August 2023

Oaks at West Cobb: Family-operated Senior Living Community Cultivates Person-centered Lifestyles.

Oaks Senior Living was created in 1998 to provide person-centered care to elders who can no longer live safely at home. The family operated executive team has been faithfully providing senior living in Georgia and South Carolina. Oaks Senior Living strives to create a vibrant, life-affirming environment where each person matters and everyone has opportunities for growth, regardless of age or abilities.

Oaks at West Cobb, an Oaks Senior Living managed community, embodies the values set in place to create the best home for your loved one. Located in Marietta, GA and only a short drive from Atlanta, Oaks at West Cobb features luxury assisted living and memory care apartments with various care service options tailored to fit your needs.

The Thriving Lifestyle of an Oaks at West Cobb Resident

At Oaks at West Cobb, each resident’s community experience is tailored to their individual needs and desires. The flow of one resident’s day may not be the same as another, being individual care needs vary per resident. Take a few moments to join the journey of a typical day in the life of an Oaks at West Cobb resident.

Many of our residents begin their day with a freshly prepared meal by our Executive Chef, with the option of having specialized meals or alternate dining choices depending on dietary need. Meals continue to be prepared for lunch and dinner; however, residents have the option to eat at any point during the day as they would in their own home due to our all-day dining service.

Residents then have the freedom of joining devotional time led by our Lifestyle Director. Spiritual, educational, physical, and social activities continue throughout the day and residents have the option of attending all that interest them. Our daily activities create freedom of choice for residents, so each day has new possibilities! Through our partnership with Parker Chase, residents can also enjoy offsite activities, engaging with young students in arts and crafts, performances, etc.

While dining and activities are fundamental parts of the Oaks Senior Living mission, person-centered care is our main priority. Each day, the resident is always the focus. Our management team works together to provide the exact care plan that you need to create the most abundant life possible. Residents will have 24-hour access to care partners with care services optimized by our professional nursing team. Partnering with EmpowerMe Wellness, residents can receive onsite physical therapy and have access to diagnostics for non-blood products creating quick turnaround times of results and treatments.

“Living here has been a pleasure. The staff and residents are very friendly, the community is beautiful, and it just feels good calling this place home.” Oaks at West Cobb Resident

Come be a part of our family!

Each part of a resident’s day is created to honor the life, desires, and needs of the resident all while providing a sense of purpose. Come take a look and see everything that is available for you and your loved one at Oaks at West Cobb.

3292 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy NW l Marietta, GA 30064

In This Issue

LIFE U

CONTENTS

Highlight

Check out the Thriving Lifestyle at the Oaks at West Cobb.......................................................................3

Talkin’ Sports

Justin takes you back to “the good old days”........11

Cover Story:

Welcome to Life University...................................15

Health & Fitness

Check out the tips from Burn Bootcamp on staying healthy and hydrated............................................17

Community Spotlight

The new school year has started and MUST ministries keeps going.........................................21

Travel Expert

Heather Meliski has some ideas for Fall Break which will be here before you know it............................23

Cobb’s Next Generation

Evie Love is back in school and wondering, what happened to summer?..........................................26

Real Estate

Now you are Under Contract but what’s next? Our Town’s own real estate expert Deborah Ratchford has the information you need..............................30

Back to School, can you believe it?

School is where you find out who you are and who YOU want to be. That is so much more important than trying to be someone else. I have three kids and I proudly (and patiently) embrace what makes them their individual best self!

I always remind my kiddos of my favorite quote from Dr. Seuss, “Why fit in, when you were born to stand out”! Let’s all keep that in mind as we navigate through this new season. xo,

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Cobb County. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2023 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Tara Hill Hanover

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Justin Hanover

DIGITAL EDITOR

Kimberly Watkins-Swenk

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

West Cobb

Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com

Smyrna/Vinings/Galleria/Cumberland

Amy Knight amy@ourtownmonthly.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Oaks at West Cobb

Ashley Beckman

Heather Meliski

Evie Love

Deborah Ratchford

OTM Staff PO Box 813610

Smyrna, GA 30081-8610

(678)337-7844

info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com

STERLING ESTATES COMMUNITIES STRONGER THAN EVER

Full Continuum of Living, IL Cottages and Apartments to AL & Memory Care, All on One 28 Acre Neighborhood Campus

LIMITED COTTAGES AVAILABLE

“What I’ve learned is that all communities talk about wellness and socialization… but they don’t have the wellness center, greenspace, programming and staffing that Sterling Estates has. No one can match what Sterling provides for their residents. My parents are thriving at Sterling Estates… Bet yours will too” - Susan S.

FB: Our Town Monthly IG: @our_town_monthly

varenita.com/westcobb

AGE IN PLACE

At Varenita, residents can “age in place” comfortably and securely. One of the main benefits of choosing Varenita of West Cobb is that residents can stay in the same community and, in many cases, the same “living area” even as their health care requirements change. This means that once you or your loved one moves into our beautiful community, it’s home. No matter how much needs to change over time.

ASSISTED LIVING

The perfect option for independent seniors who want support with daily tasks and personal care.

Varenita of West Cobb’s personalized assisted living care is designed for primarily independent seniors looking for a rich and rewarding lifestyle with an enhanced level of support. Guided by compassion and clinical expertise, our highly trained team members offer residents the gentle, individually focused support they need to flourish while retaining their independence.

Personalized Care for All Stages of Aging

ASSISTED PLUS

This specialized program is ideal for those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early memory loss. Our industry-leading transitional care program is built around an inclusive “open campus” model. It is specifically designed for residents experiencing the early symptoms of memory loss or MCI but may not require the full attention or secure environment of a traditional memory program. Residents who are appropriate for transitional care continue to reside in the Assisted Living area of the community while receiving additional support with daily activities.

MEMORY CARE

An enriching and supportive program designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Based on the latest research, Varenita’s memory care program offers a truly compassionate approach to care designed for those residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This living option combines an engaging, secure memory care neighborhood with a stimulating, person-centered lifestyle often missing from other cognitive care programs.

ON-SITE THERAPY SERVICES

Unlike many other senior living communities, Varenita offers comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for all our residents without the hassel of having to leave the community.

FIVE-STAR RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING

Varenita offers residents and their families an impressive mix of delicious cuisine and rich dining experiences. Our accomplished chef and culinary team create an ever-changing menu of delicious entrees made with organic, locally sourced ingredients across three beautiful dining venues. These include vegetarian, gluten-free, and specially designed dishes for residents with specific dietary needs. In addition, we have a registered dietitian available to help with residents’ nutritional needs.

THE VALUE OF CONNECTION

At Varenita, we offer an impressive mix of activities, classes, and events that foster engagement, stimulate the mind, and provide a rewarding sense of purpose.

• Arts & Crafts

• Daily Gardening

• Group Outings

• Move & Dance

• Animal Activities

• Cooking Classes

• Music & Song

• Live Concerts

• Exercise Classes

• Family Events

• Guest Speakers

Expert care with your child’s future in mind. A positive, caring dental experience for your child, focused on prevention. Trust your child’s oral health to a team with unparalleled experience!

As summer break draws to a close, we pray for a memorable start to the 2023 – 2024 school year. Go ‘Pack!

Schwartz Dentistry for Children is dedicated to providing expert guidance and care for young patients, helping ensure optimal oral health now and into the future.

And INTRODUCING Dr. Ross Wengrover —Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry— is happy to join the practice and bring his expertise to the office. Dr. Schwartz, Dr. Wengrover, and the entire Team are committed to guiding your child through their oral-health journey, one high-five at a time!

By Justin Hanover

The Good Old Days

Growing up and cutting my teeth in the 1980’s was a lot different than it is today. Weekends back then consisted of sports, sports and more sports. We would just go outside, whether in the street or the local school or park and play the day away. Depending upon the season would mean basketball or hockey or baseball or football among other unique games (as you’ll see below) and the length of play would directly coincide with the hours of light.

These days I just do not see kids anywhere gathering and playing like in days past. I’m sure it happens in certain pockets of town but it just seems as if everybody now does their own thing and a lot of times it consists of sitting at home and playing video games. Now, with that said, we played our share of Odyssey, Atari, Intellivision and ColecoVision but that did not stop the outside fun.

What else did we do that seems to no longer take place? How about these amazing games that can still easily be played today, but just aren’t:

STICKBALL

Stickball was probably the most popular of them all. It was so simple but yet so awesome. All you needed was a bat and a ball, usually a broom stick with tape on it for grip and a tennis ball. You could play in the driveway or the local park or school. It involved a pitcher and a hitter and the strike zone would be a box taped or chalked onto a wall.

You could play one on one or two on two or whatever you wanted. Different places would mean different rules which you just go over before the game. There are no bases to run and it’s the same three strikes, four balls and three outs as in baseball. If you catch a fly ball it’s an out and If a hit ball is fielded cleanly before the pitcher than it’s also an out.

Hitting that tree was a do-over for some and maybe in play for others. Whatever you decide beforehand goes. If you have a fence a home run would probably be over it, while maybe a triple would be hitting it on a fly and a double would be one bounce to it. Again, different rules for different “parks”.

RUNNING BASES

Why this game isn’t played more often I will never know. Kids absolutely love it and truth be told it burns a ton of calories, keeps them fit and tires them out in a major way leading to quality sleep.

You just take two bases or whatever can serve as two bases and place them at around 60 to 75 or so feet apart. Have two guys guarding the bases and throwing to each other while everybody else in the middle tries to steal as many bases as they can without getting tagged out. You can eliminate people if they get out or make it into any kind of a contest you want.

Just like stick ball above, there are different variations of how to play so just set those ground rules before-hand.

ROOF BALL

Exactly as it sounds. Grab a ball, could be a tennis ball, could even be a football, could be whatever. You throw it up on the roof and the next guy needs to catch it. If it drops, he can be eliminated or just lose a point, depending upon the rules at hand. You can play with any amount of people. But please be careful!

WALL BALL

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. You need a ball and a wall. That’s it. It can be a tennis ball or a dodge ball or any type of round normal bouncing ball.

The first player throws it against the wall. The throw must always hit the wall without bouncing. Then the thrower or any other player tries to catch the ball on one bounce. If they grab it cleanly, they then throw the ball. If they drop it or throw it and it doesn’t hit the wall on a fly they then need to run to the wall before somebody else picks up the ball and hits the wall. There are different variations as to what happens now with some involving outs and some involving backside pain (if you know you know).

The lost art of outdoor weekends, wow, do I miss it!

Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone, 680 The Fan and the Atlanta Falcons. He has also done play-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children.

Life University: 50 Years of Empowering Vitalistic Higher Education

ife University, nestled in Marietta, has been a beacon of education and vitalistic health for nearly half a century. Dr. Rob Scott, President of Life University, has dedicated his career to empowering individuals through education and fostering a deeper understanding of health. As the institution approaches the 50th anniversary of its founding, let’s reflect on Life U’s remarkable journey and the exciting prospects that lie ahead.

Life University was established in 1974 by a group of chiropractors who shared a common focus on servant leadership. Initially, it began as a small chiropractic college, but over the years, it has evolved into the world’s largest single-campus chiropractic program. “Nearly 1,700 students are enrolled in our flagship Doctor of Chiropractic program, which is complemented by 19 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of health sciences, business and the humanities,” remarks Dr. Scott. Dr. Scott also proudly acknowledges the growth in student housing and resources over the past 15 years, which have contributed to increased enrollment and an environment more conducive to learning and personal growth.

Central to Life University’s mission is the commitment to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to pursue lives of success and significance. However, what sets Life U apart is its unique vitalistic approach to health. Dr. Scott explains, “We go beyond the traditional disease management model prevalent in many healthcare educational institutions. Our focus at Life U is on helping individuals attain higher levels of health rather than simply getting sick people well or keeping healthy people healthy.”

At the heart of Life University are its core values: Lasting Purpose, Integrity and Vitalism. Dr. Scott elaborates on each value, saying, “Lasting Purpose embodies the act of giving, doing, loving and serving out of one’s abundance. Integrity compels us to reflect our values congruently in every aspect of our work. Finally, Vitalism is our core philosophy that emphasizes that all living systems are self-organizing, self-maintaining and self-healing when free of interference.”

Walking the walk to match its lofty mission and core values, one of Life University’s priorities is an inclusive and diverse campus environment. With a student body representing over 60 countries and all 50 states, Life U has been recognized as the most diverse college in Georgia and the 18th most diverse college in the U.S. (https://www.niche.com/colleges/ search/most-diverse-colleges/s/georgia/). Dr. Scott highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, stating, “In 2020, we established an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence across our institution. We firmly believe in the power of diversity to enrich students’ learning experiences and prepare them for the global community.”

Additionally, embracing innovation and leveraging technology have been key pillars of Life University’s educational approach. Amid the COVID pandemic in 2020, the institution developed the Palpation and Adjustment Trainer (PAT), a state-of-the-art, technology-based mannequin designed for chiropractic adjustment practice. Students now have access to these anatomically accurate trainers, enhancing their skill development over the course of their time at the university.

Moreover, Life U is home to the most Anatomage Tables of any higher education institution in the world. Anatomage Tables provide students

Lwith life-sized, multi-layered 3D technology and the ability to view CT scans, giving them a detailed understanding of a body’s systems and how they are interconnected. Life U’s Anatomage Tables contain thousands of high-resolution 3D images taken from actual human cadavers, allowing students to label, highlight and capture detailed images to study on their own time.

Life University’s commitment to holistic development extends beyond academics. The institution boasts an impressive Athletics program offering 23 varsity sports. This past season, Life University secured National Championships in Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens, reached the Women’s Lacrosse semifinals, and triumphed in Men’s Outdoor Track and Field for the second consecutive year. Also, the Men’s Wrestling team achieved second place in the NAIA National Championships after taking home the first-place prize two seasons ago. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and talent of Life University’s student-athletes who excel both athletically and in the classroom, as is evidenced by their combined 3.14 GPA this past quarter.

Another initiative of the university that’s certainly one of the most vital is that of research and scholarship. Dr. Scott emphasizes the institution’s focus on research, stating, “Research is crucial for us. We must continue to fulfill a research function within our model of health to further its acceptance in the community.”

To foster a culture of research and scholarship, Life U developed a research track specifically for chiropractic students, providing them with tuition assistance and scholarships to support their research goals. Furthermore, the university encourages faculty members to actively engage in research endeavors and provides chances to present their findings through rank and promotion opportunities.

As a leader in health and wellness education, Dr. Scott envisions Life University’s pivotal role in shaping the future model of health care. “Despite spending more money than anybody on the planet, the U.S. is one of the sickest populations. We believe that our vitalistic approach to educating students about health and wellness has an integral role to play in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in our country.”

By instilling a deep understanding of holistic well-being and promoting preventive measures, Life University aims to empower future healthcare professionals with the tools necessary to combat the current healthcare crisis and lead the way toward a healthier and more sustainable healthcare system.

Dr. Scott welcomes anyone who would like to learn more about Life University to come to the campus to see it for themselves. “Our campus surprises most firsttime guests,” he says. “We have beautiful grounds, statuesque landmarks and even a historic 19th-Century village located next to a natural waterfall from Rottenwood Creek that runs through campus. We’d love to have you come for a visit to learn more about what makes Life U such a special place in our community.”

For more information about Life University, visit their website at life.edu.

By Ashley Beckman

In the last issue of Our Town, we talked about refocusing our attention midway through the year. I hope you were able to accomplish that and more. This month let’s talk about staying healthy and well in the heat of summer. As we near the end of summer break, the summer heat has just begun and in Georgia it can be brutal.

The most important thing we can do this time of year is stay hydrated. Multiple studies report that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration. As we sweat, we not only lose water but also vitamins and minerals. The best way to restore that balance is through hydration and eating whole foods. Further supplementation may be needed at times. Burn Boot Camp has a product called Replenish, which is a powder that is mixed with water and is high in electrolytes and low in sugar. Another good option is IV hydration, delivery of fluids directly into the bloodstream. Vitamins, electrolytes and antioxidants can be added to this fluid as well.

This time of year, many of us find ourselves not eating enough of the right foods. This happens for several reasons. The first being, a decrease in appetite due to the heat. When the body is trying to keep cool, body functions such as digestion slow to not create more heat within the body. Second, when we do not eat regularly, we overindulge in foods that are readily accessible. Lastly, summer is a time for gatherings with friends and family, we are either at a restaurant, around the pool or on vacation. This can lead to consistent unhealthy choices. When I do these things, I know I am not giving my body what it needs. This month one of my goals is to make healthier food choices in all situations.

Now, let us talk about exercise. I am still taking camp at Burn Smyrna but my activity outside of the gym had to change a little. While I do enjoy a good run, this heat does not always allow for this. Some options are to run earlier or later in the day (wear a runner’s light belt if necessary), run in a shaded area or switch it up and go hiking. We have many trails in the area, find a trail near you and go exploring. A walk in nature is also beneficial for your mental health, pay attention to the things that trigger each of your senses. Swimming is also a wonderful way to stay active in the heat, it provides a great cardio workout and can be very refreshingjust don’t forget your sunscreen. If you have little ones, you can get your laps in while taking them to the pool. My husband and I signed up for a sprint triathlon in October so I will be at the pool training for the next few months for sure! If you see that the summer heat is keeping you indoors, you can always get your workout in at your local Burn Boot Camp or from the comfort of your home using our Live workouts on YouTube.

Stay cool, healthy, active and happy! using our Live workouts on YouTube.

Stay cool, healthy, active and happy!

Ashley Beckman

Burn Bootcamp Smyrna

3150 Highlands Pkwy SE Ste 113, Smyrna, GA 30082 404.465.0813

THE DALLAS THEATER

/ 770.445.5180

DAMN YANKEES

AUGUST 11th-13th

$18 -$20

Fanatical baseball fan, Joe Boyd, agrees to sell his soul to the devil to save his favorite team, the Senators. When the time comes for Joe to pay the price of his success he manages to outwit the devil in this sure-fire musical. Hit songs include “Whatever Lola Wants” and “Heart”.

SEPTEMBER 9th / 7:30PM

$20 -$22

The Dallas Theater is excited to welcome back SkynFolks! Brought together by luck, fate, devotion and drive, the members of SkynFolks pledged to create a band that would exactly reproduce the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Totally authentic, accurate renditions of the music on the first 5 Lynyrd Skynyrd albums. SkynFolks provides the kind of high-quality, authentic experience that honors the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Hardcore Skynyrd fans, and as those fans will attest… A complete sell out last year, “You need to see this band!”

For more information on Tickets, Acting Classes, Auditions, Free Movies, All Our Shows and Venue Rental, visit our website!

“My Mom has been living at Holbrook since November and we are thrilled with everything about this amazing, family-owned company. Especially because my Mom has improved so much, in so many different ways, since she moved in. They do so many "little" things to make my Mom and my family feel special. I live in Philadelphia and came down to see my Mom for 4 days and stayed at one of the apartments on site. It was wonderful! I can't recommend Holbrook more highly. If I could give it 10 stars, I would.” – TIM

MUST Ministries Sees Unprecedented Growth & Successes

Nearly a decade ago, Carol Dodson was sleeping on the floor of an overcrowded women’s shelter in Atlanta when staff from MUST Ministries approached her and asked if they could help. Carol suffered from debilitating medical issues that kept her from holding down a job and put her in a place she never imagined she would behomeless and hopeless.

MUST gave her that home and that hope when she was given a safe roof over head and a life-changing surgery. Today, Carol has held a steady job for more than four years, wrote a children’s book, got married and, after five years in MUST’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Carol recently graduated and moved into her own home with her new husband.

There have been thousands of Carols in MUST’s 51 years of serving our neighbors in need, and while the capacity to help has grown, the need has become even greater.

In 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic, MUST was serving a record 33,000 people a year and providing about 1.5 tons of food a day. Over the past 12 months - almost four years later - MUST is serving more than 70,000 people a year across its services and providing 4.5 tons of food a day to hungry families and children. The need for food, shelter, better jobs, clothing and medical care has reached unprecedented heights. People with jobs can’t find affordable housing and are sleeping in their cars. Inflation has made grocery bills impossible to pay. Grandmothers are having to make the decision to keep the lights on in their homes or pay for their daily medications.

Recognizing the need is not enough. To answer the call, MUST has developed new and innovative ways to reach people with the resources they need to have stable, healthy lives. The MUST Hope House, a 44,000 square-foot shelter that serves more than twice as many families as MUST’s previous shelter, opened its doors in May 2022 and stays at capacity. The MUST Mobile Pantry provides healthy foods and hygiene kits to more than 20,000 people living in food deserts across 10 metro Atlanta counties, reaching people right in their own neighborhoods. The dynamic Workforce Development program provides jobs assistance for those looking for better jobs and better lives for their families, all while putting nearly $25 million back into our local economies.

“Never in MUST Ministries’ 51 years have we received and served more neighbors in need nor partnered with more organizations than today,” said MUST President & CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “The need is great, but so is our ability to serve that need. Hearing the inspiring stories from those we have helped keeps all of us motivated to do more, help more and think outside of the box on how we can bring the community together to help so many of our neighbors in need find a pathway out of poverty.”

In addition to its service programs, MUST’s Summer Lunch program is still going strong after 28 years and, this summer, provided nearly 6,000 children more than half a million meals. For nearly all of these children, the meals they receive at school are the only sources of food they get each day so the Summer Lunch program fills that gap and their bellies during the summer months. The Toy Shops program during Christmas time provides 12 presents under the tree for every child in need. The annual Gobble Jog race held on Thanksgiving morning in the Marietta Square is now host to more than 10,000 runners and provides critical funding to MUST’s programs and services.

But the challenges are great. Because of the rising costs of goods and services, every nonprofit in the country is seeing a drop in donations while the need for those donations continues to grow tremendously. To meet these needs, MUST continues to partner with and help other nonprofits in the metro Atlanta area. Collectively, we can all do more together. If you would like to get involved with MUST and see how you can help, visit mustministries. org. With the help of volunteers, donations, service projects and support, we can all help the Carols in our community find hope, healing and better lives.

Fall Break Destinations

The kids are back to school so now is the perfect time to make plans for fall break. If you don’t already have your fall break plans booked, now is the time!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Mountains Are Calling – If getting back to nature, having a low-key vacation, and enjoying some beautiful vistas is your thing, rent a cabin or stay at a beautiful, rustic resort in North Georgia or the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains. Helen, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge have tons of cabins and resort options within a two-hour drive of Atlanta. If you want to travel a little farther, Chattanooga and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge offer lots of family-friendly attractions including Rock City, Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, and Dollywood. And in North Carolina there are amazing resorts in Asheville, Highlands, and Lake Lure.

Say Hello to The Sunshine State – Florida has so many great vacation options for all types of travelers. Whether it’s a great beach, nightlife, or great family fun there is something for everyone. The 30A beaches – including Destin, Seaside, Santa Rosa Beach, and Rosemary Beach – are popular destinations and are all easily drivable from Atlanta. If you’re looking for something livelier for an adults-only getaway, Miami or Key West are great choices. Both are a short direct flight from Atlanta. And don’t forget the theme parks! Whether it’s Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World, Busch Gardens, or Legoland there are a wide variety of theme parks to choose from. Each one has a different appeal so choose the one that best suits your family.

Bon Voyage – There are tons of cruise lines with sailings of various lengths and itineraries that depart nearby in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are the most popular ports and all are easily reachable

by car or plane. Popular cruise destinations include the Bahamas and various islands throughout the Caribbean with cruises varying anywhere from 3-nights to 11-nights. Some cruise lines offer great deals in the fall, especially during the time of Cobb County fall break.

Tropical Escapes – Whether you’re looking to stay at an all-inclusive resort, a small boutique hotel, or a villa rental, there are fabulous destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Some of the most popular destinations – most of which have direct flights to and from Atlanta – are Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Aruba, Grand Cayman, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

Since fall break travel dates occur during hurricane season, I strongly advise purchasing travel insurance for all vacations outside of the United States to ensure that your vacation is properly covered.

And whether you are making travel plans on your own or with a travel agent make sure you are aware of what is and what is not included in the price of your vacation. Some additional costs to account for are gratuities, airline baggage fees, resort fees, parking fees, and more when calculating the price of a vacation.

Remember that popular destinations book up early and some destinations, such as Disney World, require advanced planning so make sure to make your fall break plans as soon as possible!

Heather Meliski is a travel agent specializing in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, cruises, theme parks, and more. She lives in Smyrna with her husband two sons. Heather@yellowshoetravel.com FB @ heatheryellowshoetravel IG @yellowshoetravelheather

S H O P P I N G , D I N I N G , E V E N T S + M O R E !

W E E K L Y E V E N T S

U P C O M I N G S I G N A T U R E E V E N T S

S u m m e r S p l a s h F o a m a l i c i o u s P a r t y

T o u c h - A - T r u c k | M i l e s t o M a r g a r i t a s 5 K

V I S I T : A V E N U E W E S T C O B B . C O M / E V E N T S F O R D E T A I L S

s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e , w e a t h e r p e r m i t t i n g

By Evie Love

fter counting down the days, pushing through exams, celebrating my best friends and my birthday, summer was finally here! The time of the year that everyone looks forward to! It’s a break from school, and a time to relax and hangout with your friends and family.

I had so many plans and ideas to do over the much needed vacation. And I was having quite a fun time until the dreaded day came… summer work was posted. Two weeks of summer had already flown by, how was that possible?!?! 20 math assignments and two books with questions were staring me right in the face. Then, around the time that I completed the math assignments another email came out from school explaining that the 2023-2024 school year is right around the corner. Only four weeks of summer remained. So then in between volleyball workouts, Braves games, hanging with friends and family, I, slowly, worked my way through the books and questions.

Then, another email came out about the courses I will be taking and the books I will need to purchase for the year, two weeks of summer left. We went to New York to see my grandparents and then we got back with only a few days left of summer. Next thing I know my volleyball tryouts for my school came and went. Two days of summer remained and then, in the blink of my eye, it was the first day of school and summer was gone. My one question was, where did it go and how did it possibly go so fast? We did many things,

but I still felt like we had more to do. Every year, it seems like summer becomes shorter and shorter and the school year is longer and longer. And although I love seeing my friends and the excitement of beginning a new school year, it always seems like there should be a few more days of summer vacation. You know what they say “time flies when you are having fun!”

But there is nothing we can do and the beginning of the school year is here! Instead of looking at the negatives that school brings like waking up at six am, or studying for a test that we have no interest in, I challenge everyone to wake up grateful that we have a new day filled with millions of possibilities. Every morning, think of a way that you can impact another person’s life in a positive way. Bringing joy to others is the first way to bring joy into your life.

Have an amazing start to the school year and remember to wake up grateful for another day to put your best foot forward. The only person you’re competing with is the person you were yesterday.

Evie is a Cobb County high school student who plays varsity volleyball & soccer. She has achieved heads honor roll and is an Ambassador for her school. She is kind, funny, determined, hardworking and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Sandra Tulane University

“Walker fostered my love of learning by teaching me how to speak up for myself and establish lasting relationships with my teachers and peers.”

Nikhil Univ. of Pennsylvania

“The most important things that I have learned at Walker are the importance of challenging yourself and pushing yourself to be the best that you can be.”

Andrew University of Georgia

“Walker made it easy for me to introduce myself to a variety of activities, clubs, sports and people.”

WHAT’S NEXT!!!

There are many aspects about home hunting that can be exciting, but there’s nothing quite as exciting as when the sellers accept your offer. Maybe you were in a bidding war, maybe you were the first offer, but regardless of your journey, it doesn’t end here. When the seller accepts your offer there are a few more steps you need to take.

Understanding Earnest Money

When your offer is accepted you will be asked to put down earnest money. Earnest money is a show of good faith from the buyer, and depending on where you live it can range from 1-3% of the offer. Make sure to talk to your real estate agent and learn the conditions of the earnest money. Some contracts allow for the home buyer to get the money back if the deal falls through, but it depends on the circumstances of the situation.

Apply For Your Loan

While your loan company may have given you preapproval, you can only apply for the loan after the binding agreement has been signed by both parties. Loan companies may have different rates and options, so make sure you meet with a few lenders. It’s important to take the time and analyze the costs- can you afford the monthly payments on top of the utilities and the possible HOA? Taking the time to check your finances now will save you major headaches in the future.

Home Inspection and Appraisal

If you are using a loan to purchase the house, your lender will require a home appraisal. The appraiser will price the home according to its features, condition, and recent sales in the area. The outcome of the appraisal may change how much the lender is willing to loan, which can lead to either renegotiation of the home price, or even the end of the deal. The next important step is to invest the money in ordering a home inspection. The home inspector’s job is to inform you if there is anything not working or unsafe in the home and to provide estimated costs to fix these issues. This step give will you a better understanding of the home’s condition and may help you and your real estate agent negotiate a lower cost in the home.

Homeowners Insurance

Homes are the biggest investments people make, so it’s important to protect your investment with the right type of home insurance. Some insurance policies can cover AC systems freezing, floods, fire, and more. Make sure to take the time to look into the policies and find one that best matches your concerns.

Final Walk-through

The final walkthrough is a process that happens a day or two before your closing date. This is the time to see if there is any new damage, and the agreed conditions of the home are in order. Now is the time to address any new concerns, because after you sign the deal at closing all home issues will be your responsibility once the closing is finished. This is also an important time to contact the proper resources and ensure that utilities will be turned on, starting the day of closing.

The day is finally here, so make sure to bring all required documents to ensure a seamless settlement. You’ll need to bring the funds for the home, and possibly two forms of government-issued identification to complete the process. This is the time when closing costs will be paid, the agreement with the lender will be paid, and the most exciting part is that you will get the keys to your new home.

While this list may seem a bit daunting, your real estate agent will be by your side the entire time to guide you. They are a valuable source of information, so remember to ask questions! Staying on top of each step will reduce stress and possible hiccups, and you’ll find yourself a homeowner in no time!

Deborah Ratchford Keller Williams Realty Cityside 678-570-4779 / Debratchford@kw.com

So, you have been searching and looking at dozens of homes, now you’re under contract!