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Our Town
STERLING ESTATES
Senior Living Communities
SAFE
SOCIAL
2022 Voted Again, Cobb’s Best Retirement, Assisted Living & Memory Care “We’re honored that both Sterling Estates Communities have been recognized as ‘Best of Cobb’ for Retirement Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care again in 2022. I’m proud to say that it’s the 4th year in a row we’ve won these awards and an awesome tribute to our staff members. We’ve been serving seniors in greater Atlanta for over 25+ years now...we invite you to come and experience what sets us apart.” - Marshall Gill, COO & Partner, Sterling Estates Senior Living Communities
• Large living and outdoor areas to gather with friends and loved ones • Life enrichment center for residents to gather for art classes, lectures, games, etc. • Certified Parkinson’s Delay the Disease Programs
COME SEE WHAT SETS US APART! The time has never been better to join the Sterling Estates Family!
• Wellness Centers & Programs On Site
(Sterling Recreation Therapist and Exercise Specialist)
• Award Winning food. Spacious dining areas overlooking courtyards WEST COBB 3105 Dallas Hwy Marietta, GA 770-255-7000 Our Town Lacey & Sherry
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EAST COBB 4220 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 678-946-4454 Shelly
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In This Issue
Experience 13 Days in Egypt With Travel Expert, Heather Meliski.............11
JUN/JUL 2022
Cover Photographer: Aharon Hill.....................................................14
Cover Story: The Oaks of West Cobb, Marietta’s newest Upscale Senior Living Community.................15
15 Cover Story Oaks at West Cobb
Home Town Heroes! Thanks to our Summer Lunch volunteers......21
A Ring Designed for Champions ...and you can own one too. Braves World Series Ring..............................23
11
Justin and Atlanta Braves Legend Dale Murphy, in Talkin’ Sports......................26
Travel A Trip to Egypt
23 World Series Ring When Two World’s Collide
Healthy Summer Let your Confidence be the Cutest thing about you this Summer by Ashley Inglese...............33
Selling Your Home is Not Always an Easy Process Make Sure You Choose the Right Agent. Tips from Our Town’s Deborah Ratchford..........38
26 Talkin’ Sports A Sit-Down with Dale Murphy
33 Health Summer of Self Love!
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here ! y l al n fi s i e m i t Summer Slow down, relax and enjoy every moment. Love, Tara
Our Town onthly M
in this issue
F A M I LY L I F E S T Y L E N EW S M AG A Z I N E
Publishers/Editors Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the West Cobb Area. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not Linda Demery & Lori McLinden Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to
in Cobb County. the editorial staff are their own Graphics Opinions and Designexpressededitby and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible Terry Tanner reflect the opinions and do not necessarily of beyond thethe publisher. Our Town for errors in advertising cost of the space or for the validity of claims made Tanner Graphics, Inc. by advertisers. reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising Account Executive content. Our sara@ourtownmonthly.com Town is not responsible advertising Entirefor contentserrors copyright 2018in by Our Town. Reproduction inbeyond whole or in Sara Young, part is forbidden in any media without prior writtenby permission from the publisher. the cost Feature of the Photographer space or for the validity of claims made advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2022 by Our Town. in whole Our Reproduction Town Monthly or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written 109 Anderson Street from the publisher. Suite 109 Contributingpermission Writers Marietta, GA 30060
678-337-7844 PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR Fax: 678-337-7825 Tara Hill Hanover
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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 Misty Flanders-White misty@ourtownmonthly.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Aharon Hill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Meliski Ashley Inglese Deborah Ratchford PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com FB: Our Town Monthly
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Our Town
T R AV E L
A
few months ago, I had the opportunity to check off a bucket list item by spending 13 days in Egypt. It was an absolutely life-changing expe-
rience.
The country is so rich with history that it’s impossible to process what you’re seeing and take it all in. It’s truly awe inspiring to stand in temples or see artifacts that are thousands of years old. Everything is so well-preserved given their age and new treasures are constantly being discovered. I know it sounds cliché, but seeing these things in books or on TV and experiencing them firsthand is so completely different. The entire trip was one amazing experience after another – I would think to myself that wherever I had been or what I had just done was the most amazing thing ever, and then something even more amazing would come along. It was truly just one ‘wow’ after another, after another. Before I left for my trip, I had all sorts of expectations about what I thought Egypt would be like and it was so much more in so many ways I didn’t expect. For one thing, Egypt is one of the most progressive predominantly Muslim countries. This means that head coverings are optional (even in mosques) and women are treated more equally than I expected. Egypt is still very traditional in many ways - alcohol is only sold to tourists, pork is not served anywhere, and women are expected to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered at all times). I also felt incredibly safe the entire time I was in Egypt. I think there is a misconception that Egypt is unsafe, especially for women, but I never experienced that. We always had an armed police officer with us and while the idea of this gives some people pause, I found it to be reassuring. We also typically had an armed escort in front of our vehicle. One of the most fascinating aspects of the trip is that there are so many locations within Egypt that have importance to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and you really see how intertwined all three religions are. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the bus ride to Alexandria. We talked with our guide, Suzie, for hours about the ways that our three faiths were so similar. It was such a wonderful experience having these women of various faiths having this in-depth conversation about our experiences and beliefs, and to be reminded how we are all much more similar than different. It was also surprising how many places within Egypt have such significance with Christianity. My favorite was Cavern Church which is where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed for a time during their exile in Egypt. There are no words for what it felt like to be in this church where Jesus had been, to see the well the Holy Family drank from, and to stand in the cave under the church where they stayed for three months. I visited so many different places but still felt there was so much that I didn’t see and do. I visited Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Edfu, Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh. I saw Memphis and the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqa-
Our Town
WALK LIKE AN
EGYPTIAN By Heather Meliski
ra (built in 2787 BC). I rode a camel at The Pyramids of Giza and blew a kiss to The Sphinx (because have you really been to Egypt if you don’t do this?). I drove across the High Dam and walked through Philae Temple. I gasped when I saw the massive size of Abu Simbel which is carved both inside and out from one single cliff. I saw the crocodile mummies at the Temple of Kom Ombo and rode in a horse-drawn carriage to see the Temple of Edfu. I walked as much as I could of the enormous Karnak Temple. I explored the underground tombs of the Valley of the Kings. I stood in awe of the absolutely stunning Mosque of Mohamed Ali and the most beautiful church in Cairo, The Hanging Church. I saw the mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – I was inches from them and could see their teeth and nails, and saw how a queen still had curls in her hair after thousands of years. I stood at the feet of the Colossi of Memnon. I saw the two miles of the Avenue of the Sphinxes between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. I explored the Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa and saw the Library at Alexandria. I soaked in the beauty of the Heavenly Cathedral which is most extravagant church I have ever seen. But there were a few experiences that stood out the most to me and what I will think of most when I reminisce about my trip to Egypt. The first was hearing the call to prayer. There is something so absolutely magical and mesmerizing about hearing this in person. The call to prayer is made five times daily and as the trip went on, I found myself looking forward to hearing it throughout the day. It was such a beautiful reminder to stop everything and take a moment to speak with God. Next would be the early morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and Luxor. For those that know me, I am very afraid of heights so being in a hot air balloon was way outside of my comfort zone. I’m so glad that I did it. To feel the peace as you float through the silence up in the air while still hearing the noises of life from the ground (dogs barking, birds chirping) and then seeing the sunrise over the Nile River, it was like nothing I had ever experienced. By far the most memorable experience I had in Egypt was hiking Mount Sinai – overnight, in the dark, with a full moon overhead. After a three-hour drive, we began our hike with our Bedouin guide at 1:45AM and reached the summit at 5:45AM. The hike is significant –it is three miles each way and the summit is 7,496 feet above sea level. The last part of the hike consists of ‘the 700 stairs’ which are rocky, uneven, and zigzagged straight up the mountain - and you ascend them in the dark. We arrived in time to watch the sunrise, and while I was cold, sore, and exhausted, I felt so blessed to stand at the top of one of the holiest places in all of Christianity. After the two-hour descent, we also saw the Burning Bush. This was a great day. Egypt isn’t a destination for everyone, but if you’re adventurous and well-traveled it should definitely be at the top of your travel list. I can’t wait to go back in a few years when my boys are older so they can experience it as well. Heather Meliski writes Our Town Travel keeping us in the “know”. Heather 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 and two sons. Heather@yellowshoetravel.com FB @ heatheryellowshoetravel IG @yellowshoetravelheather
PAGE 11
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Our Town
COVER STORY
“We love it here, everyone is super nice and helpful.”
- Oaks Resident
O
aks at West Cobb is Marietta’s newest upscale senior living community, featuring spacious assisted living and memory care apartments just a short drive from Atlanta. For discerning families, this is senior care just as you hoped for. We will satisfy the unique desires and needs of your loved one, fostering new degrees of independence and personal choice. Those in our Horizons memory care neighborhood will receive round-the-clock care in a comfortable, secure environment. Our community exemplifies the mission of Oaks Senior Living: to ensure all residents enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
Assisted Living Oaks at West Cobb offers individuals needing assistance with the activities of daily life while still maintaining independence. Team members in our assisted living community are carefully selected for their knowledge, compassion, and understanding of residents’ needs. Apartments are designed to encourage independence while also providing access to team members 24-hours a day for needed assistance. We offer four levels of assisted living, catering to the level of care and support needed.
Memory Care Compassionate team members are specially trained and educated on caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our community features a specialized, secure environment and encourages them to live life with individuality and dignity. A routine is essential for individuals receiving memory care services. Our Horizons Memory Care community offers daily activities that engage and stimulate the mind and promote a sense of purpose and meaning.
Amenities l
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GPS Air Purification System to reduce airborne viruses and pathogens 24-hour access to emergency call system, nurses and trained care partners Social, educational, spiritual and recreational programs Medication administration Assistance with activities of daily living All-day dining Specialized diets and alternative menu choices All utilities including Wi-Fi On-site wellness center with physical, occupational and speech therapies with EmpowerMe wellness Gym onsite for residents
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Yoga area for daily exercise Transportation to shopping and medical appointments Housekeeping and laundry service Separate secured memory care Beauty salon Activities center Off site activities Landscaped courtyards with water features, a bird aviary and aquarium for engagement Putting green area Children’s playground Raised garden beds Pet-friendly environment with pet play station outside Game room *a special favorite for men’s group
The Oaks is a faith-based, family-owned, family friendly community and infused with loving compassion. We have an onsite playground for family members to enjoy while they visit. Our residents dine like kings and queens, as we have our own executive chef and pastry chef preparing delicious meals and desserts. We have partnerships for training and resident classes with Kennesaw State University. We use the Eden alternative: person-directed care, an approach that supports the individual. Residents can enjoy Mainstreet, their entertainment central hub with different activities available. Each department is intertwined to support the resident’s well-being. Call today to set up your tour, we are excited to meet you!
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3292 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW / Marietta, GA 30064 Call us today! 470-329-7775 www.oaksseniorliving.com/communities/marietta-ga PAGE 15
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Our Town
NOW HIRIN G DEDICATE D STAFF training ava ilable
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Home is where the heart is at Dogwood Forest Acworth Assisted Living & Memory Care and so is the CARE. We love our residents like family and you can visit our website and hear from family members why they love us, too.
WE OFFER: • Short Term Stays • Studio & 1BR Apartments • On-site Rehab • Robust Activities & Programs • 3 Miles from Local Hospitals • Pastoral Chaplain as we are a Faith-based Company
Call Mandy McQuay today for more information at: 678-628-9274 | www.dogwoodforest.com
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4461 South Main St. l Acworth, GA 30101
Our Town
Our Town
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Our Town
Cobb’s Hometown Heroes! T
his summer, MUST Ministries will continue the time-honored tradition of partnering with churches, schools, corporations and volunteers to feed thousands of kids in the metro-Atlanta area all summer. MUST’s goal is to provide breakfast and lunch to at least 6000 children for 9 weeks. An estimated 540,000 meals will be distributed across six counties (Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas, Fulton, Paulding, Gwinnett). In addition to food, MUST will also have mind, body and soul activity kits. Summer Lunch will run from June 1 - July 29. Learn how you can get involved! Visit www.mustministries.org/summer-lunch
Summer Lunch Supply Drive Thank you to our volunteers!
Our Town
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ATLANTA'S HOME FOR THE
Summer Concert Series MOTOWN // R&B
HARMONY PROMOTIONS ENTERTAINMENT
Iconic groups from New York, Philly & South Carolina! Do not miss these tributes to the greatest artists of all time!
FRI l JULY 1
SAT l JULY 9
SUN l AUGUST 28
THE MABLE HOUSE BARNES AMPHITHEATRE 5239 FLOYD RD, SW, MABLETON GA 30126 770.819.7765
THE STRAND THEATER - THE MARIETTA SQUARE 117 N PARK SQUARE NE, MARIETTA GA 30060
Tickets available at Amphitheatre Box Office and on-line at mablehouse.org
DOORS OPEN 6PM / SHOW 7PM / TICKETS $40-$80
Tickets available at Strand Box Office Tues-Fri. or on-line at earlsmithstrand.org
Tickets available at Amphitheatre Box Office and on-line at mablehouse.org
Nothing But Soul
Motown’s Greatest Hits
Motown & Philly’s
TOUR FEATURING
STYLISTICS REVUE
THE DELLS REVUE
SPECIAL GUESTS
HOSTED BY ATL’S OWN
THE PERSUADERS
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DJ “L7”
SHOW STARTS 7:30PM
PRESENTED BY
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Our Town
When two worlds collide... q y this point everyone is aware the Braves won the 2021 World Series! As an Atlantan, you couldn’t help but to get caught up in it- the joy, the pride, the excitement, the celebration, the parade... and THE RING! A championship ring like no other. BIG, BOLD, full of BLING and meaning!
Over-the-top, absolutely! But why not, World Series Champions deserve to be “a little extra” and so do you. The Braves and Jostens have created a collection where you can purchase a piece of Championship history.
As certified jewelry expert and host for The Gem Shopping Network, I had to find out more about this spectacular “trophy” so that’s just what I did!
Thank you to Insung Kim and the Braves organization for allowing me to conduct this interview and be sure to watch out for the full video on gemshopping.com
B
After many phone calls and emails, I got it! The interview with Insung Kim, creative director for the Braves and the man who led the design team for the showstopping World Series ring. We sat down for a oneon-one interview and wow! The time, thought and emotion he put into this ring was truly a labor of love, beaming with pride he described every detail. • The ring’s top has the Braves’ “A” logo, created in contrasting 18.71-karat white gold to signify the inception of the franchise in 1871. • The words “World Champions” accent the top and bottom of the ring face, and within the “A” logo, there are 150 diamonds representing 150 years of the franchise’s history. • There are 22 emerald-cut diamonds on the left and right sides of the ring top, amounting to 44 in total to honor the legendary Hank Aaron. • In each of the four corners of the ring top there is a princess-cut ruby, symbolizing the Braves’ four World Series titles. • The top can be removed to reveal a miniature model of Truist Park, complete with micro-LED lights. • There are 11 rubies placed in the stands of the tiny park to show where each of the 11 home runs the Braves hit in the World Series landed. • Down the right side of the ring is a miniature World Series trophy with a single genuine white pearl set within to represent the pearl necklace outfielder Joc Pederson wore. • An inscription reading “7.30.21” to commemorate the date of the 2021 Trade Deadline, when the Braves added Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario and Adam Duvall. In all, there are an astounding 755 diamonds (Hank Aaron homeruns), four custom-cut rubies, four princess-cut rubies, 11 round rubies and the genuine white pearl set in the ring. The total gem carat weight of the ring is approximately 13.3 carats.
Our Town
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I am the “Bear of Real Estate” and a proud US Army Veteran. Like a bear, we protect our sellers from the real estate “bear traps” that exist in every type of market. Additionally, Angie and I are very aggressive in our negotiations.
Angie and I have a Luxury Home Division, a Residential Resale Division, and a Commercial Division. Our mission statement is to deliver pro-active customer service with integrity.
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PAGE 25
Talkin’ Sports
By Justin Hanover
A Sit-Down with a Legend! T
here are not many Braves more popular than Dale Murphy and recently I had the absolute honor and privilege of hanging out with the two-time MVP at his restaurant, “Murph’s”. I have heard incredible things about Dale throughout the years, mainly his warmth and genuineness, and wow, did he live up to every bit of that hype. We had an hour-long conversation and one that I will never forget. The obvious first question I asked was how does a retired legendary ballplayer and hometown hero with 8 children, 15 grandchildren and a plethora of jobs including humanitarian work and speaking engagements keep up with everything?
Q&A
Dale: I enjoy working is the best way to put it. I love to speak to businesses and corporations and share my baseball knowledge. I actually just spoke in Savannah to Americold, a big refrigerator supply chain. I speak to all kinds of businesses and share my stories and what I have learned in baseball on how to keep moving forward. Baseball’s a game where you need to always talk about the next game. The best attribute a ball player can have is resilience and a bad memory. Things go well and they don’t go well. They also do 7 or 8 “MVP Experiences” at the restaurant and host businesses as well. “It’s been a lot of fun.” shares Dale, “I also travel around and do ball related signings.” (Murphy also is an Executive Vice President for a security company called LiveView Technologies, based out of Utah. I was about to move on as that seemed like more than enough for one person when he chimed in…)
Dale: And another thing I’m doing is being on the advisory committee to get a baseball franchise in Portland, Oregon. That’s where I grew up. They have been talking about it for 40 years and have proposed a 25,000 seat stadium that will create an amazing atmosphere. Next up, I had to ask about the 2021 World Championship and with a big glow and a smile he expressed his feelings:
Dale: I knew (Braves Manager) Brian Snitker back in ‘83. All of us 80’s guys knew Brian Snitker. He was like one of us old 80’s guys. I got a call from Bob Horner during the run and he was so excited for Snit. He’s a great manager who just kept the team focused. We all know they weren’t setting the world on fire mid-season. He just worried about the next day. All of the guys bought in. It was an organizational thing from the scouts to (Alex) Anthopolous (the general manager) to the players, everybody. You can say this was an organizational victory. The scouts were the unheralded foundation of the organization as this team could have been,
PAGE 26
how would you say it, a seller instead of a buyer but to bring in the guys they did like Soler, Duval, Joc Pederson and others, it was really fun to watch. You started getting that feeling…. In ‘82 when we won the Division we had that feeling. Justin: TBS showed Braves games back in the 1980’s, across the country. I remember watching you in New York. It wound up being an amazing branding deal for the organization all the way up to today. How did that affect your career?
Dale: Being able to be on TBS with those great announcers back then no doubt has made a huge impact on my post career life. I am a post TBS kid. People come up to me in airports and other places all the time telling me how they used to watch me from all over. I was in Fargo, North Dakota once and a girl who lived in Fargo told me she watched me every day. She also said she lived 10 miles away from the Dairy Queen but had to get that small Braves helmet to eat her ice cream in. Oh, and she said she got there by stealing a tractor! (Jorge) Soler’s World Series Homer in Houston is the perfect example (of how the TBS days somewhat cultivated today’s Braves Nation). As he was up to the plate the Astros fans were waiving towels and screaming. He hit the home run and they sat down. You then saw the incredible number of Braves fans on the road rise up and celebrate. Justin: What were your feelings when you were traded to Philadelphia? I (and many others, as Dale believes) always thought he was wrongly traded away from the Braves organization but little did we know.
Dale:
I actually initiated the trade. The team was struggling in ‘88 and ‘89. We weren’t doing well. I was a free agent in 1991 and in the summer of 1990 I went in and talked to Bobby (Cox) who was the general manager as well. I told him that I thought it was time to move on. Bobby said, ‘Gosh, Murph, ok.’ If I was a free agent, the Braves would not have gotten anything for me. The Phillies called and said they would extend my contract (and the rest is history). Justin: How did Murph’s Restaurant come about as it just seems like the perfect spot for a pre or post game Braves meal?
Dale: I knew the Braves were moving (from Turner Field). In my mind I was thinking everybody wants to own a restaurant and write a book. I thought maybe there was a little opportunity to do something like a “Murph’s Rib shack”. I was familiar with this area and asked a friend, Matt Helms, who owns Radtke Sports, if he would be interested in a restaurant. I saw this place and it all came together. As we were wrapping up, I gave Dale a few Rapid-Fire type questions: Best hitter ever: “Bob Horner. But Pete Rose certainly as well.” Best pitcher ever: “Greg Maddux on the Cubs, I hated facing him. Also, early on, JR Richard.” Most Underrated Player: It took a minute as this was a hard one for
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Still Accepting Applications for Fall! ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Where Children Thrive in Faith and Learning! him, but finally his teammate, “Glen Hubbard”. Favorite Manager: “Bobby (Cox) and Joe (Torre). One saved my career and one I had my best years with.” If you weren’t a baseball player what would you have been? “A PE teacher and Coach”. Right then Dale’s wife, Nancy, chimed in and said, “No you wouldn’t, you would have been an artist!” Dale Murphy the artist???? Well, maybe Nancy isn’t all that far off. Dale Murphy actually is an artist, an artist in life, making everyone and everything around him better while painting a beautiful picture for us all to enjoy. Dale shared his best moments as a Brave: 1. ‘82. We started out 13-0. It was kind of like after the first few weeks we thought maybe we were pretty good. Things just caught on fire. The city was so exciting. I won my first MVP that year and we made the Playoffs. 2. I will always remember back in 1980 when Bobby (Cox) saved my career. He moved me to the Outfield. He called me in ‘79 and said I’m thinking about putting you in the Outfield. I said, well, do I have any choice? He said ‘no, not really.’ I then became really invested in it and that helped me win the (five) Gold Gloves. It was also the year of my first All-Star team. 3. ‘83 was great too as I had my best year and won my 2nd MVP.
• 69 years of faith-based education • Pre-K4 to 8th grade • Financial Aid available • Student led weekly Mass • iPad or computer for every student • Average class size 22 • Fully accredited
stjosephschool.org
81 Lacy Street, Marietta 770-428-3328
Follow us on Instagram to see more photos from our interview with Dale Murphy! Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone and 680 The Fan. 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.
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The only thing we’re missing is you!
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M
any summer health articles are going to give you tips on staying balanced, “lite / healthy” swaps of the food and drinks that you love, and tips on showing more skin. This article is the opposite of that. Summer of 2022 is officially “Self Love Summer!” This summer we are going to love ourselves exactly as we are today at this very moment. We are going to live life without stress or concern about how we look. Instead, we are going to focus on getting in tune with our bodies and actually listening to what our bodies tell us. We are going to be active because it’s fun and we are going to eat foods that fuel us and give us energy. We are going to all of the pool parties, wearing swimsuits, getting our hair wet, playing with our kids, running on the beach or in the backyard with jiggly thighs, doing cannonballs, and showing up with zero inhibitions.
How can you look sexy this summer? Be confident! Who cares about the social standard for who can wear revealing clothing. We live in Atlanta; it’s hot and we just want to be comfortable. Your friends and family who truly love you don’t care about how you look. They just want to spend time with you and make memories together so don’t hold back! Maybe you have children or family who are watching you. Teach them to love themselves by example. Would you want your child to have the same inner dialogue about themselves that you do? This is the summer that we make a switch in how we see and speak to ourselves. Take a minute and go put on your swimsuit or cute shorts, stand in front of the mirror, and say these affirmations out loud:
I am beautiful I am strong I am healthy I am happy I am worthy.... Add whatever else you want here
Let your kids hear you or say them with you and let your confidence be the cutest, sexiest thing about you this summer! Let go of what you think others think about you, be yourself, and let your inner light shine brighter than the lightning bugs. Everyone will love you more for it; especially yourself!
Ashley Inglese is a local Smyrna resident. She is a wife and mother of 2 human kids {Lila, 11 & Leo, 8} and 2 rescue fur babies {Maple, chiweenie & Hazel, tabby}. Ashley owns HOTWORX Smyrna, and is in the process of opening HOTWORX Marietta square with her good friends and HOTWORX Kennesaw owners, Morgan and Jared Shattuck. Ashley is very involved in the community and loves supporting local schools, events, and nonprofit organizations.
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7
Seven Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House
S
elling your home is not an easy process, in terms of both the actual logistics and the emotional connection you often have to your home. While most sales don’t go 100 percent smoothly, there are some common home-selling mistakes you can avoid helping make the process less stressful and less emotional.
4. Don’t let emotions interfere with your house sale To successfully sell your house, it’s important to separate your emotional connection to the home from the details of the transaction. It can be hard to negotiate with buyers when you love your home but acting like a professional is important.
1. Overpricing your home One of the most important steps to selling a house is decide on the correct asking price — the price that will let you sell in a reasonable amount of time, for a profit that you’re comfortable with. When listing your house for sale, one common mistake is giving in to the temptation of a too-high listing asking price.
Emotional mistake: Taking negotiations personally Do your best to keep a cool head during the entire selling process, especially during important negotiations. Be realistic and assume there will be at least a few issues uncovered during the home inspection. No home is perfect, especially older homes.
Ways for sellers to determine an accurate listing price: • Take a good look at a CMA from an agent • Hire an appraiser • Don’t worry about pricing a little lower 2. Selling at the wrong time The timing of your sale can make all the difference in the price you’re able to get. In most parts of the country, the best time of year to sell is the second half of April, however, it seems like the Atlanta market begins in February. The typical U.S. home listed during this window sold for much more, compared to other times in the year. Another timing-related issue that you’ll want to keep in mind has less to do with the month of the year and more to do with how long you’ve owned your house. To avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of your primary residence, you’ll need to have lived in the home for at least two of the last five years. 3. Skimping on repairs Even small defects can turn buyers off. If they walk through your home and find loose doorknobs, leaky faucets or wall dings, they’ll wonder if you’ve been neglecting bigger issues in the home as well. If you’re able to complete repairs before a buyer even sets foot in your house, your house will appeal to people looking for a turnkey, move-in ready home. Option 1: Pre-inspect and correct (If you’ve discovered issues in your home before you list) Option 2: Offer a repair credit Option 3: Lower the listing price Serving Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, Bartow & Douglas Counties
5. Failing to prep and stage Making the effort to help your home look its best before listing is time and money well-spent. A clean, uncluttered, and bright home is what buyers are looking for. It’s important that buyers can picture themselves living in the home. And when your belongings are everywhere, that can be a tall order. Depersonalize~Cleaning~Decluttering~Staging 6. Hire a professional photographer Many real estate agents will cover the cost of professional listing photographs, but even if you’re not using an agent, professional photos are a must. After all, the majority of buyers search for homes online, and listing photos are your home’s first impression. Most professional photographers only charge a couple hundred dollars, and the result will be photos that are crisp and clean with lots of natural light, highlighting your home’s best features. 7. Not hiring an agent Unless you have the time, dedication and know-how to list your house for sale by owner (FSBO), you may be better off using an agent. Here are a few key benefits: · Your agent will deal with the many pages of paperwork required. · Your agent will minimize stress and help you focus on facts, not emotions. · An agent has expertise in your local market and what buyers are looking for. · They’ll do the pricing for you, using a comparative market analysis. Make sure you choose the right agent. The person you choose should be knowledgeable on the local market and have experience selling homes in your neighborhood. To find a great agent, read reviews, get referrals from friends and family members, interview multiple agents and set expectations.
Vicky Bates-Owner 770-427-4448
MaidinAmericaGa.com PAGE 38
Emotional mistake: Failing to accommodate showings Multiple showings and the occasional open house are just part of the home-selling process, even if they’re inconvenient. After all, few buyers are willing to purchase sight unseen! If you have a listing agent, they should be coordinating showings or providing a lockbox for buyer’s agents to do tours. Make sure to vacate the home, bringing kids and pets with you, when buyers are touring the home.
Deborah Ratchford Keller Williams Realty Cityside 678-570-4779 / Debratchford@kw.com
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Deborah M Ratchford
Keller Williams Cityside 3350 Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080
DebD id it
I Want To Sell Your Home Today!
C: 678-570-4779 O: 770-874-6205
Again!
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SOLD IN SMYRNA
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NEW LISTING IN MABLETON
NEW LISTING IN SMYRNA
NEW LISTING IN SMYRNA
In 2 Days - Above Asking Price!
Great home with finished basement and in a popular swim/tennis community.
In 2 Days - Above Asking Price!
Master on the main. Awesome fenced back yard. Awesome Swim/tennis community.
Finished Basement - Great Fenced in Backyard. Popular swim/tennis community.
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Each Keller Williams Realty Office is individually owned and operated. PAGE 40
www.guaranteedrate.com/barrybutler
Barry Butler
Branch Manager/VP of Mortgage Lending NMLS ID: 658820
barry.butler@rate.com / O 404.474.3974 C 770.365.7179 125 Townpark Drive Suite 300, Office 23 / Kennesaw, GA. Our 30144 Town