OTM April 2025 by Tara Hill Hanover

Issue

Wholebody Systems helps you cope with the “M” word........8 Talkin’

How’s Georgia sports lookin’? Justin breaks it down.......11

Believing in the WE over the ME with our own financial guru Andres Sandate.........................................................................13

appy April my friends! As always we are thankful to our Cobb community for over 20 years as your go-to lifestyle magazine. It’s such a joy to bring familar faces, local voices and community business directly to your mailbox! I always love seeing you all around town and hearing from you. So feel free to reach out info@ ourtownmonthly or tag us on social media IG@our_town_ monthly.

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.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Tara Hill Hanover

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Justin Hanover

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

West Cobb

Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com

Andres Sandate andres@ourtownmonthly.com South Cobb

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER

Claire Christa

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Brinson

JRM Management

Amy Selby OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com

Wishing all our patients and their families a joyful and fun-filled Easter! May your baskets be full of sweet treats, your hearts full of happiness, and your days full of laughter.

Hop on in for your child’s check-up, and let’s keep those smiles as bright as spring!

We are accepting new patients and we accept all major insurances. We are located at Lake Pointe Professional Center, 3950 Cobb Parkway NW, Suite 801 in Acworth, GA

Our phone number is 678-889-0487

You can also find us on the web at www.nwpediatriccare.com We are grateful for the trust you place in us and remain dedicated to the well-being of your little ones.

Happy Easter from all of us at Northwest Pediatric Care!

Fitness & the M Word

Awoman’s lifetime fitness journey is never a straight-line mountain climb. We work through the challenges a full life gives us balancing career aspirations and the workload that comes with it. We juggle the demands of home, relationships, and some may take care of children as well. Finding a time and place for fitness and wellbeing can seem like an Olympic task. We also have a rhythm to follow.

Men rely on circadian rhythm to regulate physiological processes, including sleep, wakefulness, and hormone production. While this is important for women too, our monthly infradian rhythm has a bit more to say. This is seen when a husband and wife try a new weight loss program together and he losses weight right away while the scale barely budges for her. There really is just more going on. This is true for fitness too.

For fitness, women can really lean into this cycle and use it as a guide for when choosing a hard hitting hiit (High-intensity interval training) class versus doing long endurance versus a low and slow rejuvenating yoga class. Your body really can tell you what you need. A consistent need for setting our bodies up for success seems to be resistance training. Lifting weights.

So here is the guide. In your 20’s and 30’s, try lots of things and see what you like. The most important thing here is to figure out how wellness is going to look for you now that you are on your own and making these decisions for yourself. Ages 35-45 seems to be the critical time for muscle development. What muscle you can put on and maintain here can really help with longevity and quality of life when we are older. More muscle equals more functionality. Generally, during ages 45-55 women are in perimenopause and hormone

changes talk louder. It can feel like fitness gets a lot trickier at this point. Muscle and bone density naturally decline here but our hope is that we don’t have a steep drop off that compromises our wellbeing and our ability to do exactly what we want.

Even if we did not make fitness a priority in those earlier years it should be a focus here. Programming at this time doesn’t and probably shouldn’t look like what it did in your 20’s. A really good program could look like:

· 45-minute walks, at a brisk pace, 4x per week

· Lifting weights (heavy with good form) 2x per week (A trainer can help)

· Increase your heart rate for short intervals (think short sprints on a bike or treadmill or outside)

· Practice your balance.

Ages 55 and beyond, as more women head into menopause, this same program could work. We may need personalized help because of general wear and tear along with some lingering aches and pains from past injuries that need attention. More time should be spent on keeping range of motion in joints and axial loading of the bones to maintain bone density. We use bioDensity to do this at our studio.

Regardless of age and where you are in life’s cycle, feeling fit and functional is going to keep you doing exactly what you want to do, which is our most important goal. Women take care of a lot and are worth a daily investment in our health at all ages.

Kimberly Brinson is the studio director and managing partner at Wholebody Systems Smyrna. She loves connecting with clients on their wellness journey. When she’s not in the studio, you can find her hiking, mountain biking and immersing herself in the latest wellness topics. Find her on Instagram @Kimatwholebody

Talkin’ Sports

By Justin Hanover

WBRAVES

hen it comes to our hometown sports teams how do we stack up to other states? We may not be able to claim as many Titles as some, but truth be told, we actually have it pretty good, all things considered.

Add in offensive superstars like Drake London and Bijon Robinson and at the very least this offense has the ability to outscore any opponent. Yes, I am implying how the defense has deficiencies which it does and gave up way too many points a season ago but things can change quickly in this league and with a new defensive coordinator in Jeff Ulbrich there is at least some hope.

After being decimated by injuries a season ago our beloved Bravos could not get past the Padres in the playoffs. The battle of attrition took its toll and in the end 2024 was a season that if something could go wrong it did go wrong. On to 2025 where things certainly seem to be much better. Both Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna are recovering well from their major injuries and more than likely will be good to go after missing only a short stint to begin the season.

With a pitching staff that was frankly amazing a year ago and an offense that should resemble more of the 2023 offense, which hit the most home runs in Major League baseball history, our Braves are probably the second-best team on the planet right now after those evil Dodgers!

FALCONS

The NFC South is still very weak with Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Carolina and with Penix leading the charge the Falcons once again have a pretty good shot at winning the division and making the playoffs.

HAWKS

The Kirk Cousins experiment turned out to be a colossal disaster and it could set the franchise back a little bit due to the exorbitant contract. But, with that said, Michael Penix is the future and a guy that has shown he really may be a great NFL Quarterback. The ability and overall arm strength is there and his mental makeup appears to be rock solid as well. This is a guy who took his college team in the University of Washington to a National Championship game and just said he wants “to win five Super Bowls”. How can you not love that confidence and bravado!?!?!?

Toiling in mediocrity in the NBA is not a good thing and that has been the Hawks fate for many years now. This franchise has been in a purgatory of sorts of late but with some very talented pieces in Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and former number one pick Zaccharie Risacher there is a lot of potential going forward.

Potential for what you may ask. Greatness? Well probably not, as that is asking a lot with teams such as Boston and Cleveland and Oklahoma City dominating on a nightly basis. But if Quin Snyder can get his team to defend a little bit better (the age-old question with these guys), I do see this group of guys being talented enough to eventually rise up above having to be involved in the play-in round.

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.

GRADES 6-12

SMALL SCHOOL. BIG OPPORTUNITY.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY • DUAL ENROLLMENT • FULL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE IN APRIL | RSVP and APPLICATIONS at WWW.DOMINIONCHRISTIAN.ORG

BelievingintheWeOverMe

ByAndresSandate

Few programs in Georgia high school basketball are as respected as the Wheeler High School Wildcats. Leading this 6A powerhouse is Head Coach Larry Thompson, who recently guided Wheeler to its fourth state title in six years—and the program’s 10th overall. Yet for Thompson, success is about more than championships. It’s about selflessness, hard work, and a culture rooted in we over me.

“It’s never been about me,” Thompson says. “It’s about the kids. About what we can accomplish together.”

As I build Gramercy Park and help clients navigate an uncertain economy, I found Coach Thompson’s leadership lessons both timely and inspiring.

Wheeler’s latest victory on March 8th over Newton High School was a thrilling 61-56 win that secured Thompson’s sixth state title in just 10 seasons— eight of them at Wheeler. While many focus on the numbers, Thompson says this season was about something deeper.

As the final seconds ticked away at Macon Coliseum, Thompson was overcome with emotion. His mother, Patricia Thompson—a school counselor, teacher, and longtime coach in South Georgia—passed away in June 2023 after battling cancer. The 2023 championship was the last time she saw him coach. Returning to the same court without her this year was overwhelming. “It was the first time in six championship games she wasn’t there,” he shares. “I was overcome with grief because of what she meant to our family. All those feelings just came flooding out.”

For Thompson, Wheeler isn’t about basketball titles. It’s about people and purpose. “I work at a place that’s very passionate about kids and preparing them for the future,” he explains. “Every day on the court, these kids embodied coming together and creating opportunity for everyone on the team.

That’s who we are at Wheeler.”

That team-first mindset defines his coaching philosophy. Whether drawing up plays, encouraging players in class, or preparing them for life beyond the court, Thompson focuses on the bigger picture. This season was about honoring his mother’s legacy—instilling the values she spent her life teaching: hard work, compassion, and belief in the team over the individual.

“This group of kids bought in from day one,” Thompson says. “They didn’t skip steps. That’s why we were successful. And that’s what made this journey— the practices, meals, bus rides—so special.”

As we talked, I saw clear parallels between Wheeler’s culture and how I strive to serve clients at Gramercy Park. Both rely on trust, shared values, and daily habits that support long-term goals. Whether coaching a team or helping families build financial security, success comes from putting others first and following a plan.

As Wheeler celebrates another championship, it’s clear their success is built on unity and purpose. And at the center is a coach who believes in the power of we.

THE DALLAS THEATER

JIMMY BUFFETT TRIBUTE

MAY 16th / 7:30PM

$23 - $25

The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show starring Jeff Pike! UPCOMING CLASSES +WORKSHOPS

APR 16

Improv Workshop (adults 18+)

SUMMER CAMPS - JUNE/JULY

Drama & Musical Theatre

(ages 7-17!) Online registration open!

$23 - $25 GLOWBAND HEROES OF SOUTHERN ROCK

JUNE 14th 7 PM

$22 - $24

MARIETTA DENTAL BAR: Transforming Smiles & Touching Lives in Marietta, GA

Nestled in the heart of Marietta, GA, Marietta Dental Bar is more than just a dental practice—it’s a place where compassion meets innovation, and where every smile is treated with warmth and care. Located at Whitlock Park, this cherished community space has been serving the people of Marietta for 25 years. Under the heartfelt leadership of Dr. Abhi Shingala and his wife, Orthodontics resident Dr. Amee Poshiya, Marietta Dental Bar continues to uphold its tradition of excellence while embracing a mission deeply rooted in community giving and support.

Compassionate Leadership

Dr. Abhi Shingala, a proud Temple University graduate, brings his extensive expertise and a gentle touch to every patient he sees. Specializing in Implant dentistry, dental sleep appliances with advanced Fotona lasers, Invisalign, root canals, Botox, and fillers, Dr. Shingala is renowned for his painless injection techniques and his ability to ease even the most anxious patients. Each visit is crafted to be a comforting experience, with the latest in dental innovations like the Airflow GBT technology ensuring thorough and gentle cleanings. Alongside him, Dr. Amee Poshiya shares a deep passion for creating beautiful, confident smiles, making every patient feel valued and cared for.

Warm and Welcoming Staff

At Marietta Dental Bar, every team member is committed to creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. From the first greeting to the final check-out, the staff ensures every experience is smooth and comforting. The patient waiting area is designed for relaxation, featuring a unique speakeasy-inspired bar setup where guests can enjoy a wide selection of refreshing drinks. This thoughtful detail enhances the sense of ease and hospitality, making each visit feel like a moment of calm in the day.

Deep Community Commitment

Marietta Dental Bar believes in giving back to the community that has given so much to them. In partnership with the Dr. Ashok and Rasila Shingala Dental Charity, they have pledged $20,000 every month to support senior patients in Marietta who need access to quality dental care. This heartfelt initiative is powered by the generous support of Dr. Shingala’s parents and his sister, Margi Shingala, a dedicated licensed pharmacist in Kentucky. Together, they work to ensure that every senior in need receives compassionate and comprehensive care, reflecting a true spirit of community and kindness.

Vision for the Future

With a heart full of hope and a commitment to service, Marietta Dental Bar looks forward to expanding its community outreach through the introduction of a mobile dental RV service in 2026. This future initiative, funded by a portion of the practice’s profits, will bring dental care directly to underserved areas across Georgia. Outfitted with state-of-the-art dental chairs, the RV will be a beacon of care on wheels, reaching those who need it most and reaffirming the practice’s mission to serve with compassion.

Marietta Dental Bar is not just about transforming smiles—it’s about transforming lives, one patient, one community, and one heartfelt act at a time. Their unwavering dedication to excellence, kindness, and service makes them a cherished part of the Georgia community and a trusted partner in lifelong dental health.

Our Services Include:

l Bath w/Hydro Massage l Ears cleaned

Nails Trimmed l Sanitary Trim

l Basic De-matting

l Full Brush & Blow Dry

l Shave downs

l Full cuts

OverCelebrating 10 Years in North Atlanta!

Mobile Dog Grooming

The waggin’ wagon provides professional mobile dog grooming services to the North Atlanta community. We are currently servicing Buckhead, Brookhaven, Smyrna, Vinings, East Cobb, West & South Marietta, Sandy Springs & Dunwoody extending 3 miles north of I-285.

APRIL 26–27 Downtown Smryna

Join us for 150 arts & crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities

SATURDAY: 10 AM -6 PM | SUNDAY: 12 NOON – 5 PM FREE ADMISSION

april 26-27 / sat 10am-6pm / sun 12pm-5pm

The Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival presented by Superior Plumbing features over 175 Arts & Crafts booths, all your favorite festival foods, live music, multiple beer gardens, and a variety of children’s activities. The Jonquils will be in bloom in Smyrna. Bring the family to shop, play, eat, and drink.

Peter Hart of Atlanta Puppetry appeals to everyone in the audience with unique marionettes and puppet characters that sing, dance, juggle, play fiddle, break apart and come back together, squirt water, and are even launched by catapult across the stage! Patrons will enjoy interacting with Peter & his puppets through musical and comical performances.

37th Annual presented by

Acoustic sounds for your listening pleasure: Scott Thompson will be performing all the songs you know and love on the lawn adjacent to the Spring Jonquil Food Court. Bring a blanket, sing-a-long, and relax in a beautiful setting with the family.

Back in 2025: The Georgia Grown Member Market ~ Highlighting goods and products from all over the state of Georgia.

New in 2025: Ready, Go Dog Show ~ The show features world champion Frisbee dogs and the highest box jumping dog in the world. Followed by a world class “meet and greet” for fans to get up close and personal with the 4-legged stars of the show.

INTERACTIVE KIDS ZONE: Bring the kids, as they are sure to be entertained with a wide variety of inflatable slides, bounces, and much more sponsored by St. Benedict’s Episcopal School.

When? Saturday April 26 & Sunday April 27

Times: Saturday; April 26, 10am - 6pm & Sunday; April 27, 12-5pm

Where? In and around City Hall and the Market Village - Smyrna, Georgia

Take I-75 to Exit 260 (Windy Hill Rd.) head west approximately 3 miles to Atlanta Rd., turn left onto Atlanta Rd. The festival will be one mile on the right.

Admission: Admission is FREE!

Attendance: 30,000 people!

Information: 770-423-1330

e-mail: missy@jrmmanagement.com. smyrnacity.com

SSOUTH COBB BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

outh Cobb is open for business! Since December 2023, I have had the privilege of serving as the president of the South Cobb Business Association. Last year, our membership grew by 10% and the average attendance of our luncheons increased by 30%. In addition to numerical growth, as an association, we were able to celebrate and generously support students, teachers, principals, and our heroes who serve in public safety.

With all of this forward momentum and growth, this is the perfect time for you and your company to join the South Cobb Business Association. In this association, it is our responsibility to provide informative and inspirational luncheons, high level networking opportunities, and help enhnce and promote your business. Time and time again, we have heard stories of those whose lives and businesses have improved because of information learned and connections made at our SCBA events.

SCBA is the oldest business association in Cobb County and it is still thriving today! As we reach to new heights, exceed our goals, and set new records, you have an opportunity to be a part. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Join the South Cobb Business Association today and mark your calendars for our upcoming luncheons and networking events. South Cobb is open for business, let’s prosper together.

Kerrick Butler President 2024-2025 South Cobb Business Association

STANDARD LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

New Membership / Membership Renewal $90

Standard Level Membership by Anniversary Date includes:

l Online SCBA Website Business Directory Listing

l Discount Member Price for Luncheons

l Opportunity for Showcase Table at Luncheons

l Access to our Coffee & Connections and Business After Hours

l Opportunity to Showcase Your Business by Hosting a Coffee & Connections or Business After Hours

l Sponsorship Opportunities to Promote Your Business

l Enjoy Business Networking and Volunteering Opportunities

Cobb Chamber Connection

The Cobb Chamber Connection is your go-to source for the latest Chamber events, business news, and opportunities designed to help your business thrive. Each month, we’ll highlight the benefits of Chamber membership, celebrate member achievements, and showcase the programs making a difference in our community. Stay connected, get inspired, and discover how the Cobb Chamber is working for you!

The Cobb Chamber Earns 5-Star Accreditation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Cobb Chamber a 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective procedures, and positive community impact. The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program promotes excellence in the chamber industry and fosters a pro-business environment across America. To receive accreditation, a chamber must meet standards in governance, government affairs, communications and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete. Out of more than 7,000 chambers of commerce organizations in the country, less than 2 percent nationwide are 5-star accredited, which is the highest accreditation recognition rating.

April Event Calendar

The Cobb Chamber hosts engaging events throughout the year to help businesses build connections and grow their knowledge. You don’t have to be a member to attend! Register in advance at cobbchamber.org/events

A Taste of the Chamber | April 2

This after work social on April 2 features samples and offerings from Cobb Chamber members. Network in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying appetizers, drinks, and great company.

April Marquee “Tuesday” with Governor Brian P. Kemp | April 15

Join us for brunch on April 15 at the Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre as the governor shares insights in the 2025 Legislative Session and a forecast for the remainder of the year.

Administrative Professionals Business Mixer | April 23

Gather with fellow administrative professionals and hear from Chandria Harris on celebrating the power of administrative expertise. Attendees can grow their network and enjoy a charcuterie board from 1885 Grill.

The Chamber Scene

Over the past month, the Cobb Chamber has been working on behalf of business at the Gold Dome, celebrated over 130 Teachers of the Year in the Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools, and hosted dynamic networking events.

Government Affairs Committee Day at the Capitol

Cobb Chamber members at Marquee Monday

Teacher of the Year Blitz

Welcome to Croxton Family Dentistry

Proudly Serving Marietta and Now Dallas, GA!

For nearly 40 years, West Cobb Dental Designs has had the privilege of providing exceptional dental care to the Marietta community. We’ve built lasting relationships and delivered top-notch services for generations of families.

We are excited to share that we’ve expanded our practice to Dallas, GA! Our new location, Croxton Family Dental Designs, can be found at 8709 Dallas Acworth Hwy, Dallas, GA 30132.

Dr. David Croxton, the founder of West Cobb Dental Designs is excited to work alongside his son, Dr. Hunter Croxton and his daughter, Dr. Nicole Croxton. With this new generation of Croxton’s, we continue to offer personalized, compassionate care while staying at the forefront of dental technology. Whether you’re visiting our Marietta or Dallas office, you’ll experience a welcoming, family-oriented environment and a team dedicated to your health and well-being. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with you and your family, providing outstanding care for years to come.

Thank you for choosing Croxton Family Dental Designs!

What services do we provide?

We offer a wide range of services, including implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, wisdom teeth extraction, root canal therapy, teeth in a day, esthetic treatments (veneers, crowns, bridges, partials, dentures), Botox and filler, Invisalign, and more!

West Cobb Dental Designs, Inc.

Where are the two locations?

West Cobb Dental Designs: 1001 Whitlock Ave NW A, Marietta, GA 30064

Croxton Family Dental Designs: 8709 Dallas Acworth Hwy, Dallas, GA 30132

Drs. David Croxton, Beth Pascaner, William Bumgarner, and Hunter Croxton

Progressive Methods, Caring Approach Georgia Dental

Veneers

Dentures l Root Canals

Teeth Whitening

Sedation Dentistry

Scaling & Root Planing

Other Cosmetic Services

Memory Care Is More Affordable Than You Think

STRUCTURE. FAMILIARITY. A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT.

Your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can live and age gracefully in their next chapter with The Village Program® at Celebration Village Acworth. Our beautiful, specialized community helps residents maintain their dignity while supporting them to live vibrantly through enriching experiences and by establishing caring personal relationships.

WE PUT THE CARE IN MEMORY CARE

• Choice of private or companion suite apartment styles

• All-inclusive, restaurant-style dining

• Recently renovated community, including new flooring and furniture, upgraded lighting, and fresh paint

• Personal care assistance, cueing, reminders, and medication management

• Housekeeping and maintenance services

• 24-hour security

• Associates have completed extended training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care