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PAGE 4
Our Town
Our Town
PAGE 5
In This Issue
Featured Photographer Shannan Thompson..........................................8
A U G U S T 2 0 21
Eliana Ocheseanu Wants to Help You: If Melasma is Your Problem in The Science of Beauty.............................................................10
Cover Story North Cobb Christian School
Cover Story Welcome to North Cobb Christian School! Check Out All of the Supportive Student Programs They Have to Offer.........................15
15
Read Why Justin Feels that Sports In Atlanta Has Never Been Better In Talkin’ Sports.............................................18
18
Cobb’s Rising Stars! ................................21
Talkin’ Sports Atlanta’s Got Talent!
23 Cobb’s Next Generation Returning to School
25 Travel Belize!
PAGE 6
Experience the Hidden Gem, Belize With OTM’s Travel Expert, Heather Meliski............................................25
Our Own Social Media Guru, Kimberly Wakins-Swenk Is Here to Rescue You from Your Child’s Math Homework......................................................26
26 Social Media Math Homework Help is Here!
33
Step Into a New School Year With Cobb’s Next Gerneration.......................23
Back To School K-9 Coach shares Tips to Help Your Pup Adjust
Buying a Home in a Seller’s Market? Our Town’s Deborah Ratchford Has Some Tips For You...........................................................29 K-9 Coach Helps Us to Avoid Behavioral Issues with Our Pups As We Return to “Normal” Schedules.............33
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F A M I LY L I F E S T Y L E N EW S M AG A Z I N E
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Publishers/Editors Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes West Cobb Area. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not Linda Demery & Lori McLinden
in Cobb County. Opinions expressednecessarily by the editorial staff their own reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our are Town reserves the right to Graphics and Design edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Terry Tanner for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made reservesTanner the right toInc. edit and or reject any editorial or advertising Graphics, by advertisers. content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond Account Executive Entire contents copyright 2018 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in sara@ourtownmonthly.com the Sara costYoung, of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. Feature Photographer Entire contents copyright 2021 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole Our Town Monthly or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. 109 Anderson Street Contributing Writers
Suite 109 Marietta, GA 30060
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR 678-337-7844 Tara Hill Hanover Fax: 678-337-7825 info@ourtownmonthly.com
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www.ourtownmonthly.com EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Justin Hanover
DIGITAL EDITOR/SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR 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 North/South Cobb Stephanie Mellom stephanie@ourtownmonthly.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Shannan Thompson
STERLING ESTATES COMMUNITIES STRONGER THAN EVER ALL RESIDENTS FULLY VACCINATED CALL US FOR TOURS “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.
Come See the Differences
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eliana Ocheseanu Evie Love Heather Meliski Deborah Ratchford K-9 Coach Team 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
WHEN DIET AFTER DIET FAILS IT’S TIME TO TRY SOMETHING THAT REALLY WORKS By Dr. Jimi Sharomi, PharmD RPH Right here in Acworth, there is a complete approach to weight loss that really works. That’s why I am so deeply concerned when I see people who honestly want to lose weight, look better and be healthier bitterly disappointed by their weight loss efforts. If you’ve tried diet after diet after diet and still been unable to lose weight, it’s probably NOT YOUR FAULT. In fact, there are several very real reasons why this has happened to you -why your dieting efforts have been doomed to failure right from the start. I promise you, YOU CAN LOSE THE WEIGHT YOU WANT TO LOSE weather it’s 15 pounds or 50 pounds, systematically, and steadily, without starvation, severe ‘impossible’ diets, extreme exercise, and dangerous drugs. …We all like the idea of those magic drugs that don’t let fat molecules stick, that burn off excess fat while we sleep, and lets us eat all the pizza, ice cream and cake we want and still lose weight. But those drugs come with a dangerous price tag in the form of liver disease, seizures, suicidal thoughts, heart abnormalities, hallucinations and drug dependence. What’s worse is the benefits of these drugs are misleading…they appeal to your senses, even though you know they’re only a temporary (and dangerous) fix for an ongoing problem.
ARE YOU READY FOR SERIOUS, LEGITIMATE, HONEST WEIGHT LOSS THAT REALLY WORKS, BASED ON SOUND RESEARCH AND UNIVERSITY STUDIES? PICTURE YOURSELF: Enjoying, even gloating over the compliments you’ll receive from amazed friends, family, your spouse… the same people who’ve seen you “fail” with one useless diet after another. The same people who, privately think you’re a “quitter” with “no will power”. Now they see a new thin, energetic you, down one, two, three dress sizes, and they’re amazed and maybe even jealous. IMAGINE YOURSELF: Actually eager to visit the gym to exercise or go for a bike ride or a walk, brimming with energy. Imagine yourself putting on a sexy dress or bathing suit and liking what you see in the mirror!
THE WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS THAT HAS ELUDED YOU AGAIN AND AGAIN CAN FINALLY BE “REAL” FOR YOU So what’s this weight loss secret? Well it’s not much of a “secret” anymore because when you combine the VERY BEST weight loss aid (Shed Fast) on the planet with a scientifically proven meal guide, word spreads like WILDFIRE because people notice pounds easily melting off their body like butter…Here’s our winning combo: First, Behavioral Support: Our meal guide educates you on how poor food choices and daily lifestyle habits contribute to being overweight. Second, Physical Support: Recent studies from Harvard University prove that when people set out on a healthier life of exercise and fitness, their diet grows substantially worse than before. We recognize that to successfully lose weight you’re going to need BLOCKBUSTER support to overcome temptations to eat junk food. So we deliver MATCHLESS support with SHED FAST Local clientele are raving about SHED FAST because they’re witness to accelerated weight loss. In clinical tests, the ingredients in SHED FAST were shown to significantly elevate metabolic rate even at rest, and resulted in increased athletic performance. That activity has translated into substantial weight loss for our clients — all WITHOUT starvation or outrageous exercises. And the most impressive results were achieved in just 8 weeks. “I’ve never looked so good in my life. I’ve lost 17 pounds of pure fat, and I’ve never had so much energy.” – Tina S, Acworth
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PAGE 9
The Science of Beauty
MELASMA TRIGGERS & SOLUTIONS
By Eliana Ocheseanu, the Skin Whisperer at Refinery21 Aesthetique
S
THE SOLUTION: Treatment is not always necessary for melasma. If hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills have caused melasma, it will fade after delivery or once a person stops taking the pills.
ummer is officially here and we are all looking forward to a long beach vacation, By October, though, as your tan will be almost gone, a glance in the mirror may still show some darkened patches on your skin that seem to be sticking around. These brown or grayish-brown blotches, typically on the forehead, chin, cheeks, upper lip, or nose, may signal a condition called melasma.
For other people, melasma can last for years or even for the rest of their lives. If melasma does not fade over time, a person can seek treatment to help remove or fade the patches.
Melasma is sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy, because it is sometimes triggered by an increase in hormones in pregnant women. But while the condition may be common among pregnant women, it isn’t limited to them.
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
CAUSES: Doctors do not fully understand why melasma occurs. It may be due to the malfunction of the melanocytes (the color-making cells) in the skin, causing them to produce too much color. As a result, people with darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma, as they have more melanocytes than people with lighter skin.
POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: Changes in hormones during pregnancy
(chloasma), hormone treatment, or while taking birth control pills, heat, sun exposure, certain skin care products, if they irritate a person’s skin.
Also, there may be a genetic component to melasma, as people whose close relatives have experienced melasma are more likely to develop it themselves.
PAGE 10
However, not all treatments work for everyone and melasma may come back even after successful treatment. 1. Hidroquinone is a prescription cream that will help lighten the patches. Apply directly on the dark areas at night and protect your skin during the day. 2. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and light therapy will reduce the pigment discoloration on the skin. 3. Avoiding the known triggers such as: · Unprotected light exposure - wear mineral SPF indoors and outdoors, · Heat lamps, cellphones, blow driers or steam, hot beverages, long showers and saunas, aviator sunglasses or any sunglasses with a metal frame as they absorb and dissipate heat on your cheeks and eye area, · Irritating skin care products, especially fragranced products. Fragrance is highly irritating and mixed with sun it could cause “PHOTO DERMATITIS. Sources: Harvard Health, Medical News Today
Eliana has over 20 years of experience in skin care. She is the owner of Refinery21 Aesthetique and she is always available for free consultations. Email her with any skin care related questions at eliana@refinery21studio.com
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Our Town
COVER STORY
What Do Kids Need Most?
North Cobb Christian School Has the Answer By Kate Hartley
I
n the 1940s, Harvard launched the now-famous Grant study, which followed 268 students for more than seven decades to determine the key to happiness. The answer? “Happiness is love. Full stop,” concluded the study’s original director, George Valliant. So, parents, pat yourselves on the back -- you’re likely giving your child exactly what they need most: love. But, since the majority of a child’s waking hours are spent at school, we are wise to apply this research to the classroom, as well. If love is the single most important need of a child, how many schools would earn an A in loving children well? Kennesaw resident Olivia Mashburn says that was exactly what was missing from her daughter’s experience during elementary school. “By the time my daughter Morgan finished fourth grade, we felt like she was shutting down at school,” says Mashburn. She and her husband Jody began looking for a different education option for Morgan and her two younger brothers, Conley and Evan. The Mashburns found their answer in the loving family environment at North Cobb Christian School (NCCS). “The closeness we all have with one another at NCCS is so unique. Parents, teachers, students, the entire school -- we really love and support each other,” says Mashburn. “I’ve watched my children come alive since we came to NCCS in 2017.” To Mashburn, one of the most important aspects of NCCS is that the school is in sync with their family’s Christian values. “There’s a powerful connection when your children are learning the same values at home, church and school,” she affirms. “Head of School Todd Clingman describes this synergy as a cord of three strands that’s not easily broken.” In addition, Mashburn says her children are regularly affirmed and encouraged. “The teachers at NCCS pray for our kids, and they do a wonderful job seeing special gifts or attributes in each student,” she says. “My children’s teachers will email me when they see something positive in one of my children, sharing a story or encouragement. Children need that affirmation; they need to hear it!” And Mashburn knows that all kids need this type of environment -- not just her own. “I referred five families to NCCS just this summer,” she says. “The number one thing most people worry about is tuition, but don’t let that be your reason not to check it out. God will always find a way. He does with us every year. Just go on a tour and see if it’s a fit for your children.”
SHOW THE LOVE:
Supportive Student Programs at NCCS
n Timothy Program | Students in K5 - 8th grade are paired with an Upper School peer mentor for support. n Weekly Chapel | PreK3 - 12th grade students join together in weekly worship and Bible study. n Pathways Program | Students in 5th - 8th grade are guided through a leadership development program to learn their unique gifts. n Fall Retreat | Every school year begins with bonding during an off-campus retreat for all 5th - 12th grade students. n Spring Term | Middle + Upper School students participate in annual mission trips and cultural experiences that build authentic relationships with each other and the world. n Advisory Groups | 5th - 12th grade students meet regularly in peer groups with a faculty discipleship leader. n NCCS Academies | Five magnet programs allow NCCS Upper School students to customize their academic track to develop gifts and callings. Photos by Shannan Thompson
For Mashburn, NCCS has been the perfect fit, providing the love and support that was missing from her children’s school experience. “During our initial family interview at NCCS, Middle School Principal Craig Konchak said, ‘You see that smile on your daughter’s face? We’re going to make sure it stays there.’ And it absolutely has.” To tour North Cobb Christian School, call 770-975-0252 or email admissions@ncchristian.org. NCCS is home to nearly 1,000 students in preschool-K3 - 12th grade, providing a biblically based, academically excellent education in a nurturing environment. Visit ncchristian.org
Eagle Drive NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 Our4500 Town
PAGE 15
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Publishers/Editors Linda Demery & Lori McLinden Graphics and Design Terry Tanner Tanner Graphics, Inc. Account Executive Sara Young, sara@ourtownmonthly.com Feature Photographer
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 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 2018 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.
Our Town Monthly Contributing Writers
PAGE 16
109 Anderson Street Suite 109 Marietta, GA 30060
678-337-7844 Fax: 678-337-7825
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in th
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PAGE 17
Talkin’ Sports
T
By Justin Hanover
here may not be a better time to be alive than right now if you are an Atlanta sports fan! Sounds crazy? Well, hear me out.
became the youngest player to go for at least 25 points and 15 assists in the postseason.
The future has the potential to be incredibly bright as we are witnessing something that no other place in this nation can boast, three absolute blue-chip studs who are all under the age of 24. We could be in the beginning of an Atlanta golden age of sorts.
In February, the former Oklahoma Sooner made his 400th career threepoint field goal in only 159 games, the least number of games ever. Yes, that includes Stephen Curry and everybody else to ever play the game. What we are witnessing right now in real time is insane and cannot take for granted. Young, who has averaged a phenomenal 24 points and 9 assists per game in his first three seasons, is on the cusp of being the most dominant basketball player on the planet, bar none.
Trae Young, Ronald Acuna, Jr and Kye Pitts all have the makings of being that special generational athlete. They can all dominate the professional landscape and be the best in the world at their respective position. Young and Acuna, Jr. have already proven such with Pitts ready to show off his immense upside.
Ronald Acuna, Jr.
What we just witnessed from the Atlanta Hawks 22-year-old point guard in the playoffs was nothing short of historic. Young obliterated both the New York Knicks and the top seeded Philadelphia 76ers in his first postseason before a bone bruise pretty much sidelined him in the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
This Atlanta Braves outfielder is a five tool can’t miss superstar who won the NL Rookie of the Year in 2018 and then the next season was named an All-Star, won the stolen base title and the first of his, now, two Silver Slugger Awards. He is a rare leadoff hitter with power, who in 2019 belted 41 home runs and stole 37 bases. Acuna, who can change a game at any moment with one swing of the bat, is the only player in the history of the game to combine to blast 50 long balls and swipe 50 bases in his first two seasons.
The 22-year-old scored 32 points and added 10 assists in his playoff debut at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York. Pressure? What pressure?!?!?!? He, in fact, became the second player in NBA postseason history to have at least 30 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in that debut, with Lebron James being the other. Young also dished out an amazing 18 assists in a playoff game against the 76ers and
Two years ago, at 21 years old, Acuna became the youngest 100 million dollar player and for good reason. It is almost as if he makes it look so easy that we can’t fully understand what we are seeing. Unfortunately, Acuna tore his ACL in that early July game in Miami ending his campaign, so we will have to wait until 2022 to see what’s next for our Cobb County superstar.
Trae Young
Kyle Pitts Tony Gonzalez who? Well, that may be a bit premature as this Atlanta Falcon 20-year-old Tight End of the future has yet to play an NFL down but that hasn’t stopped the incredible hype. In late April, Pitts was selected fourth in the 2021 NFL draft, the highest pick ever for a player at the tight end position. NFL experts have described him as “the best player in the draft’, an “alien and a tight end that we have never seen in this draft process before”, and as a guy “who can walk into this league and tear it up as a rookie.” The legendary draft guru Mel Kiper even said, “a lot of tight ends have high praise but this is the highest ever for me.” Pitts, at 6’6” and 246 pounds, is the epitome of a beast who already intimidates opposing NFL coaches. It is beyond freakish for a guy at his size to run a 4.44 40-yard dash as he did at the University of Florida’s pro day. He possesses the size, strength and speed to dominate at the highest level, holds the All-Time yards receiving record for a tight end at UF and is second overall in catches down in Gainesville. He has all the makings to potentially break some records here in Atlanta and be the next Tony Gonzalez. Name another city that can boast a young three-some like this. You can’t!
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.
PAGE 18
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A DIFFERENT APPROACH
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For 70+ years, The Howard School has been providing
EXCEPTIONAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES for students with language-based learning differences
K-12 Personalized Instruction Interdisciplinary Team of Experts State-of-the-Art Assistive Technology Spacious 17-acre campus in the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant Westside district
PAGE 20
For more information about The Howard School, please visit howardschool.org.
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1192 Foster Street, N.W. • Atlanta, GA 30318 • 404.377.7436
g n i s i R Cobb ’s rs! Sta 2 1
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ABEL YARED - N. Cobb Christian ALLIE McCRAY - Mt. Bethel Christian BROOKSTONE BARRACUDAS Swim Team GRACE GRANATO - N. Cobb Christian EVIE HANOVER
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6. HALEY ATKINSON - Campbell HS 7. LYRIC TURNER - Smyrna Elite Track Team 8. USAC GEORGIA GAMES 9. MACIE RAINWATER - N. Cobb Christian 10. OLIVIA BECHTEL - Mt. Bethel Christian
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Begin your next chapter with a superior, Christ-centered education at our Upper School.
To arrange a tour today, please email admission@mtbethelchristian.org
mtbethelchristian.org l 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd l Marietta, GA 30062 l 770.971.0245 School has started! By Evie Love
E
ven though I am sad summer is over, being back and seeing my friends has been amazing! I am so excited my high school career has started, having many of my friends from middle school returning is great as well! However, I have to admit, starting high school comes with mixed emotions. I left middle school as the oldest group and most informed and now I am walking in as the youngest and least informed. As the first day of school rolled around, I was filled with excitement, ready to begin a new chapter but also nervous. Then I walked in, my brain was racing… Will I know where all my classes are? Will I walk into the wrong class? Will I have classes with my friends? Will I be “a starter” on my sports teams? Will I enjoy lunch? Will I seem small compared to the seniors? And most of all, will I love it as much as I loved middle school? Once I saw a familiar face, my nerves were instantly calmed...There is always something comforting about familiar faces in the hall mixed with all of the new ones.
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Some things I’m looking forward to: School retreats and field trips - I love having time outside of school to just have fun hanging out with my friends. Getting close to one another and meeting new people that have either come new to the school or are in other grades or reconnecting to people we have known for a while but lost touch with, is always my favorite part. Classes - One of the best things about school are all the different teaching styles and classes you can take, learning new material that you never thought would interest you can sometimes make you even more interested in a class, or at least for me. High school - Being called a “high schooler” is new but awesome! The different learning environment and the change of pace is really a fun and exciting way to learn. For instance, instead of having 7 classes a day, I have 4 classes a day (8 in all) and I switch off the classes every other day. I may have history class first period on Monday and math class first period on Tuesday, it seems to keep it from getting boring. Keep in mind, school has just begun... I am expecting everyone and everything to be a great new adventure but who knows. Stay tuned, I will keep you updated! Evie Love is a Cobb high school student who loves volleyball, soccer, her family and friends. She’s kind, funny, determined and hardworking. She is an active volunteer in her community, achieved principals honor roll, captain of her soccer team, inducted into NJHS and 2020/2021 Student of the Year.
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It’s Unbelizeable!
I
By Heather Meliski
recently had the opportunity to experience a new destination, the amazing country of Belize, and I was blown away by how much I loved this country.
I travel often in order to experience new resorts, destinations, and local tours and activities so I can best serve my clients and match them with the best fit for their vision for their vacation. I’m so happy to have experienced Belize first-hand because I was able to see what a wonderful country it is, but I also was able to see that it isn’t the right fit for everyone – it is definitely a country for travelers, not tourists. If you’re looking for a more ‘traditional’ travel experience – an all-inclusive resort or a five-star luxury property with butler service – then I would recommend a different destination. Belize is a relatively new country, having just gained its independence from Great Britain in 1981, and is an unspoiled treasure. It isn’t commercialized – you won’t find any chain restaurants or stores anywhere in the country – and has maintained a natural, warm, authentic vibe. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and eco-tourists, and is a great destination for anyone looking for a more adventurous getaway where you can unplug from everyday life. The food was absolutely amazing everywhere we went and I loved every meal that I had, which is something I can’t often say. I would describe all of our accommodations during our stay as rustic luxury (there aren’t five-star resorts anywhere in Belize), and the first two resorts had the vibe of a really nice summer camp for grown-ups.
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Our first destination was the jungle in Cayo District in western Belize, and this area is full of activities for nature and adventure lovers. Our rooms were open air – so no A/C – which is quite common for accommodations in this area. Cayo is known for its outdoor activities and we packed in as many as possible in the short time we were there – climbing Mayan ruins, an RTV jungle tour, visiting a butterfly garden, and more. From Cayo we traveled to Mountain Pine Ridge to stay a few nights at a gorgeous eco-property located above a waterfall. This remote area is perfect for disconnecting from technology (the only WiFi was in the main building) and reconnecting with nature. From Mountain Pine Ridge we drove back to Belize City to board a small plane for the short flight to Ambergris Caye. This is Belize’s best-known destination and is popular for its beaches, snorkeling, diving, and water sports. It is the most popular tourist destination in Belize and features a lot of shops and restaurants, and I love that the main way to get around the island is by golf cart. Ambergris Caye is located near the Belize Barrier Reef which is famous for the Great Blue Hole, one of the top dive destinations in the world. Belize is truly a hidden gem and a perfect destination choice if you’re looking for an authentic, adventurous travel experience. 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
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How To Help With Your Kid’s Math When You Know Nothing By Kimberley Watkins-Swenk
“I
don’t know!” I said. My head was pounding as I loaded the dishwasher. “Did you text one of your friends? Ask them.” My oldest, exhausted from a 2-hour practice, silently rolled his eyes, saying, “No, everyone is already in bed. I had practice, so I haven’t done my math homework yet.” August always brings mixed feelings to our house. Happy for a return to routine, but the thought of math homework sends a sense of anxiety through the house. We are creatives in this house. “Can’t you write the answer? Do you have to show your work? I can give you the answer.” I responded. “No, mom, I have to show my work. I can’t just write the answer down. They have to know how I came to get that answer.” The dog is barking in the background. The cats are knocking things off the counter. My youngest storms in from baseball practice, throwing his stuff up against the wall with a loud thunk as the bat hits the hall, screaming, “I am hungry.” Welcome to the average school weeknight in the Swenk household - exhaustion, chores, hunger, practices, and math HOMEWORK. Even if math were my stronger subject, I wouldn’t be able to teach it properly. “I don’t know what I am going to do about homework,” I lamented to a friend. “It is different from my childhood, and I am sick of getting my kids to school early for help, and they can’t stay late.” “Have you tried Photomath?” My friend stated with the casualness of
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someone who didn’t spend one-hour last night on a math problem with their middle schooler. “Photomath, never heard of it,” I said. “What is it?” My friend went on, “It is the app that my middle schooler and high schooler use to help with their math homework. You take a picture of the problem, and the app gives you the order of operations - not the answer, but the order of the steps you need to take to get to the correct answer. It also does something with graphs.” A wave of excitement came over me as I tried to pull up Photomath on my phone as we walked around the track. Screw my heart rate; I was going to end my math drama. According to their website, “Photomath reads and solves mathematical problems instantly by using the camera of your mobile device. Check your work for any printed or handwritten problems. Learn how to approach math problems through clear steps and detailed instructions. You can even choose between multiple explanation methods for some problems.” An app like this was right up my alley as I forwarded the information to my son. I know you are thinking, what does it cost? The core functionality is free. More advanced functions are available under their Photomath Plus subscription plans which costs between $2.99 and $19 per month, or a yearly plan at $59.99. Sounds like a plan to me! You can find more information at https://photomath.com/en/ Kimberly Watkins-Swenk is a social media professional and also OTM’s Digital Content Director & Editor. Kimberly and her family split their time between Smyrna and Durango, Colorado. She is married to Jason and has two sons, Luke and Chase, and two cats she loves more than anything.
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Do You want to buy a house? By the way, What’s a Seller’s Market?
B
uying a home in a seller’s housing market can be tough, but not impossible. A seller’s market is when the current amount of available homes for sale is less than the current number of buyers looking to buy. It’s the supply and demand equation that is always in play. Buyers that are making offers and not winning the bid are feeling discouraged. Here are some things buyers are doing with their offers to be noticed and hopefully accepted. To start with - Get qualified with your loan officer.
Check your credit score. Credit history and your current score could determine how you stack up against other buyers, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting the best mortgage package to fulfill your home purchase. Have a conversation with your loan officer about the purchase process on the loan side of the transaction to be aware of the money that’s going to be needed. This will help prevent surprises before or at the closing. Research home purchasing methods that best fit your needs. There are many different approaches to buying today. Research your options to understand what method is the best fit for your unique circumstances. For example, a traditional real estate brokerage firm will have you work directly with a licensed real estate professional, and is the most traditional option in home buying. Real estate professionals are instrumental to measure your needs and leverage market knowledge to better inform an offer. But not all real estate professionals are created equal. Interview at least three, check references and analyze how they’ve done with recent purchases. You could also start with an online real estate platform, an option rising in popularity. Online real estate platforms offer a simple, flexible home shopping experience. You can match your objectives with market and neighborhood insights, view options nationwide and match with a quality real estate professional who will provide you with the best options for buying, all without leaving your home. For the busy buyer or “do-it-yourselfer,” this option is effective and secure. Make a budget. Purchasing a home is an expensive undertaking and you’ll need to map out your entire budget well before you consider moving toward buying a home. Mortgage brokers and lenders can be a big help in mapping out unexpected costs and determining what your closing costs could look like. Factor unexpected costs into your budget. You may have to spend more on closing costs than initially anticipated. Expenses like inspection fees, lawyer fees and even your first home insurance payment could be more than you expected. It’s important to set aside more than you might at the beginning of your home buying journey to ensure you’re able to cover the costs of appraisals, taxes, title insurance and more. Closing costs are usually between 3% and 5% of the total purchase price of a home. With so many other hungry buyers seeking homes, consider the following options to make your offer as attractive as possible: Leverage cash if you can. If you’re able to purchase a home with an allcash offer, it’s recommended to do so. Cash offers are sellers’ dream offers as they allow the home buying process to move far quicker than a traditional mortgage lender. There are many companies who will turn
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you into a cash buyer by buying the home for you. These services can level the playing field against other well-qualified cash buyers. Make a personal case for your offer. It doesn’t hurt to reach out to sellers in a letter expressing your interest in their home and showcasing your passion in maintaining their home. Sometimes the personal touch can make all the difference. Lots of buyers will include a nice picture of themselves. Consider covering all the seller’s closing costs. Seller closing costs consist of various fees ranging from the HOA fees and/or title insurance. Buyers today are often covering both the buy- and sell-side closing costs to entice sellers. If there are other hidden fees you can cover for your prospective seller – such as home repairs – this may give you another edge. Consider offering more than the asking price & waiving the Appraisal contingency. Depending on the market, some homes are selling for well over asking price. You may need to offer more than the list price in order to win in the most competitive markets. Purchasing a home in today’s market is a challenging, impactful decision. After all, it’s the biggest purchase most people will ever make. But there are ways to make the process as smooth as possible. Consider options when purchasing a home and don’t put off the small things, as even the slightest discrepancy could impact your experience. As always, consult with your local real estate agent! An experienced real estate agent will help you find the perfect place for you! An experienced Real Estate agent will get you to the closing table. Make sure to visit Deb on the Web for more information. Deborah Ratchford - Top Producing Realtor with Proven Results!!! Keller Williams Realty Cityside Debratchford@kw.com 678-570-4779
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Our Town
School is back in session!
E
ach year this time we write an article with tips designed to help your family avoid behavioral issues with the pups as we return to school and “normal” schedules.
Think about these facts for a brief moment:
Over the last year and a half, our dogs have had extremely limited socialization, or time alone; they’ve basically been with us 24/7 whether you were fully quarantined or not! l Many kids are returning to school for the first time, full-time since March 2020! l We have thousands of newly purchased and adopted dogs who have had limited socialization, limited time alone and have never gone through the lifestyle change that is back-to-school! l This summer, as people’s lives began to return to normal and they began going out more, traveling, having guests over, etc…, our training team has been inundated with customers needing help for their pup’s separation anxiety, depression, boredom, destructive behavior, reactivity, aggression, etc… l
So… it’s obvious why so this year, more than any other ever, we need to be prepared for back-to-school! We are happy to offer the following tips to help your family avoid behavioral issues as we return to school this year.
Physical Exercise: As families get busier, exercise for the family dog can take a back seat to homework and school activities. Many behavioral issues and frustrations in dogs can be prevented by engaging them in exercise two times a day.
School Gear: Many school supplies are dangerous to your dog. So, make sure you have a place to put these new items that will help prevent a curious hound from ingesting anything that is unsafe. Last year, we lost several soft-sided lunch boxes to our nosey German Shepard! After School: Plan after school activities for your children and the pups.
Play fetch, plan a family game of soccer or go for a hike together. Do some of the games we told you about a few months ago. Younger children can read aloud to your dog! This gives the pup some much needed attention and can make getting reading done a lot more fun! Older children can help by walking the pup daily, giving them a brush-out, playing games like hide and seek, or even participating in training together.
Playdates: As we get back to playdates with friends, remember to ask new
friends if they are afraid of dogs or have dogs themselves. Fearful or inexperienced children may display inappropriate behaviors or styles of play that may cause the family dog to show fearful or threatening displays. Place your dog in their locked crate with a special chew or take them to camp when these friends visit. If your child is going to a new friend’s home to play, ask if the family has a dog AND if that dog has been well socialized. It’s completely appropriate for you to explain your child’s experience, or lack of experience, with dogs AND for you to ask to meet the dog beforehand. We hope you and your pup are thriving during this season and we hope our back-to-school tips help keep your pup safe, happy and healthy. Make sure to see our website for upcoming classes and events and stop by our retail area to grab all your canine food, toys and treats. And to all the big and little children heading back to school this year, we wish you a wonderful year!
Amber, Jarrette & the K-9 Coach Team
Mental Exercise: A bored dog is a dog in trouble! Providing ample interactive toys for your pup will work their mind while you run errands or head to the office. There are a variety of interactive toys, puzzles and chewy treats available. Leaving for work? Fill one of these puzzles with your pup’s dog food and let them spend the next few hours working their mind and you will come home to a calmer, happier four-legged friend. Get Training: As school begins, think about getting involved in training. We
always have group classes, private instruction, camp training, board and train, as well as puppy-specific training! Spending just an hour a week training will reduce stress, encourage and improve the bond with you and your dog and help make time together more enjoyable.
Socialization: Well-trained and socialized dogs have predictable behavior and are able to succeed around a wide array of other dogs and people. Only being around your family and your other dog IS NOT the definition of well socialized. Lack of socialization and the resulting behavioral issues is the number one cause for dog surrender in the US! Routine: Family routine changing soon? Go ahead and start instituting
those changes now. For example, if your daily school routine includes your pup spending a few hours in the crate, go ahead and start crating your dog for a few hours now. Making sudden changes to a dog’s routine can cause anxiety, depression and destructive behaviors. It’s better to begin early and test things so that you can address issues while you have the time.
Carpool: For us, carpool is a great way to spend time with the dogs and our son. Because you see a lot of other people, cars, etc… during carpool, it’s also a great time to work on training and socialization. REMEMBER - unrestrained dogs can be seriously injured should you have an accident so make sure you have a safety belt for your dog.
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Deborah M Ratchford
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