pain was to try what you've been told: • Try exercising • Try physical therapy • Try pain medications • Try muscle relaxers • Try pain shots • Try dangerous back surgery • Just live with it If you're like most, none of these have worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these. Exercising makes you hurt more, pain medications and muscle relaxers cover up the problem and give you side effects. Pain shots can cause more pain, don't work or don't last very long or FIX the problem, back surgery didn't work, or made you worse. Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones that back surgery actually helped, but now the problem is back with a vengeance. Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into a Breakthrough Computerized Non-Surgical Treatment for back pain and sciatic or leg pain caused by a bulging, herniated or squashed disc or discs. It has helped hundreds of people who
were suffering just like you. This new treatment machine we are calling "the squashed disc machine." How "Good" Discs become "Bad" Discs Over time the discs in your back tend to get squashed or compressed,especially if you've played certain sports when younger or have a job that requires lots of sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Car accidents, lifting things, very physical jobs just to name a few. It's kind of like a cookie with cream filling, and the cream filling will start to ooze out from between the sides of the cookie if pressure is applied on top of the cookie (like gravity on our spines). Eventually this happens to a lot of us. Statistics show over 80% of Americans will suffer with back pain some time in their life. Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every once in a while I even catch a patient sleeping during treatment! How Does This Machine Work? Haven't you ever had the thought…"Gosh, if somebody could just pull me apart…I would feel a whole lot better." Yeah, we know you have. And it kind of makes a bit of sense. Well someone else, actually a medical manufacturer, back pain specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers have come up with just that. A machine that gently pulls you apart, stretches the disc to a certain point that causes a drop in pressure inside the disc (like a little vacuum in the middle of the cream filling) causing the cream filling to suck back in! You'll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We'll set the machine to focus on your problem area - then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises. Does Decompression really work? Absolutely! When you come in we will provide you with studies that show why decompression is a preferred method of treatment. But what provides the best "proof" on how well decompression works is what patients say about it: Just Listen to What Our Patients Had to Say: I started at North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute for pain in my low back that traveled down my right leg. The pain felt like a burning sensation down my leg and numbness into my toes. I was unable to walk my normal 5 miles. Since starting the spinal decompression therapy I am now able to walk again without any pain. The pain and numbness down my right leg is completely alleviated. I was surprised to find that I am even sleeping better at night and that the tension in my upper back has also been relieved. The staff here has treated my great and is very caring! Thanks - Bill Norman Before I started getting spinal decompression therapy I was having severe pain in my low back and numbness down my leg constantly. I had been suffering with this for 3 years. I had two nerve abrasions, multiple steroid shots in my back, pain killers, PT and water therapy and nothing worked. After the first spinal decompression treatment I could stand up straight with very little pain. I can now sleep through the night and exercise again. I am 90-100% better and I am so thankful I found this office. Thanks, John Ratledge As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate with helping disc herniations, sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you could be playing golf, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. Feel the Improvement - and Say "Yes" to Life Again With my "Decompression Evaluation" we'll be able to find the problem and then get to work on it.Think of how you'll feel in
Dr. Amy Valente just a few short weeks. See and feel your life change for the better. Start your body on the way to pain-free, normal living, feel tight joints rest, relax, free up, muscles tied in knots will become more supple and strength in your muscles may increase. You're able to live life like a normal person again, without back pain - able to play with your kids, enjoy time with friends, and finally get a good night's rest. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It's time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 15 days only, we're running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. What Does This Offer Include? Everything we normally do in our new patient evaluation. Just call before January 15th, and here's what you'll get… • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where the doctor will listen…really listen…to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms. • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • An extensive review of your MRI. • You'll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution,like is has been for so many other patients. Until January 15th, you can get everything listed here for $20. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250,so you're saving a considerable amount by taking us up on this offer. Here's What To Do Now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, we suggest calling our office at once at 678-574-5678.
CALL TODAY!
678-574-5678 North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101
PA I D A DV E R T I S I N G
CLJANFEB2015_(13) 13
12/21/2014 11:09:43 PM
news & noteworthy [food]
Taco Mac opens in Cumberland area Atlanta-based TM Restaurant Group recently opened a new Taco Mac in Cobb County’s growing Cumberland community. The location in the Parkway Pointe Shopping Center, which is at the northeast corner of Cobb Parkway/Cumberland Boulevard, is just a few blocks away from the site of the new Atlanta Braves stadium. The restaurant will showcase a fresh look, including the use of the its longtime nickname, T.MAC. A sleek bar area features a 58-foot solid wood top crowned with 10 overhead aluminum beer conduits housing 96 beer lines. In front of it, two high-top communal table tops that contain the remnants of beer bottle glass provide even more options for patrons that want a neighborhood bar feel. Sports fans dining at the location won’t miss a play, as 64 large screen HDTVs line the 7,000 square feet
14
interior. Those seeking more privacy may opt for one of three European-designed circular booths. Accommodating six guests each, the circular booths feature seating that rotates 360 degrees for easy access. The location also has a covered and heated outdoor patio. The 96 beers on draft will include a special focus on Georgia and the Southeast’s growing number of craft breweries. In addition, the bar has a selection of wines and signature cocktails. The menu includes favorites such as roasted wings, fresh-baked flatbreads, double hand-breaded chicken tenders, oven-baked macaroni & cheese and broccoli queso casserole, along with T.MAC’s signature chips, salsa, queso and guacamole. For more information, visit tmacrestaurants.com/location/cumberland.
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(14) 14
12/22/2014 11:52:20 AM
[travel]
Gadgets and gear for travelers What’s the best travel bag out there? What’s the must-have gadget for travelers? AP Travel asked seven people who travel for a living what they can’t leave home without. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE CEO KEVIN SHEEHAN: Sheehan travels so much that he’s rarely in one place long enough to actually plug a charger into a wall. So he relies on portable chargers to keep his devices charged on the go. Mophie has a number of universal external batter chargers that can recharge cellphones, iPods, iPads and other electronics when their batteries run out. Mophie has just launched a powerstation plus product with built-in cables.
FROMMER’S GUIDEBOOK FOUNDER ARTHUR FROMMER: Frommer says he can’t travel anywhere without a laptop that has a keyboard; he writes so much that a tablet just won’t do. His “indispensable choice” is the “ultra-cheap, ultra-light” Acer Chromebook. You can find one for under $200, so it “doesn’t present the anxiety of loss or theft that a thousand-dollar MacBook Air would.” Chromebooks are designed for use with Wi-Fi, with most data stored in the cloud, but Frommer says that isn’t a problem in his travels because Wi-Fi is “so ubiquitous around the world that you are seldom without it.”
MARRIOTT CEO ARNE M. SORENSON: Sorenson needs an adapter that not only works with different voltage systems and outlets around the world but also has more than one USB charging port. Walkabout Travel Gear sells a universal adapter that not only boasts of working with every voltage system “on the planet” but also has two USB power ports and can support high-powered devices like iPhones and iPads. LONELY PLANET FOUNDER TONY WHEELER: Wheeler often recommends a fold-up bag, “something that you can carry along for those occasions when unexpected shopping, gifts, whatever, overloads your usual bag.” But lately he’s suggesting a refinement on the concept: a fold-up daypack like the Eagle Creek packable daypack. Wheeler is working on a new book that he bills as an update on Paul Theroux’s classic “The Great Railway Bazaar,” but instead of taking trains across continents, Wheeler is traveling entirely on low-cost air carriers. On many of these airlines, you’re only allowed one carry-on, so he squirrels the fold-up daypack into the larger carry-on, then hauls it out for daily use while in the destination.
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(15) 15
15
12/22/2014 12:44:28 PM
[food] INGREDIENTS 1 large sweet potato, peeled and grated (about 4 cups grated)
Smoky sweet potato latkes One cup of the tasty sweet potato has seven times more vitamin A than you need in a day, more than half of the vitamin C, 7 grams of filling fiber and 4 grams of protein. There’s also vitamin B6, potassium, calcium and iron. Smoky sweet potato latkes balance the sugar of the sweet potatoes with earthy cumin and smoked paprika. They are delicious and crispy and perfect accompanied by unsweetened applesauce and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Since most of us don’t care to deepfry at home, I baked my latkes. To ensure they were still crispy, both the pan and latkes get brushed with oil. Much easier, much less mess and a whole lot leaner. I also found a great way to cut the cooking time. I par-cook the shredded sweet potatoes by pouring boiling water over them. This not only speeds up the baking, it also washes away some of the starch, which results in a crispier latke.
16
RECIPE
Start to finish: 45 minutes; makes 16 latkes Heat the oven to 400 F. In a large colander, combine the sweet potato and onion. Set over the sink. Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly pour the water over the potato mixture, then let it drain and cool until easily handled, 8 to 10 minutes. A handful at a time, place the sweet potato mixture in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible, then transfer to a large bowl. In a small bowl, beat together the egg, salt, cumin and paprika, then stir into the sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle
the cornstarch over the sweet potatoes and mix well. The mixture should be moist, but not wet. If needed, blot excess moisture and add a little more cornstarch. Use 2 tablespoons of the oil to evenly coat a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the sweet potato mixture into 16 mounds (each about 2 tablespoons) on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to flatten each. Using a pastry brush and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, brush the tops of the latkes with oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp. Serve the latkes with a dollop of yogurt and applesauce.
1/2 large yellow or sweet onion, grated (about 3/4 cup grated) 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/3 cup cornstarch 4 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided Plain Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce, to serve
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(16) 16
12/21/2014 11:14:38 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(17) 17
12/21/2014 11:16:20 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(18) 18
12/21/2014 11:18:04 PM
Meet the Marietta couple who own
Wiley Creek
Duck Preserve
By Michael J. Pallerino Photography by Jennifer Carter
CLJANFEB2015_(18) 19
12/21/2014 11:18:06 PM
It’s an hour before sunrise, and on most winter mornings, you can easily see your breath in the air.
Listen, and you might even hear the alluring, haunting sounds of a hoot owl. As the wind whips its way through the blind, a small collection of duck hunters — fathers and sons, novice and experts, corporate jockeys on a team-building excursion — hunker down. They have come to the Wiley Creek Duck Preserve in Waleska, 10 minutes north of Canton, for that bucket-list-thrill-of-the-wait experience that offers guests a ton of tall tales for future conversations. It has been said that duck hunting is bird watching at 40 mph. And it’s not easy either. A duck hunter must know in an instant when to pull the trigger. Duck hunting is a true art form that can take years of trial and error to master. That’s why they come to Wiley Creek. Marietta residents Larry and Peggy Lewallen encourage both experienced and novice duck hunters to join in on the hunt.
20
The Wiley Creek Duck Preserve welcomes them all. For inspiration, you can check out Larry’s collection of hunting trophies on display in the pavilion – a collection that includes deer, elk, bear, fox, coyote, antelope and, yes, ducks. The lifelong hunter, who mastered his craft in the woods of southwestern Missouri, and up and down the White River chain, opened the preserve along with his wife, Peggy, in 2011 as a way to supplement their farm income. For the past 20 years, the couple has owned and operated Lewallen Farms in Waleska, a 10-acre tract of land that has grown into 375 acres. Through the years, they have raised hay, cattle and horses. That hunting has always been one of Larry’s first loves; converting a part of the farm to a duck hunting preserve was an easy choice. “I have hunted all my life,” he says. “This was a way to share the experience.” To say that duck hunting is addictive might be an understatement. This year, some 75 percent of Wiley Creek’s bookings were repeat customers. So, how much influence did the widely successful A&E television show, “Duck Dynasty,” have on business? “Well, we started after the whole Duck Dynasty thing, so we’re not sure. But I can tell you this; it sure didn’t hurt,” Larry said. If you’re looking for a place to get your duck hunting on, Wiley Creek is indeed the place for you. That’s because the Lewallens have simplified the experience. You can either participate in a day hunt or overnight stay. While you don’t need a duck stamp, per se, you are required to have a Georgia Hunting or Preserve License. If you don’t have one, the Wiley Creek staff can provide you one at check-in. The fee is $12 per license.
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(20) 20
12/21/2014 11:19:22 PM
Far left, Marietta’s Larry Lewallen, who owns the property with his wife, Peggy, summons in the ducks as dawn begins. Left, Bo James takes
a break during shooting.
For the Drive-In Hunting Package (the day hunt), you arrive about an hour before sunrise, where you are treated to coffee and pastries. Next, you’ll receive a brief safety meeting, where the ins and outs of gun safety are covered. Once you get the details down, you are escorted to the blinds via a tractor-pulled wagon about 30 minutes before sunrise. Following the hunt, you are treated to a good, old-fashioned country breakfast, including eggs, sausage and biscuits. For Overnight Hunting Package, along with the morning pre-hunt ritual, you can spend the night in one of Wiley Creek’s two lodges. You are welcome to arrive any time after 3 p.m. the day before the hunt and spend some time exploring the ranch, shooting skeet, fishing in its catch/release ponds or relaxing in the game room in the barn, where shuffleboard, darts and pool tables are ready for action. For the hunt, all you need is your shotgun and some warm camouflage. After you reach your limit, a member of the crew helps collect the birds with one of the dogs. You are even encouraged to work your own bird dog. Following breakfast, you can exchange the ducks you get for frozen vacuum-packed ones from the previous hunt. “Duck hunting is not for everyone,” Larry says. “But if you want a good outdoor hunting experience at a reasonable rate with a limited amount of time, we are the place. It’s a great way to unite your employees, treat your customers or bond with your family.” January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(21) 21
21
12/21/2014 11:20:44 PM
Wiley Creek Duck Preserve 205 Sawyer Farm Road Waleska, GA Larry Lewallen: 770-712-5910 Peggy Lewallen: 770-597-0026 How to get started: peggy@wileycreek.com or get a form from the website (www.wileycreek.com)
22
Drive-In Hunting Package: $250/hunter with a 4-bird limit ($35 per bird over the 4-bird limit included in the package up to an 8-duck total) Overnight Hunting Package: $350/hunter with a 4-bird limit ($35 per bird over the 4-bird limit included in the package up to an 8-duck total)
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(22) 22
12/21/2014 11:26:26 PM
Presenting our annual Best Of Cobb winners voted on by you - our readers! Enjoy reading about some of Cobb’s finest people and places.
CLJANFEB2015_(23) 23
12/22/2014 1:13:46 PM
By Joan Durbin Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
If readers are in a celebratory mood, they tell us they head to Marietta Fish Market. This spacious restaurant on Canton Highway is part of a stable of popular local eateries owned by Gus Tselios and reflects both his old world and new world culinary sensibilities. From a couple looking for a special anniversary dinner to parties for 20 and more, MFM offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and a menu full of choices not often seen all in one place. High on the list of knock-your-socks-off items is a tower of seafood for two, topped by a whole Maine lobster and chock full of snow crab legs, Apalachicola oysters, clams and Gulf shrimp. All are fresh cooked and then chilled for dipping in MFM’s signature cocktail sauce. “It’s definitely a celebration entrée,” said catering manager Diana Zumbrunnen. “But some people prefer it as an appetizer. It’s very popular at our bar as hors d’ouevres with drinks.” The section of the menu listing MFM’s “deluxe specialties” is a source of many dining pleasures. How about bouillabaisse, a traditional French seafood stew of scallops, grouper, mussels, clams, jumbo lump crab meat and a Maine lobster tail? Or an upscale version of a Southern favorite, shrimp and cheese grits, that is made with bacon, tomato and green onions in a light white wine cream sauce?
24
Left, owner Gus Tselios. Above, the paella features sautéed shrimp, lobster and scallops. Far left, catering manager Diana Zumbrunnen. Opposite page: The seafood tower.
It would be difficult, however, to make a better selection than the restaurant’s paella. It’s a take on the Spanish classic that combines sautéed shrimp, lobster, scallops, mussels and chicken tenders with peas, rice, onions, garlic, oregano and other spices in a tomato-based sauce. For a luxurious change of pace, MFM also has certified Angus beef cuts like ribeye steak, served either alone or in combo with lobster or other maritime delicacies. Zumbrunnen said Marietta Fish Market aims to be known as a “casual fine dining restaurant” where people know they can celebrate with friends and family. “If we know it’s a birthday or other special occasion, we come to your table singing dancing and clapping. Servers really get enthusiastic.”
BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE Marietta Fish Market 3185 Canton Rd, Marietta 770.218.3474 www.mariettafishmaket.net
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(24) 24
12/21/2014 11:24:51 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(24) 25
12/21/2014 11:25:06 PM
For a culinary experience that rivals the best of Atlanta’s ITP dining, the place to go in Cobb is Seed Kitchen and its offspring, Stem Wine Bar.
By Joan Durbin /// Photography courtesy of Seed and Stem
Octopus and patatas bravas are just two of the dishes served at Seed.
Our readers certainly agree, anointing Seed and Stem as the winners in our fine dining category. “We are honored to win this award,” said owner and executive chef Doug Turbush. “When we opened Seed three years ago, we all came from fine dining and we set out to leave a number of fine dining elements out of the equation. “We wanted to remove the white tablecloths, the fine bone china, the pomp, the attitude and bring to our neighborhood an approachable upscale gathering place you would want to frequent. Elements we kept close to heart were the food, the beverage program and building a team that provides the best service in Atlanta.” After Seed won our hearts and stomachs, in 2011 Turbush opened Stem, a wine bar directly next to his popular restaurant. Not only can Stem customers sip some excellent wine, they also can enjoy a host of inventively imagined and beautifully executed small plates exclusive to the wine bar that are carefully crafted to harmonize with each vino selection. It’s not just the exceptional food at both establishments that qualifies them as winners. “Seed and Stem exemplify fine dining through our level of service,” Turbush said. “When you enter and exit Seed, someone is there getting the door for you. Before you even think you are running low on water, someone is there filling your glass. When a guest asks where the restrooms are, we don’t point, we walk them over there. “We honestly care. We put our hearts and souls into this every day and are engaged in making sure you have a great time while you are here. These are the things that set us apart, these are things that get our guests’ attention and keep them coming back. Of course, I like to think the food is pretty tasty, too.” No argument there! On a recent evening, Seed’s dinner menu included mouthwatering entrees such as house made papardelle pasta with a slow-cooked pork ragu, scallops and pork belly with butternut squash risotto and a chicken schnitzel with miso mustard sauce. All meats and seafood are carefully sourced for optimum quality. Next door at Stem, customers were raving about morsels such as Spanish octopus á la plancha with Marcona almond, piquillos and arugula; patatas bravas, a Spanish dish of fried potatoes served with pimiento sauce and garlic aioli; Sicilian rice balls with green garlic aioli and parsley salad; and chorizo stuffed Medjool dates with smoked tomato sauce, bacon and ciabatta bread.
BEST FINE DINING Seed Kitchen & Bar 1311 Johnson Ferry Road Merchants Walk, Marietta 678.214.6888 www.eatatseed.com
26
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(26) 26
12/21/2014 11:24:50 PM
BEST BURGER The Red Eyed Mule
1405 Church Street Extension NW, Marietta 678.809.4546; www.theredeyedmule.com www.facebook.com/pages/The-Red-EyedMule For the Best Burger in Cobb County, our readers beat a path to the door of The Red Eyed Mule, which also was voted category winner two years ago. Succulent, juicy and altogether satisfying, the Mule’s burger is simply done, with quality and care. “What sets us apart is continuing to only use the freshest ingredients available and cooking our burgers on a seasoned flat grill to order. We use fresh Certified Black Angus chuck. I will never use frozen meat for my burgers,” said Sabra Wessel Wood, who co-owns the Mule with husband Joe. “We start with seven ounces of meat, hand pattied out, cooked fresh to order and served on fresh buttered grilled Texas toast, which takes our burgers to a completely different level.” Seasoned with kosher salt and a few “house secret” ingredients, the burger is
more than tasty on its own, but customers can choose from three cheeses and other goodies for toppings. Very small and off the beaten track, the Mule made its name with its Jake’s Sloppy Slaw burger, which is piled with chorizo and beef chili, sharp cheddar and house made slaw. Marietta resident and food wizard Alton Brown gave the Jake’s Sloppy Slaw a shout-out on Food Network on the “Messy” segment of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” It’s the Mule’s top burger seller, but Wood says the Sassy Señorita, which features char-grilled jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon and the chili mixture, “is definitely pulling up close,” Wood said. The Red Eyed Mule is open seven days for breakfast and lunch and is a cash-only establishment. By Joan Durbin
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(27) 27
27
12/21/2014 11:29:32 PM
BY JOAN DURBIN
Our readers know fried chicken . And when they tell us Chicken and the Egg in west Cobb is serving up the best in the county, we smile knowingly. Chef and owner Marc Taft’s chicken won the same category in 2012 and it has consistently been one of his restaurant’s top sellers. Taft starts with naturally produced chicken from Ashley Farms in North Carolina. Only animals that are raised and slaughtered humanely and certified to be without hormones or antibiotics make it to Chicken and the Egg’s kitchen. The poultry goes through two sessions of brining in Taft’s kitchen before the cooking BEST FRIED CHICKEN process begins. The first seals Chicken and the Egg in moisture, and the second, 800 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta buttermilk laced with a bit of 678.388.8813 hot sauce, tenderizes the meat www.chickandtheegg.com and imparts a subtle tang. The brined chicken is then double dipped in seasoned flour and buttermilk rather than an egg mixture and fried in canola oil. “I have had a lot of compliments on the chicken, especially in regards to the juiciness. The double brining creates a unique flavor that you don’t get everywhere,” said Taft. “We go through about 150 to 200 pounds of breasts and about 75 to 100 pounds of drums in a week. It is our top seller as we sell over 150 orders a week for dinner.” The dinner entree comes with a breast and drumstick, “Nanny’s Favorite” mac ‘n’ cheese and “All Day” braised greens. You can also find the chicken as Kid’s Chicken Tenders, Fried Breast on the lunch Blue Plate menu and on Fried Chicken Salad. “For brunch it is on our Chicken and Biscuits breakfast plate. It will also be featured in a special Poutine on our winter menu,” Taft said.
Are you
looking to
get
away? Alpha Travel has discounted vacation packages and cruises you will love. With 28 years of experience you can trust us to take care of any travel needs. You will receive $25.00 off of packages totaling $1,000.00 or more, and $50.00 off of packages totaling $3,000.00 or more when you mention this Ad!
We also offer discounted Airline Tickets!
ALPHA TRAVEL
For All of Your Travel Needs Phone: 770-988-9982
3000 Windy Hill Rd Ste.228 Marietta, GA 30067
Fax: 770-988-9986
Visit us online! www.alpha4travel.com Email: Jeff@alpha4travel.com
28
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(28) 28
12/22/2014 1:12:38 PM
By LaTria Garnigan Photography by Shanda Crowe Twenty-four years ago brothers Danny and Larry Williamson brought their barbecue concept — Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q — to Marietta from Alabama and we’ve all been better for it. The open pit concept restaurant features a rich menu with meats cooked on the open fire daily with hickory and hardwood. Staples include baby back ribs, pulled pork and chicken. “We built our first pit in Alabama and its just the way we’ve always done,” said Danny Williamson. “Everybody can see and enjoy the smoke and people are very receptive to it.” Everything in the restaurant is homemade and the brothers stay true to the Southern style of barbecue. Danny said “it’s all nice, tender and moist.” While his favorite is either ribs with white or loaf bread or the traditional pulled pork sandwich, which he’s eaten almost every day since the restaurant opened, Danny said the customers’ pick is definitely the chopped barbecue pork day in and day out. “That’s always been No. 1,” he said. He said Boston butts are cooked for eight hours, chopped up and topped with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce. With a full menu that is sure to please anyone’s appetite, the restaurant’s spokeswoman Michelle Jehlen said customers have influenced items based on requests and what seems to be popular. They include the All You Can Eat special and healthier options like grilled salmon or chicken salads. Consistency is what Danny said keeps the customers coming back each day, along with the atmosphere. When the brothers are not at the Marietta location each day, they may be seen at their Canton and Douglasville locations or at the new 25,000-squarefoot sauce facility off Hayes Industrial, where they manufacture sauces that are sold in 1,500 stores.
Below, Manager Shannon Thomas at the Marietta location. Above, ribs, chopped barbecue and chicken.
BEST BBQ Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q 1425 Roswell Road, Marietta 770.971.3201 www.williamsonbros.com
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(29) 29
29
12/22/2014 1:14:57 PM
BY MEREDITH PRUDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANDA CROWE
BEST VOLUNTEER | Abby Schiffman Wonder Woman exists, and she lives in Cobb County. Meet Abby Schiffman—wife, mother of two, licensed physical therapist assistant and, quite possibly, the most selfless person for miles around. No, she doesn’t wield the Lasso of Truth or fly an invisible jet, but she is on a mission to make the world (or at least her part of it) a better place. Schiffman volunteers at Wheeler High School in the attendance office, front office and on the soccer booster club as its three-year president. She’s also the school facilitator for the county-wide Positive Athlete program and is the chairperson for the school council. She’s given so much of herself to the school that she was named Wheeler Volunteer of the Year in 2013. But, her philanthropic efforts extend beyond the walls of the East Cobb high school (and not just across the street to East Cobb Middle where she helps with the PTA and volunteers at the library). She’s also on the Board of Trustees for the Cobb County Library System, has been involved in the state PTA legislative committee for years and has more previous volunteer experience than can be counted on two hands. So, why does she do it? “I consider myself a child advocate, and I’ve always rooted for the underdog,” Schiffman said. “Somebody has to be there to give them that boost, but I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it for the love of what I’m doing.”
Jim Glover Group, Inc. If you are selling your home, I am dedicated to using every possible marketing tool needed to get your home sold. My goal is to provide my clients with a superior level of service and resources to make informed decisions with your real estate purchases. As a Cobb native, my network and knowledge of the metro Atlanta area proves beneficial in purchase and sales transactions. As a member of The Luxury Home Marketing Institute, I am constantly networking with area agents and affiliates. • Fifteen Years Experience • Coauthor, Marietta 1833-2000 • Sixth-generation Mariettan • Cofounder, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
Office: 404.974.4420 | www.atlantafinehomes.com 3290 Northside Parkway NW | Suite 200 | 404.835.9600 © MMX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Street in Saintes-Maries, Van Gogh, used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
30
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(30) 30
12/22/2014 1:19:05 PM
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(31) 31
31
12/22/2014 12:49:26 PM
From left, Andy Gaines, Facilities and Events Director, General Manager Cassi Costoulas and Catherine Moulton, Production Manager. Photo by Mark Wallace Maguire
CLJANFEB2015_(32) 32
12/21/2014 11:34:30 PM
BEST PLACE TO WATCH A PLAY Earl Smith Strand Theatre 117 North Park Square, Marietta 770.293.0080 http://earlsmithstrand.org BY STACEY L. EVANS
Since it’s reopening in 2008, the Earl Smith Strand Theatre has once again become a distinctive part of Cobb County. The historic landmark originally opened in 1935 as a movie theater, and closed its doors in 1976. In 2002, community leaders explored the possibility of reopening, and have since shaped the theatre to become a vital part of the community. “There’s a lot of wistful imagination about the Strand because it has so many memories for some of the longterm residents,” said Cassi Costoulas, general manager of The Strand. As funds were being raised to reopen it, “people daydreamed about everything it could be,” said Costoulas. In addition to live theatre and movies, the Strand has had a wide range of talent on its stage, and even serves as a venue for weddings and other events. “I think that the board and staff have done a good job of trying to make it a little bit of everything for everyone,” said Costoulas. “I like that the Strand gives a home to arts lovers and a place where they can see a variety of different things. It’s your hometown theatre that’s bringing you not just shows, but also movies and concerts and a place to socialize as well.” No matter what’s on stage, the Strand offers an experience. “The Strand is an investment by the community,” said Costoulas. “It’s something that the community wanted and the reason why it is a success is because the community continues to support it. The community
members are almost stakeholders in the Strand. It is seen as the anchor of the Marietta Square, it’s a beautiful place to visit — it just makes for a nice night out to come see a show here and have dinner on the Square before or after.”
What’s upcoming in 2015 at The Strand? Expect to see more national theater groups and acts, as well as more of the old movies, silent films and concerts that residents love. The Strand will also host workshops with professionals in a variety of subjects such as hip hop, improv, stage combat or Shakespeare. The Lumiere lounge piano bar will continue on Friday and Saturday nights throughout winter. Next to hit the stage: Menopause the Musical, January 13 to 18 Ballet Boot Camp: A two-week boot camp using the fundamentals of ballet to whip you into shape. Runs every day January 12 to 24 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. with a resting ‘off’ day Jan 18. Adults only (18+)
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(32) 33
33
12/22/2014 1:20:22 PM
BEST HOME DECOR Fabric & Fringe Warehouse 2440 Canton Rd., Marietta, GA 30066 770.794.8106 www.fabricsandfringe.com
34
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(34) 34
Marty Williamson was touring Georgia mills with his father when manufacturing was still big business in the Peach State, so it’s safe to say textiles are in his blood. In 1997, Williamson segued a lifetime of industry knowledge into Fabric & Fringe Warehouse. The Marietta home decor store stocks virtually every kind and style of fabric, trim and fringe for drapery, upholstery, bedding, sheers and even outdoor pieces, as well as other accoutrements, such as Made in the USA fiber pillows and the largest selection of drapery hardware around. With Williamson at the helm, they do it all in a good natured, helpful and laid back way that appeals to homeowners, decorators, builders, large corporations and even smaller home decor store owners too. “We have a huge selection that is generally priced 25 percent below the competition,” Williamson said. “And we always have a flow of new goods and fresh merchandise. We do this so we can appeal to everyone — trendy, whimsical, traditional or contemporary.” Williamson prides himself on stocking the best selection of decorative fabrics and fringe at the best price, which is what attracts people of all ages to the Canton Road storefront. Once surrounded by all the handpicked fabrics inside the well-organized, color coded showroom, it’s easy to see why everyone from DIYers to professional interior designers keep coming back for more! By Meredith Pruden Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
12/21/2014 11:54:55 PM
From left, Ashley McClanahan of Marietta, Marty C. Williamson of Marietta and Alma Aleman of Marietta.
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(35) 35
35
12/21/2014 11:58:15 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(36) 36
12/21/2014 11:51:05 PM
By Meredith Pruden Photography by Shanda Crowe and courtesy of Marco Bogazzi
MARCO BOGAZZI Voted Cobb’s Best Artist
CLJANFEB2015_(36) 37
12/21/2014 11:52:07 PM
Above, table and chairs by Bogazzi. Above left, Bogazzi at work in his home studio.
38
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(38) 38
12/22/2014 12:01:10 AM
Bogazzi busy in his east Cobb workshop. Right, Bogazzi at a table he made in his home.
BEST ARTIST Marco Bogazzi 770.733.4105 www.bogazzi.com
Industrial designer by trade and artist by passion, Marietta resident Marco Bogazzi is a self-taught woodworker whose solid wood tables, chairs and smaller pieces have garnered him accolades and attention on a global scale. His work has appeared in resorts, restaurants and countless people’s homes from metro Atlanta to the Republic of Panama, and locals can find his bespoke pieces at Atlanta Made off Howell Mill Road downtown. “My mission as a designer is to design experiences that enrich our connection to Earth, water, fire and air,” Bogazzi said. “I just love the sculptural possibilities. They create their own little microenvironment. Anything can happen around a dining table.” Although Bogazzi, who is a husband and father of three, prefers teak chairs and their accompanying tables, his work spans many media and functions in the lifestyle products category—so long as they “improve someone’s space” and have the kind of longevity that will make them beloved family heirlooms for years to come. “This is why I stay away from laminates, plywood and MDF,” he said. “I want you to sense the material comes from nature and, if it gets dented or scratched, refinish it rather than throw it out.” Bogazzi’s hand-carved, custom wood pieces are available for viewing on his web site at www. bogazzi.com. He’s open to modifications of some pieces and will also create work in his signature style to fit your space.
CLJANFEB2015_(39) 39
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
39
12/22/2014 11:18:32 AM
BEST BIKE SHOP Free-Flite Bicycles 2949 Canton Road, Marietta 770.422.5237 East Cobb: 4177 Roswell Road 770.977.9696 www.freeflite.com
When Cobb’s cycling enthusiasts need new gear, a tune-up or advice, they head to one of Free-Flite Bicycle’s locations. Established in 1978 by Dan Thornton, the company puts an emphasis on customer service. As Cobb Life’s Best Bike Shop winner for the second year in a row, it’s evident that commitment to quality customer service is what has made the retailer a success. Free-Flite’s involvement in the cycling world extends beyond their
showroom of bicycles and cycling gear. The company has been a sponsor of the North Atlanta Racing Club since 1983 and also sponsors three factory-backed regional mountain bike teams. In addition, staff members coordinate weekly community rides and other events, and offer classes on bike repair, including a free general maintenance one the first Saturday of each month. The Marietta location also rents bikes for daily use. By Stacey L. Evans
FOOT & ANKLE
SPECIALISTS
• Podiatric & Diabetic Clinic • Physical Therapy Department Dr. Glyn E. Lewis Dr. Trevor R. Beach Dr. Matthew G. Butler Physical Therapist
• Corrective Surgery for Bunions and other Foot Deformities • Sports Injuries
Marietta Podiatry Group
165 Vann Street | Marietta, GA 770-422-9856 www.mariettapodiatrygroup.com
40
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(40) 40
12/22/2014 1:25:23 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(41) 41
12/22/2014 12:09:53 AM
Cheers CHEQUERS By Meredith Pruden Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
to
42
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(42) 42
12/22/2014 12:08:26 AM
Left, Managing Partner Brantley Smith. The menu features a variety of seafood and steak, including a Wasabi spiced tuna tartare and an iced shellfish platter piled high with oysters, shrimp cocktail, king crab legs and lobster claws, above. Right, don’t expect bland in the service or the ambience. Here is a view of the skylight when you enter.
CLJANFEB2015_(42) 43
12/22/2014 12:08:41 AM
BEST NEW THING Chequers Seafood & Steak 401 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30062 770.977.9324 www.chequersseafood.com
44
Chequers Seafood & Steak may be new to East Cobb
but the team, headed by managing partner Brantley Smith, brought 31 years of fine dining experience along with them when they relocated from Dunwoody to the Johnson Ferry Road corridor last May and took over the space previously occupied by Houlihan’s. “East Cobb has become a great place for upscale restaurants,” Smith said. “You don’t have to cross the river to dine out anymore. People who live here want to shop and dine here too.”
Truer words were never spoken, and it’s clear from all the votes Chequers received in the Best Of ballots that its addition to the local culinary landscape is a welcome one for Cobb Life readers. With its fresh fish flown in daily, expansive wine list, handcrafted cocktails and seasonal fish specials devised by long-time head chef Jim Dinnerline, locals no longer have to make the trek in town for elevated surf and turf. The menu features high quality soups, including a velvety Maine lobster bisque, salads, chilled shellfish, top of the catch fish, steaks, seasonal sides and starters, including a Wasabi spiced tuna tartare and an iced shellfish platter piled high with oysters, shrimp cocktail, king crab legs and lobster claws — all clean, fair trade and seasonally sourced. Stop by before 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for The First Catch — an early bird three-course dinner for only $19 — and be sure to check out all the available Happy Hour specials too. Bon appétit!
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(44) 44
12/22/2014 1:25:56 PM
Photo: Hair cut, colour and style by ĂŠlon Salon.
than ou
We are honored to have been chosen
Cobb’s Best Salon Thank you to all our clients who voted.
Our promise to you: To continue to provide the highest quality products and services in an upscale atmosphere where your satisfaction is our highest priority. Make your appointment today and discover
the salon that’s all about You.
Hair Colour Specialists
facebook.com/FMPOTBMPO t www.elonsalon.com t 1JFENPOU 3E t .BSJFUUB ("
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(45) 45
45
12/22/2014 12:18:40 AM
By Joan Durbin | Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
CLJANFEB2015_(46) 46
12/22/2014 1:28:33 PM
I
t probably stands to reason that a quintessentially Southern lady, the author of two down-to-earth cookbooks, should have what our readers say is the best meat ‘n’ three in the county. Johnnie Gabriel’s excellent bakery in west Cobb has been her claim to fame for many years, but the on-site café she opened in 2007 has also become a huge draw for its daily offerings of classic Southern-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “My dishes are recreations of my mother’s and grandmother’s,” Gabriel said. There are regular menu items, but you’ll want to try some of the daily meat ‘n’ three choices on a chalkboard near the front door. On a recent visit, there was creamed corn, green beans, collards, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, fried okra and cornbread salad, which is a tasty mix of house-made cornbread, tomato, bacon, bell peppers, sweet onion and mayo. An item rarely seen on a meat ‘n’ three menu, roasted cauliflower, was also a daily veg. I was told that the kitchen roasts a lot of vegetables, including broccoli, yellow squash and onions. “We cook as many vegetables fresh as we possibly can. For instance, our collards come in fresh every morning,” Gabriel said. Always on the meat side of the menu are roast chicken, country fried steak and fried chicken. Meat loaf also is a staple, made the simple old-fashioned way with fresh Angus beef and oatmeal as the binder, with a tomato sauce kissed with brown sugar. “All you need is salt and pepper to get that good beef flavor to come out. You can gum up the works by adding too many flavors,” she said. Her salmon cakes, made with real, fresh salmon, are especially good, and her grandma’s recipe for chicken and dumplings is so popular that it always sells out.
BEST MEAT AND THREE Gabriel’s 800 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta 770.427.9007 www.gabrielsdesserts.com/savories.html
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(47) 47
47
12/22/2014 12:32:48 PM
By Meredith Pruden Photography by Shanda Crowe
Casabella owner Ann VanDevelder.
At East Cobb’s Casabella, designer, merchandiser and owner Ann VanDevelder and her team strive to create a welcoming one-stop-shop where customers can find not only unique home decor, gifts, apparel and garden accessories, but also their happy place. “I’m surrounded by beautiful things all day, and I help people make their homes beautiful,” VanDevelder said. “I’m not saving the world, but we make people happy here.” It’s no wonder then, in a city known for its attention to detail around the home and yard, that VanDevelder has enjoyed such success for more than 12 years at Casabella. The store is a behemoth at 12,000 square feet, and every inch
48
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(48) 48
12/22/2014 1:30:39 PM
BEST GARDEN ACCESSORIES Casabella 440 Roswell Rd., Ste. 129a Marietta 770.321.1708 www.casabellathehomestore.com
is packed with goodies for the home, yard and even the body, but it’s the garden accessories that, this year, seem to have caught the attention of Cobb Life readers. Come spring, Casabella stocks a wide variety of imaginative pieces for the garden, including florals, stems, statues, topiaries, wire cloches, iron wall art and furniture, lanterns and other garden art, accessories and elements. In fact, Casabella has become something of a destination for home decor and garden trimmings that bring the best of the outdoors in all year round. It’s almost spring…time to gear up for garden season!
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(49) 49
49
12/22/2014 12:39:15 AM
Owner and massage therapist Kristen Clements, owner Diane Clements and Toni McCollum.
Robert Sears and Jessica Min.
50
From left, Regina Osborne, Laura Scheer and Jennifer Klingman.
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(50) 50
12/22/2014 12:37:15 AM
By Stacey L. Evans Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
BEST SPA Spa Dreams 2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 7, Marietta 678.236.0900 www.myspadreams.com
As soon as you enter Spa Dreams, a calming aroma embraces you along with a cheerful, warm greeting from staff, and your stress already starts to melt away. After changing into a luxuriously fluffy robe, you are led down the hall — guided by soft, flickering lights — to a cozy relaxation room to await your appointment. The spa is the dream of Diane Clements and her daughter-in-law Kristin Clements, a licensed massage therapist. A self-professed spa diva, Diane wasn’t satisfied with the service she was getting at many businesses. So her husband suggested she open her own spa, and soon her dream became reality. “We wanted it to be different than anybody else,” said Diane. “We wanted it to be a resort-type look and feel, where clients could come in and feel like they were the only people here — and they could afford to be here.” Customer service is the number one priority. Many clients have felt so welcome and at home, they eventually become friends, said Diane. Affordability was important to Diane because she believes massage should be accessible to everyone. “Whatever helps the client feel good about themselves is what this is supposed to be about,” said Diane. The menu of services is enticing and extensive. In addition to typical massages, facials and nail services, the spa has an incredibly relaxing Vichy shower, one of the few in the area, and also offers medical-grade laser treatments. One of the spa’s most popular treatments is The Epicurean Signature facial, which utilizes Epicurean’s cinnamon 5% to 10% hot peel, plus two firming enzyme masques, which are often referred to as ‘botox
CLJANFEB2015_(50) 51
in a bottle.’ The spa even has a Reiki specialist on staff; the 30 minute session for $35 is perfect for anyone curious about trying the specialty massage. But what really sets Spa Dreams apart is the hospitality in customer service, and the affordable prices. Spa Dreams offers high-quality, exceptional service well under market prices for spas of their caliber. And although their prices are already low, they regularly offer monthly specials, such as a recent one in December for a 60-minute Swedish massage for $39. After your treatment, you can order in a meal from Cafe 33, which is in the same shopping center and owned by Kristen’s husband and Diane’s son Shane. The staff will deliver the meal to a relaxation room for you to enjoy.
12/22/2014 1:32:12 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(52) 52
12/22/2014 12:37:05 AM
By Meredith Pruden >>> Photography by Roberto Verdaguer
James Wampler of Eleanor’s at Muss & Turner’s in Vinings is a professional babysitter, part-time psychologist, temporary pharmacist with limited stock, intoxicologist, impromptu standup comedian and barkeep, but don’t dare call him a master mixologist. He is, in point of fact, that too, but he views the cliché phrase like the good guys view Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise — that which shall not be named. Wampler, who has been bartending for nine years, came to Eleanor’s a little more than a year ago, and he makes one mean cocktail. The key to his tasty libations lies in high quality, real ingredients, real juices, no corn syrup, and a little thing called perfect balance. “I’m drawn to the cocktail because it’s an accomplishment to create something that’s freaking tasty,” he said. “It’s consistently a new challenge, and that’s fun. Sometimes, you beat your head against the wall and nothing tastes good, but it’s always in the back of your head.” At Eleanor’s, each member of the bar staff contributes to the seasonal handcrafted cocktail menu to consistently delight even the most loyal regular customers every time they step inside that walk-in freezer door at the back of Muss & Turner’s. You’ll taste the imagination in every sip, and Wampler and the rest of the team will definitely have you coming back for more with their good-natured personalities and, of course, their signature drinks. Salut!
BEST BARTENDER James Wampler of Eleanor’s at Muss & Turner’s 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Ste. 309, Smyrna, GA 30080 770.434.1114 www.mussandturners.com
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(53) 53
53
12/22/2014 12:35:32 AM
SPADREAMS DAY SPA CLIENTS VOTED BEST DAY SPA IN COBB COUNTY We have the best clients in the world and they deserve nothing but the best from us! For SpaDreams clients who voted for us thank you so very much, for those who are not our clients WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR come see us! NO membership required GREAT monthly specials and most of all people who care about you. Kristen and Diane Clements and the SpaDreams Staff 2595 Sandy Plains Rd Ste 7 Marietta, GA 30066 678-236-0900 www.myspadreams.com
BEST GIFT SHOP Rustique 2427 Canton Rd., Marietta, GA 30066 770.429.5574 www.rustiqueonline.com By Meredith Pruden | Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
If you can’t find a gift for that special someone in Rustique’s 30,000 square feet of space (not counting the discounted inventory showroom right next door where the main store was originally housed), the perfect gift may not exist at all. Located along the Canton Road connector in Marietta, Rustique has been wowing locals, and even visitors from a few states away, for 15 years. Designer Larry Carr said the owner, Tony Little, travels all over the world to attend auctions and seek out unique items for the store. Once he’s found a jewel, he direct imports it to ensure a constantly changing inventory. In addition to its eclectic home decor and garden accessories, Rustique also has its own iron collection and creates custom wooden table tops, but it is the unique gift ideas that keep people coming in again and again to pick up “fun stuff for parties, weddings and birthdays.” From iron wall hooks, lamps and vases to antique books, decorative table pieces and wall sconces, Rustique seems to have something for everybody and every budget. One of their most popular gift items are their bar pieces, including serving trays, mouth-blown glass bottle stoppers and more. Gift giving has never been easier!
54
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(54) 54
12/22/2014 12:35:25 AM
BEST BAND/MUSICIAN Dustin Barclay www.dustinbarclay.com By Michael J. Pallerino
What kind of show should you expect from Dustin Barclay is always the hardest question for the Marietta singer/songwriter to answer. The answer, based on fan feedback, is a show that features a bigger sound and energy than you’d expect from one man and an acoustic guitar. Or, you could take the words of fellow Marietta entertainer Cassi Costoulas, who once posted in the Marietta Daily Journal: “This guy sings like Freddie Mercury and Jeff Buckley had a baby and raised it on cornbread and whiskey from the bottle.” Southern born and Georgia raised, Barclay toiled around in local bands like Here Comes the Metric System and Waving at Strangers, and toured overseas before setting out on his own. Along the way, he built a treasure trove of life stories, including a trip to Georgetown,
Ohio that ended up inspiring his first solo record – “Memories of Georgetown.” The very personal solo record offers, what Barclay said, the highs, lows and brutal truths of life that we all must face. “Georgetown is not only a complete step to the left of any style I’d previously recorded, but was also a theme album and the first thing I’d ever produced,” Barclay said. “Needless to say, by the time I was done, I was spent in every sense of the word.” By day, Barclay is a loan processor for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a job he thoroughly enjoys. In the musical parts of his day, he is committed to making the follow up to Georgetown. “I’ve been spending a lot of time writing and working on deciding which songs to focus on for my next album. I’ve finally rounded out the idea of where my next album is going though and I am really excited to start working with my drummer on the pre-production of it.”
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(55) 55
55
12/22/2014 11:23:48 AM
Open Houses from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. January 13th, & February 3rd
BEST OLD THING Acworth Beach 4425 Beach St. NW, Acworth 770.917.1234 www.acworth.com
BY MEREDITH PRUDEN
GRACEPOINT is a Christian School specializing in serving students with dyslexia in grades 1-8.
GRACEPOINT School 2005 Stilesboro Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 RSVP: 678-709-6634
56
It’s no surprise Cobb Life readers voted Acworth Beach the 2014 “best old thing” in Cobb because outdoor activities don’t get much more classically Southern than this. Whether it’s an afternoon swim, Fourth of July fireworks, some fishing or paddle boarding, Acworth Beach has long been an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Completed in the 1950s, with the construction of a new 1500-foot dam separating it from Lake Allatoona, this 260-acre man made swimming hole was quickly claimed as a popular tourist attraction by locals who wanted to soak up the sun close to home. Today, visitors come from miles around to relax on the public white sand beach or get in some playtime with the little ones at neighboring Cauble Park. Acworth Beach and Cauble Park offer basketball, volleyball, fishing (there are 18 species of fish in Lake Acworth), grills, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, gazebos and a bath house with showers. There’s even a boat ramp, boardwalk and concert arena that will have you thinking you’re at a much bigger body of water. The park is open year round, and the beach is open for swimming from dawn until dusk between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is no lifeguard on duty and no charge for swimming, but there is a $10 parking charge per vehicle for non-Acworth residents on weekends. A small price to pay for some quality family time!
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(56) 56
12/22/2014 6:53:07 AM
BEST GOLF COURSE Marietta Country Club 1400 Marietta Country Club Dr., Kennesaw 770.426.1808 www.mariettacountryclub.org By Meredith Pruden Photography by Roberto Verdaguer For locals looking to hit the links, and maybe relax at the 19th hole, there is nowhere more challenging or scenic than the Marietta Country Club. Designed by globally acclaimed course architect Robert Cupp nearly a century ago, the 27-hole private member-owned golf course winds through the expansive 180-acre country club grounds and incorporates historic Civil War bunkers and trenches into its beautiful yet functional design. The golf club staffs a team of instructors and PGA professionals who offer private and group classes to get your swing up to snuff, including PGA Assistant Professional and fully qualified British PGA member Graham Thatcher and Director of Golf and former member of the 1983 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team Stephen Keppler.
If lessons aren’t your speed, you also can join one of the men’s, women’s or senior’s associations, junior’s program or any of the related tournaments held regularly throughout the year. In addition to the course itself, the country club also offers a practice range, putting green and a fully stocked shop where you can pick up any number of golf accessories from balls, bags and clubs to a variety of apparel, including shoes, sunglasses, hats and clothes by top golf manufacturers. It’s time to tee off at Marietta Country Club!
Jim Boone and Bill Cooper of Marietta take a break from the course, pictured above.
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(57) 57
57
12/22/2014 6:44:19 AM
By Stacey L. Evans Photography by Mark Wallace Maguire
58
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(58) 58
12/22/2014 12:54:32 PM
hy lon one op in the
From left, Flonnie Westbrook, Acacia Cronic and DeeDee Hightower.
BEST SALON: élon Salon 695 Piedmont Road, Marietta 770.427.8698; elonsalon.com
With over 50 years of experience in the salon business, Don and Flonnie Westbrook are industry leaders. The owners of élon salon in Marietta have amassed numerous awards, been featured in dozens of hairstyle magazines, and are frequently invited to give lectures on their techniques and business acumen. The Westbrooks have even developed their own hair coloring technique, as well as a haircare product line. That expertise is why élon salon is this year’s pick for Best Salon. The Westbrooks ensure each of their stylists have the knowledge to provide top-notch haircare, and that commitment to providing the best quality guarantees clients will walk out looking and feeling fabulous. New hires at the salon spend 18 months training as assistants before they get their own chair. The diligent training continues for all employees, currently about 50, with weekly meetings. The entire staff is also treated to an annual educational trip. “We’ve been to London, Paris, Hawaii, Italy, New York, on a Mediterranean cruise,” said Acacia, stylist and granddaughter of Flonnie and Don. “On the trips we bring in customer service educators, motivational speakers or technical service providers. The trips make us more united, and we learn too.” But it’s not just all training and hard work at the Marietta beauty parlor. The Westbrooks foster a familial atmosphere among their staff. “Everyone is really close and gets along, so it’s like coming to work with your friends every day. And the clients — you look forward to seeing them every four to six weeks because you build relationships with them too,” said Acacia. And although Flonnie is passionate about the styling and business side of the industry, what she loves most about her work is the people. She speaks about her salon and employees like an adoring mother. “It’s different every day because of the different personalities of people. I love seeing the young people come in and make a productive living, and I love to see the changes in styles. We don’t get stale,” she said. That camaraderie carries over into the customer service and relationships they build with patrons. Several residents have been clients of Don and Flonnie for almost 50 years, and élon Salon gives back to their loyal community in various ways, including the annual Cut-aThon, which raises funds for It’s A Journey, a charitable organization that produces the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.
CLJANFEB2015_(59) 59
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
59
12/22/2014 1:34:13 PM
BEST DESSERT Vespuccis 4805 Canton Road Suite 100, Marietta 770.928.1212 www.vespuccispizza.com BY LATRIA GARNIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANDA CROWE
In just four short years, the Marietta location of Vespuccis has made quite a name for itself to local customers — mostly by word of mouth, according to General Manager Ray Atlaschi. The Italian restaurant boasts a full menu of entrees and appetizers, but perhaps the dessert menu is its hidden gem. With offerings such as a Sea Salt Caramel Cake, Mama Mia’s Cheese Cake, “Pick Me Up” Tiramisu and more, Atlaschi said he recommends customers always save room for the delectable desserts made in-house by Chef Jose DeJesus. Right, tiramisu-filled zeppole. Bottom left, Italian Cream (AKA Limoncello), Maple Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Caramel Sea Salt Cake and Chocolate Mouse Layer Cake. Bottom right, Cannolis with chocolate chips and ricotta.
CLJANFEB2015_(60) 60
12/22/2014 1:36:40 PM
Vespucci’s Owner Ray Atlaschi, above left, and Chef Jose DeJesus, right.
“The biggest thing for us is we use the finest ingredients,” said Atlaschi. “We hand pick the best from every company and of course we make everything in house — all sauces, dressings, desserts, dough, pizza…everything.” With the large selection of dessert at Vespuccis, there is sure to be something for everyone. Atlaschi’s personal favorite is the tiramisu, and the Cannoli Siciliani is a customer top pick. The restaurant offers a Napolitano Trio — personal cheesecake, peanut butter cream pie, key lime pie or fudge cake — for those who can’t choose just one dessert, or for parties who like to share.
Each Wednesday, DeJesus offers a special dessert to go along with a new entrée and appetizer for the week. He determines what to offer by the tastes customers enjoy most and also by the season. The restaurant recently offered a Maple Pecan Layered Cake and a Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Apple Sauce during Thanksgiving. “We try to show that it’s more than your normal desserts and that you don’t have to be in a five-star restaurant to get a great dessert,” said DeJesus. For those who like to pair meals with wine,
Vespuccis offers a monthly Wine and Dine, which features an intimate four course dinner with no more than 24 people. Registration is required and the next event will be Jan. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. Customers will learn more about the entrée and desserts and also receive a lesson on the selected wines.
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(61) 61
61
12/22/2014 7:04:48 AM
BEST FESTIVAL Marietta Zombie Walk http://MariettaZombieWalk.org The zombies are everywhere – and the infestation is growing. Every October for the past four years, Marietta has played host to an “undead” horde of, would you believe it, local residents, committed to wandering the streets in and around the city’s Historic Square to raise money for the “living” (their words, not ours). The Zombie Walk, sponsored by the Carnival of Doom, helps raise money for the MUST Ministries food pantry. This year, the horde brought in 14 barrels of food and a little under $1,000 in cash donations. Plans next year include evolving into a 501(c)3 non-profit, said head zombie and Carnival of Doom honcho Gary Hasty, who by day is director of strategy and innovation at AT&T. “People are looking for a creative outlet that the whole family can participate, while also being able to help those less fortunate,” he said. “Hopefully, people are starting to anticipate the unexpected.” This year, an eclectic band of 1,000 strong depicting everything from classic gory zombies to a growing throng of zombie hunters, drudged through the streets before and after the Harvest Square Arts & Crafts Festival, eventually ending up at Glover Park for some post festival zombie-like activities. Fans (living and undead) can help fund the movement for as little as $1 by visiting http://MariettaZombieWalk.org/donate. And if you want to connect with the zombies, you can follow the horde on Facebook at http://facebook.com/MariettaZombieWalk, or on Twitter @MariettaZombies and @CarnivalOfDoom. For more information, email info@MariettaZombieWalk.org. -By Michael J. Pallerino
62
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(62) 62
12/22/2014 7:02:55 AM
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(63) 63
63
12/22/2014 12:55:58 PM
Above, mementos from the occasion and port-related events past. Opposite page, Michael Venezia with his sponsor Pedro Branco of Quinta do Portal. The induction ceremony took place in Boston.
CLJANFEB2015_(64) 64
12/22/2014 7:00:47 AM
e on th
E WIN D ROA
By Michael Venezia /// Photography by Shanda Crowe
Our wine guru gets inducted into a very important society. Here is the story Dr. Samuel Johnson, one of the most important men of letters in British history, exclaimed in the mid-18th Century, “Claret is the liquor for boys, port for men.� On the evening of November 13, 2014, I became a man! I was inducted into the Confraria do Vinho do Porto, an illustrious brotherhood of individuals who have demonstrated fidelity to this most famous of fortified wines. It is a distinct honor bestowed on very few members of the wine trade. Since the 17th century, the English, Dutch and Spanish have transported barrels of Duoro wines in their ships for destinations far and wide. Originally the practice of fortification, the blending of wine with brandy, enabled the port wine to withstand the oftentimes long sea voyages. For almost 400 years this unique wine blend has been produced from grapes grown on vineyard farms called quintas.
CLJANFEB2015_(64) 65
12/22/2014 7:00:53 AM
The vines are perched on steep hillside terraces literally carved out of the harsh landscape whose geology is comprised of thinly layered schist and ancient rocks. Through the torrid heat of the summer and the numbing cold of the winter the River Douro carves its path through this remote region and snakes its way from the Spanish border to the Atlantic Ocean. The wines speak of the place and the place speaks through the wine. The Confraria was established to recognize individuals who have carried the message of Porto to their clients and friends. We were all nominated due to our dedication and service to the port wine industry. Grand Chancellor George Sandeman, a direct descendant of the famed House of Sandeman, and the honorable Cup Bearer, David Fonseca Guimaraens, winemaker of Fonseca and Taylors, presided over the evening’s celebration. The ceremony and dinner was held in the historic Parker House Hotel. Established in 1855, it is the oldest continually operating hotel in America. Sitting at the foot of Beacon Hill, the hotel is steeped in history. In the 19th century, the hotel hosted such dignitaries as Charles Dickens, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. It served as a frequent destination for the Kennedy clan, especially Jack and Teddy, who enjoyed its discreet hospitality. In 1953, the future president JFK had his bachelor party in the privacy of the exclusive Press Room. I am certain that adult beverages were consumed that evening, perhaps even vintage port. It was thrilling to continue the great tradition of celebration at this landmark property. With great pomp and circumstance, marching to the sound of trumpets and mandolins, the ambassadors of the Confraria, in their wide brimmed black felt hats, long black silk sashes and flowing robes, escorted us into the salon. The ceremony began with a welcome address and each inductee was summoned by his sponsor and welcomed to the stage to swear the oath of fidelity to the great wines of Porto. A green and red ribbon festooned with a silver tasting cup was placed over our heads, and after signing the official register of the Confraria we were formally welcomed into this honored society. When all were inducted, Senior Guimareans offered a toast with a youthful 2011 vintage produced by the Confraria. This served as a lasting symbol of the continuity and future of port wine. The dinner which followed was accompanied by a selection of still white and red wines produced by our Douro Ambassadors. Animated conversations, stories of the Douro, a discussion of recent vintages and a tasting of representative wine were served throughout the meal. A delicious vintage 2003 Quinta do Portal was just beginning to reveal its potential for future enjoyment. Tasting a port wine after its first decade will give you a glimpse of its future potential evolution. Its dark ruby color, concentrated black fruit aroma with hints of licorice and exotic pepper spice indicated a long and happy life. It was magnificent with chocolate mousse cake.
66
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(66) 66
12/22/2014 12:31:37 PM
The highlight of the night’s tasting occurred when David Guimareans offered a very rare 1964 Taylor Single Harvest Port. Founded in 1692, Taylor’s holds vast reserves of old cask port aged to maturity in seasoned oak casks. After five decades, the wine possessed a pale mahogany color, with golden amber highlights. Its complex and concentrated spicy flavors were layered over rich butterscotch and maple. The longer the wine evolves in cask, the less ruby it remains and the tawny color with its dried fruit flavors and spicy overtones become dominant. The flavor lingered on my palate for several minutes. To taste a wine produced when I was fourteen years old was a rare opportunity to go back in time and grasp a few moments from the past. If you have a desire to taste a wine with history, pedigree, elegance and refinement, I suggest you sail into Port.
What is Vintage Port? Vintage port is a wine produced from a single harvest in a year of extremely favorable conditions resulting in exceptionally fine wine. Each individual port producer will declare a “vintage” based on their evaluation and submit samples to the Port Wine Institute for authorization. These age-worthy wines mature slowly for decades and will exhibit complex aromas and exquisite tastes. Often the wine will deposit in the bottle a sediment which will require proper decanting. January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(67) 67
67
12/22/2014 1:37:32 PM
s
MART SPORTS GEAR
By Ron Harris, Associated Press
Advances in technology present sports enthusiasts with plenty of options to train better and smarter. High-level gear and biometric-analysis software are no longer limited to elite professional athletes. The weekender can now use some tech-savvy approaches to get better, perhaps, at a multitude of sports. Practice makes perfect, but technology can make practice better:
CLJANFEB2015_(68) 68
12/22/2014 7:07:50 AM
Hexoskin shirt ($400): I felt like Batman in his form-fitting bat suit. It’s a snug, black sleeveless shirt with a brain. Two bandage-width strips containing sewn-in sensors run across the chest and abdomen areas. They were held tight against my body by adjustable straps. A rechargeable pack about the size of a mint tin fits nicely near my waist. Once I started working out, the weirdness subsided and the hard work and perspiration took over. The shirt communicated wirelessly with a phone app to give me real-time feedback about my breathing, heart rate, running cadence and calories burned. What did I learn? Well, I need to run more to get in better shape, lower my heart rate and smooth out my breathing. All of these things are connected in exercise. Hexoskin did an excellent job illustrating that with smart on-screen graphics. Once I remembered to record my sessions, it stored all that data so I could measure improvements. www.hexoskin.com
Babolat Play Pure Drive tennis racket ($400): This tennis racket logged every shot I hit, in or out, over multiple practice and competitive sessions. Sensors are integrated into the frame. Through a companion phone app, the racket told me a lot, including things I’ll need to build on if I hope to get better. After nearly a half-hour against a ball machine, I hit 191 shots: 106 backhands, 67 forehands, 15 serves and three overheads that were probably out of bounds. But those numbers mean nothing without the underlying metrics the racket also measured. Hitting a tennis ball with topspin allows you to swing harder, but keep the ball in the court. Even though I thought I hit nearly everything with a fair amount of topspin, the racket stats told me otherwise. Of those 106 backhands, only 18 registered as being hit with topspin. Thirty weighed in as slice backhands, and 58 were flat strikes. The on-screen statistics were primarily displayed with numbers and percentages, though the “impact locator” gave a graphical representation of a racket and showed the location of my off-center hits. This was helpful and gave me valuable information for future hitting sessions. The data from the Babolat Play Pure Drive could be useful for mid-level to advanced players. The best part is that Babolat put the smarts into one of the best-selling rackets available, and not some odd outlier model that nobody uses. www.babolat.us
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(69) 69
69
12/22/2014 7:14:01 AM
94Fifty basketball ($250): This smart basketball is primarily designed to help you develop better mechanics and fundamental hoops skills. It won’t tell you, though, whether you made the shot. Arc and rotation are the primary metrics the ball calculates. After stretching and dribbling around, I began a pretty lengthy shoot-around session at a local court. When I launched the companion app, I took the option of setting my desired shooting range at 15 feet. That’s how far away the free-throw line is, and anything beyond that was going to nibble away at my confidence and cause me to miss more. During one session, I took 26 shots from that range. The ball and app told me that the arc was too low on 14 of those shots and too high on another four. I made a few adjustments to my style and got more shots in during the next session later that day. But it’s hard to tell whether the advice from the app helped me make more shots or whether I was just getting warmed up. Still, the technological heft of the ball is for real, and it can measure dribble power, the number of consecutive dribbles and the amount of backspin on my shots. www.94fifty.com
70
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(70) 70
12/22/2014 7:07:37 AM
(From StatePoint) Cool temperatures, low humidity, and furnaceblasted dry air can leave your skin dry, flaky, and itchy. Everyone needs to protect his or her skin from drying out in winter, but if you have certain skin conditions, you should step up your routine to keep your skin healthy. “Winter itch is a common name for the skin symptom of generalized itching in winter. While most commonly seen in the elderly and those with a history of asthma, allergies and eczema, anyone can experience winter itch,” says Dr. Vishakha Gigler, a board certified dermatologist. With that in mind, here are a few steps everyone can take to prevent and relieve dry itchy skin in wintry weather:
(c) Maridav - Fotolia.com
Healthy Winter Skin Care Tips
n Avoid irritants. Try to avoid products that can irritate your skin, such as fragrance, dryer sheets, and fabric softeners. Use a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and wear soft fabrics such as cotton. n Add humidity to your home and office. Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture into the air that will be absorbed naturally by your skin and hair. n Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen may make you think of the beach, but it’s important in winter, too. Apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed areas to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays before heading outdoors. Look for sunscreens with hyaluronic acid in them. n Moisturize after showering. The most important thing with regards to bathing is your follow-up routine. Pat your skin dry with a towel and then apply a thick moisturizer. Apply in the morning and at night. n Alleviate winter itch: To alleviate itch safely and effectively, toss a topical treatment into your bag for the day. A topical non steroid-based treatment providing fast itch relief is best, and will help you avoid side effects like skin thinning, stretch marks, increased bruising and enlarged blood vessels. For example, TriCalm is a steroid free, fast acting itch relief gel that is five times more effective than steroid-based hydrocortisone 1% at reducing itch. More information can be found at www.tricalm.com. January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(71) 71
71
12/22/2014 7:18:45 AM
Do you have an event? Just email Therra C. Gwyn at WhatsHappeningGa@gmail.com
A closer look at events happening in Cobb
ighlights VON GREY WITH KSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA >>> Atlanta-based alternative rock/electronic/folk band Von Grey presents the world premiere of newly commissioned arrangements of their music featuring orchestral accompaniment from the Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. When and where: Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.; Bailey Performing Center, Kennesaw State University. Tickets: $15 - $55 at ticketalternative.com More info: 470.578.6252 or www.kennesaw.edu HELEN KIM AND SAKIKO OHASHI>>> Faculty recital featuring Helen Kim, associate professor of violin and Sakiko Ohashi, piano. When and where: Jan. 12 at 8 p.m.; Bailey Performing Center, Kennesaw State University. Tickets: FREE. More info: 470.578.6252 or www.kennesaw.edu
KENNESAW BOOK/CD/DVD SWAP>>> Recycle and receive. Drop off gently used hardcover or paperback books, music CDs and DVD movies on Thursday and Friday, and receive a ticket redeemable for the same number of items during “open swap” time on Saturday. Books must have both covers intact and be in good condition. DVDs and CDs must be in their original cases and fully operable. No magazines, software, record albums, VHS or cassette tapes, adult content, or any unauthorized or illegal material. All items remaining after the swap will be donated to a local charity. No items available for purchase during this free media swap. When and where: Drop off: Jan. 8 and 9: noon - 8 p.m.; Swap: Jan. 10: 8 - 11 a.m. at Ben Robertson Community Center, Kennesaw Tickets: FREE EVENT. More info: 770.422.9714
Milestones CELEBRATING Engagements • Weddings • Anniversaries COLE~McTISH Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Douglas Cole of Marietta announce the marriage of their daughter Anna Jeanne Cole to Ryan Daniel McTish of Roswell, Georgia. Ryan is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Joseph McTish. Ryan and Anna were married on December 13, 2014 by Rev. Robert W. Brown at The Cloister Chapel in Sea Island, Georgia. They have made their home in Park City, Utah.
72
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(72) 72
12/22/2014 12:30:15 PM
ASO WITH CONDUCTOR MARIN ALSOP AND JULIAN RACHLIN, VIOLIN>>>The first female conductor of a major U.S. orchestra and one of the most lauded, Marin Alsop returns to the ASO after a long absence. She conducts an evening that will include Barber’s dramatic Second Essay and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, his sixth, the “Pathétique.” Violinist Julian Rachlin plays Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, the composer’s last commission before he returned home to Russia, homesick and ready to stop traveling. This is the second of three performances as part of the Orchestra’s extended KSU residency this season. When and where: Jan. 16 at 8 p.m.; Bailey Performing Center, Kennesaw State University. Tickets: $15 - $55 at ticketalternative.com More info: 470.578.6252 or www.kennesaw.edu MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL>>> It’s all about “the change” in this bawdy, funny musical as four women of a certain age meet at a lingerie sale and sing about night sweats and sex. Oh, and memory loss. The musical part of the play’s title is classic pop and rock tunes from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Did we mention they make musical fun of memory loss? When and where: Jan. 13 -18; 8 p.m.; 3 p.m. shows on Jan. 17 and 18; The Earl Strand Theatre on the Square, Marietta. Tickets: $29 - $49 More info: 770.293.0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org MARTINA MCBRIDE>>> The 14-time Grammy nominee and four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and is backed by an 11-piece band and a trio of back-up singers as she sings the sounds of the ’50s and ’60s from her new album, “Everlasting.” As a pop-infused country artist, McBride has sold 14 million albums in the United States. When and where: Jan. 16: 7:30 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $39.50 - $62.50 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. Also available at Cobb Energy box office Mon. - Sat. More info: 770.916.2800 or www.cobbenergycentre. com
Unique home accessories and decor. Estate and trending jewelry. One of a Kind gifts and rarely seen antiques and collectibles.
"WISHING YOU THE BEST NEW YEAR!"
1427 Roswell Road | Marietta, GA 30062 | 770-973-5600
MariettaAntiqueMall.com Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat. 10am-6pm | Thurs. 10am-8pm | Sun. 12pm-6pm
YAKOV & ALEKSANDRA KASMAN>>> Yakov and Aleksandra Kasman is a father daughter piano duo from Birmingham, Ala., specializing in “four hand” piano. When and where: Jan. 22 at 8 p.m.; Bailey Performing Center, Kennesaw State University. Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: 470.578.6252 or www.kennesaw.edu STORIES FOR A WINTER NIGHT>>> An evening of folktales from Atlanta actor and storyteller and former stand-up comic Rob Cleveland. When and where: Jan. 22-24 at 8 p.m.; Stillwell Theatre, Kennesaw State University. Tickets: $14 - $16 at ticketalternative.com More info: 470.578.6252 or www.kennesaw.edu ARTS BRIDGE – SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE>>> Based on the hit Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, and more through music this stage show has been expanded and updated for a new generation. Geared for third through eighth graders. When and where: Jan. 29: 10:15 a.m. and noon; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $9 per student More info: 770.916. 2805 or email education@cobbenergycentre.com
CLJANFEB2015_(73) 73
*New Year Furniture Clearance Sale January/February 2015 Cobb Life
73
12/22/2014 1:00:12 PM
THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES SHOW>>> Musical memories are stayin’ alive in this performance/multimedia tribute to the legendary brothers Gibb. Presented by the same company that produced “RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles”, “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience” and “PFX – The Pink Floyd Experience.” When and where: Jan. 30; 8 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $22 - $52 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. Also available at Cobb Energy box office Mon. - Sat. More info: 770. 916.2800 or www.cobb energycentre.com JAMES GREGORY: FUNNIEST MAN IN AMERICA>>> He’s still going after decades and still making ‘em laugh with good ol’ boy, down home observer persona, one who makes fun of modern parenting, environmentalists and life in the 20th and 21st century. Gregory is also well known for being a comic who “works clean” (show business speak for performers who don’t curse in their act or do “blue” material). When and where: Jan. 30; 8 p.m.: The Earl Strand Theatre on the Square, Marietta. Tickets: $28- $40 More info: 770.293.0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org
Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. Also available at Cobb Energy box office Mon. - Sat. More info: 770. 916.2800; www. cobbenergycentre.com or www.atlantaballet.com. HARRY CONNICK, JR. >>> The show will feature music from Connick’s vast musical catalog of 29 albums, for which he has won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, and garnered sales of 28 million. The two-year American Idol judge has been praised for his contributions to the show, with Variety proclaiming that Connick “brings fun back to American Idol,” and Entertainment Weekly raving that he brings a “frank honesty but also lighthearted energy” to the show, “offering thoughtful critiques” resulting in a “fun, rollicking viewing experience.” When and where: February 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $52.00 - $112.00 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. Also available at Cobb Energy box office Mon. Sat. More info: 770. 916.2800; www.cobbenergycentre.com
ATLANTA BALLET – ROMEO ET JULIETTE >>> Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette is back by popular demand. A fresh take on the well-known Shakespearean masterpiece, Roméo et Juliette envelops the audeince in the tantalizing power of young, forbidden love. Live with Atlanta Ballet Orchestra led by guest conductor Ari Pelto. When and where: Feb. 6 to 14; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $20 and up, plus fees at
Our menu offers enticing and scrumptious appetizers, salads, a variety of seafood, meat and chicken entrees, vegetarian dishes, a wide selection of pasta dishes and specialty desserts from family recipes. We are open for Lunch and Dinner.
Consider us when catering your next event!
OUR BRIDAL ISSUE DEBUTS FEB. 8 2015
What’s next?
We’ve got a great 2015 on tap with issues filled with fashion, food, travel, home and garden and profiles of interesting Cobb residents. Do you have a story idea?
How about a SCENE event you’d like us to shoot? 678.384.1169
2495 East West Connector • Suite 80 Austell, GA 30106 www.GiovannisGenuineItalian.com www.facebook.com/Giovannis-Restaurant
74
Just reach out to us at cobblifemagazine@ cobblifemagazine.com
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(74) 74
12/22/2014 7:16:51 AM
Cobb Young Professionals
SCENE
The Cobb Chamber’s Cobb Young Professionals group held its Christmas Party with an ugly Christmas sweater theme in December. The event took place at the Marriott Northwest. 1. From left, Brian Champ of Cumberland, Heather Crane of Marietta and Shane McDonald from Marietta. 2. Ryan Gramn of Marietta and Tiffany Harworth from Smyrna. 3. Mandy Burton of Marietta and Leslie O’Neal of Atlanta
1
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT VERDAGUER
2
3
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(75) 75
75
12/22/2014 1:03:24 PM
Cobb Young Professionals
SCENE
4
5
5 4. From left, Wollinsky Mendez of Duluth, Destin Vaughn of Carrolton and Marty Heller of east Cobb. 5. Bianca Shulze of Marietta with Karen Ibarra of Smyrna. 6. Lorieal Green and Ashaunda Navis, both of Smyrna.
76
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(76) 76
12/22/2014 2:04:18 PM
Vinings Rotary celebrates 25 years
SCENE
The Rotary Club of Vinings celebrated its 25th anniversary recently with a dinner party at The Georgian Club. 1. From left, Brenda Borden, Dr. Dana Henderson and Cynthia Clanton. 2. Shawn and David Bendig with their son, Max Bendig, a junior Rotarian. 3. Don and Julieann White. 4. Club president Joanne Robblee presents a Paul Harris Fellow award to Georgia Rotary Student Program international student Mark Chapman from Perth, Australia, who attends Kennesaw State University.
1
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS HENDERSON
2
3
4 January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(77) 77
77
12/22/2014 1:37:53 PM
SCENE
Vonage opening
1
2
Vonage Business Solutions held an open house to celebrate the opening of its new location in the Cumberland area. The event was also sponsored by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb County Goverment and the Technology Association of Georgia. 1. Brian Kelly
3
of Smyrna and Kyle Johnson of Canton. 2. From left, David Aparicio of Smyrna, Jason Etheridge of Johns Creek and Jason Wernick of Atlanta. 3. Dorothy Parks of Marietta and Chris Rabbu of Marietta. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM BENNETT
Yard Care Made Easy. Now Celebra ting our
82 nd Yea in Cobb County!
r
STIHL - 8000 SERVICING DEALERS NATIONWIDE
770-428-6491 COBB HARDWARE 380 Roswell St., S.E. Marietta, GA
78
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(78) 78
12/22/2014 1:04:31 PM
Vonage opening
4
SCENE
5
4. From left, Bill Thomson of Roswell, Slade Gulledge of Smyrna, Strom Mall of Atlanta and Trent Williamson of Marietta. 5. From left, Jared Morling of Acworth, Matia Reed of Suwanee, Chris Hamlett of Sandy Springs and Paul Selby of Marietta.
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(79) 79
79
12/22/2014 1:06:14 PM
SCENE
Marietta Rotary Club’s 95th anniversary
1
2
The Marietta Rotary Club’s 95th anniversary celebration was held in October. 1. From left, Mark Barbour, James Southerland and Bill Brumby. 2. Dawn McEachern, president of the club, and Russ Wood, past president. 3. Kelly Maxwell and Jennifer Nelson. 4. Dr. Clem Doxy, Mary Jo Kirk and Bill Dunaway. 5. James Eubanks and Tom McEachern. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF STANTON
3
4
80
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(80) 80
5 12/22/2014 7:24:57 AM
Marietta Rotary
SCENE
6. Brad and Jacquelyn Leskoven. 7. Jesse and Shae Evans. 8. John Knox Jr. and Dan Kirk. 9. Charles and Belinda Kilgore and Morgan McNeel.
6
7
8
9
January/February 2015 Cobb Life
CLJANFEB2015_(81) 81
81
12/22/2014 7:38:51 AM
REFLECTIONS
By Tammy DeMel
Don’t worry, it’s only time T
he ball (or in Atlanta the peach) has dropped. The celebrations and the parties are over. And it’s time to take down the Christmas lights. Ah, a New Year has begun, which means it’s time for new beginnings, which means one thing – those pesky New Year’s resolutions. I read an article on the Internet the other day that said 50% of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions. Does that surprise you? I guess I thought it would be higher. However, the same article cited a researcher who found that 88% of those resolution-making-folks fail. Unfortunately, that didn’t surprise me. I have to admit, I am one of the 50% who usually makes at least one resolution and I’m also one of the 88% who usually fail. I’ve tried just about everything to keep myself on track. One year I wrote them down and pinned them to the refrigerator and my computer at work so wherever I went I was constantly reminded of my goals. Another year I decided to only focus on one, so that I could channel all of my energy into making it a reality. And when that didn’t work I went in the other direction, making 10 resolutions, figuring it gave me better odds. But nothing worked. So this year, I took an entirely different approach and started early. I also decided that I wouldn’t call them resolutions – too much pressure – instead I’m calling them things I hope to accomplish someday soon. The idea is to remove the pressure of time. Some might call this a bucket list, but since I’ve left off climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or visiting all Seven Wonders of the World, let’s save the bucket list idea for later. It’s not a very long list just a few things that I have convinced myself will make me a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled person. The first – surprise, surprise – lose weight. I started
82
this one in October and I am happy to report that I am down 5.2 pounds – yes, I know I sound like a child who insists that they are not 7 but 7 and three-quarters but if you’ve ever tried to lose weight, you know that those are a very hard-fought point 2 pounds. The good news is that I’m close to flu weight – the weight I was last holiday season when I came down with strep and the flu – fun times. Since we’re working on weight loss, how about exercise? Yes, I know it sounds a bit cliché but once you hit 50 gravity becomes your enemy and the last thing any woman wants is that underarm jingle jangle that your grandmother had. I’ve thought about taking a page from my boss who has a standing desk but that’s just crazy. So, I’ve joined a gym and so far I’m averaging about two times a week. Okay, it’s more like once, but you have to start somewhere. Next, I want a master’s degree. I can’t really tell you why it’s just something I’ve always wanted. I actually started this one about two years ago but life got in the way. So, I’m back at it and already have one class under my belt just 13 more to go. At one class a semester, I expect this might take a few more New Year’s before I reach my goal. And finally, more than anything else I would just like to relax. I’m not talking about lying in a hammock reading a good book kind of relaxing – though that does sound good. No, I’m talking about not sweating the small stuff and having the ability to shrug things off because life is too short and as my boss likes to say, “Nothing is as good or as bad as you think it’s going to be.” So if you haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions yet and think you might want to give it a whirl, I say go for it. And don’t worry if 2016 rolls around and you haven’t accomplished what you set out to do because when it comes to resolutions, time is merely a suggestion.
Cobb Life January/February 2015
CLJANFEB2015_(82) 82
12/22/2014 7:37:41 AM
CLJANFEB2015_(83) 83
12/22/2014 1:07:03 PM
CLJANFEB2015_(84) 84
12/22/2014 7:37:07 AM
COBB LIFE
JANUARY 2015
Volume 12, Issue 1
12/22/2014 1:47:57 PM
SPINE.indd 12