This season, let your legs shine as beautifully as the Nutcracker Ballet!
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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
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allyson Balzuweit
Tiffany Westbrook SMY Book Club
JRM Management
Heather Meliski Gary Tanner OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844
info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com
As we celebrate this joyful season, we want to send warm wishes to all our amazing families and patients. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s care and for being a part of the NWPC family!
We are excited to announce that we’re accepting new patients! If you’re looking for quality, compassionate care for your little ones, our dedicated team is here for you.
From babies to teens, we provide a warm and welcoming environment to support every stage of your child’s health journey.
Call us today to schedule an appointment at 678-889-0487 or check out our website at nwpediatriccare.com to learn more about us and our services.
We accept all major insurances including Medicaid.
Here’s to a new year full of smiles, growth, and adventures. We look forward to continuing to care for your little ones in 2025!
Dr. Figaro
Cora Crumby, PNP
W &FOOD HEALTH
Nutrition After 40
ell folks, holiday season is in full swing and my six month partnership with Tara is coming to a close. While Tara maintained her super busy life juggling multiple jobs and family, she didn’t check in with me as often as she could have, BUT, upon hearing the latest on how she’s doing, it’s clear to me that things have clicked and she’s definitely in more of that auto pilot lifestyle mode vs. having to constantly think about food choices.
She’s down at least 10 lbs, she had to buy new (smaller) pants, and her husband has noticed a transformation which is sometimes hard to see when you live with someone in the day to day life!
One of the things Tara mentioned as a recent win is that while she’s been consistently making good choices and when there are times that she hasn’t, instead of throwing in the towel and feeling bad about that mentally, she simply moved on. That’s a huge pivot from the all or nothing mindset she used to fall prey to.
Another win – a better rhythm with food has led to more productivity, because she freed up a bunch of mind space to focus on other tasks.
What is she working on still? Exercise and movement which is typically the biggest challenge with a schedule like Tara’s. She’s wisely set a goal to start getting her workouts in before the day unfolds, and even though she knows she may not hit the goal every week, she’s still planning to set an alarm with that goal in mind.
As Tara and I wrap up our time together during this holiday season, one of the things she requested is to be more in touch with text/chat support for those real life day to day moments when on demand guidance can be strategic while navigating parties, crazy schedules and all of the fun that the holidays bring. This is exactly what I love to do with my clients and one of the main reasons they are successful. Knowing what’s coming up each week allows me to help them create a strategy as they approach various scenarios. Having that high touch accountability and support is a game changer in a world where there are so many conflicting and mixed messages about food and nutrition especially for women in their 40’s and beyond.
I’d love to leave you with some practical tips for both the holidays and the new year, and I would be honored to support you on your own personal nutrition journey if you’ve been looking for an experienced dietitian to help you establish a plan that will work for your lifestyle and your goals!
Holiday Tips: Don’t skip or skimp on meals to “save up” for the party, the dinner or the event. Focusing on blood sugar balancing meals throughout the day will allow you to feel more in control of food and prioritize what you really want to enjoy.
Make a plate! Avoid mindless grazing and select a balance of protein, fat and fiber (think veggies) that aligns with your food preferences.
If/when things go south, STOP, reset and MOVE ON! No guilt necessary.
For the New Year: Quick fixes don’t work. Whole 30 in January is not the solution to your weight/health/nutrition problems.
Commit to a lengthier time to establish a lifestyle instead of diets, food rules and restriction. Invest in a process that allows for slow change that will produce lasting results.
Be realistic with yourself. What worked in your 20’s will no longer work in your 30’s, 40’s and beyond, and weight is not the most important data point on your nutrition journey.
Thanks for following along on this fun adventure with Tara, and reach out to me directly if you’re ready to begin your own!
W Kennesaw State alumnus leverages connections, industry expertise to bring OWL IN beer to market
hen Jeff Chassner saw the potential for two of his biggest passions to connect, he was all in to see them through to a perfect partnership.
Those passions are his alma mater Kennesaw State University and his employer New Realm Brewing Co. The partnership between the two has resulted in KSU’s first licensed beer – OWL IN, American Lager, launched just in time for the start of fall semester.
As chief sales officer for New Realm, Chassner ‘00 planted the seeds of the partnership with KSU Athletics more than a year ago. The company had begun branded beer partnerships with Georgia Tech and Old Dominion University in recent years. He broached the idea with people he knew in athletics and licensing at KSU.
“I told them, ‘I’m here, and if the opportunity were able to present itself, we would love to partner with you,’” he said.
That partnership has come to fruition, with OWL IN available in shops and restaurants throughout the area, with KSU receiving a portion of the proceeds.
“Jeff is one of the Owls super fans and a great friend to the university,” said Milton Overton, KSU director of athletics. “We value the partnership with New Realm and the fact a KSU alumnus played the leading role in making it happen makes it that much more special.”
Chassner, 47, has a more than a quarter century relationship with Kennesaw State, beginning when he enrolled as a freshman in the summer of 1995 following his graduation from Cobb County’s Wheeler High School.
“I knew with my personality that if I didn’t go right to college, I probably wouldn’t go at all,” he said, later deciding to try the local option KSU, just four exits up Interstate 75 from his home. He signed up for two classes that summer, and immediately knew he was in the right place.
In high school, Chassner played trumpet in the marching band, wrestled his senior year and was an all-around sports fan. At KSU, Owls athletics quickly gained a place in his heart as well, and he found an outlet in the sports world that he thought might turn into a career.
Having walked around the gym poking his head into offices, he encountered the head athletic trainer. They talked, and soon Chassner was a student trainer, something he would continue throughout his career at KSU where he worked with the baseball and men’s basketball teams.
“I filled up water bottles, washed uniforms, taped ankles – you know, kind of got into sports medicine, but we didn’t really have a formal academic program that led to athletic training certification,” he said.
Later in his KSU career, Chassner would meet a fellow student named Kellee Hilliard ‘00. For the past two decades they have been married and have three children, who they have included in outings to Owls sporting events.
Earlier this year Jeff and Kellee Chassner established a $50,000 endowed scholarship for exercise science students in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services.
Photo by Judith Pishnery
“Giving back was something that we both wanted to do, and being that Kellee works in the healthcare field and I got my start in athletic training, we decided the scholarship at Wellstar made sense for us,” Jeff Chassner said.
Another aspect of the partnership between KSU and New Realm gives Chassner a chance to give back to his alma mater by speaking to students. One of the most important lessons he passes along is the importance of building relationships.
“What I share when I talk is that I’ve never interviewed for a job,” Chassner said. “When I was in the restaurant business and met people from Miller Brewing, they approached me about joining them, which I did for a decade.”
Further, Chassner said he has built what he calls a “personal board of directors,” seven or eight people he respects and welcomes their input and advice. He recommends the same idea for students at KSU.
The bottom line for Chassner is that he loves KSU.
“I’ve had a great experience with KSU,” he said. “It’s been a journey of 20-plus years, but in a lot of ways it feels like it’s just getting started.”
– Story by Gary Tanner Story originally featured on www.kennesaw.edu/news/
Talkin’ Sports
By Justin Hanover
I A 2025 BRAVES PREVIEW
t feels as if the World Series just wrapped up with the Dodgers beating the Yankees in five games, thanks in part to that epic New York collapse in the finale, 7-6. But don’t look now, the 2025 season really isn’t all that far away.
Pitchers and catchers report on February 12th and Spring Training begins in earnest eight days later. This means that your Atlanta Braves and hopefully a much healthier version of your Atlanta Braves, is right around the corner.
2023 showed us what kind of an offense we have here in the ATL. Ronald Acuna, Jr. went bal listic in winning the MVP award while becoming the first 40-70 man after blasting 41 home runs and swiping 73 bases. Matt Olson belted a franchise high 54 long balls and drove in a gaudy 139 runs. The team collectively hit a major league record tying 307 round trippers en route to quite possibly the greatest offensive regular season we have ever seen.
But then there was last season and, well, it was the complete opposite and a mess of sorts. Injuries played a major factor with Acuna being lost for the bulk of the season and others like Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Michael Harris II and Sean Murphy missing a ton of action. Add in the week one season ending injury to star pitcher Spencer Strider and the Bravos were swimming upstream from the jump. Brian Snitker did a great job with lower-level players in somehow reaching the postseason at all despite the continual low offensive production. But in the end the squad that was in the playoffs just couldn’t compete with the superior San Diego Padres and it showed.
So now what? What can we expect from the soon to be 2025 version of the Braves? Well, there aren’t many franchises that wouldn’t trade places with Atlanta, that I can tell you. Unfortunately, the major injuries to Acuna and Strider will probably still keep them out to begin the season but these guys will be back and quite possibly better than ever. Certainly there is a question mark whenever coming back from stuff like this but both guys have been through it in their past and should know how to successfully navigate the peaks and valleys from it once again.
Then you figure how offensively really only Marcel Ozuna overperformed last year and you have to expect bounce back seasons from the Olson’s, Albies and Harris’ of the world. Those guys are too good and all top shelf players who had down years in 2024. I just can’t see that happening again for any of them.
We probably won’t see the 2023 offensive output as that was the absolute gold standard but we also won’t see the offensive failures of 2024 either.
As for the pitching, it was great last year and held the ship afloat. Chris Sale and Raisel Iglesias performed at such a high level and were both near perfect. The law of averages says they will somewhat regress to the mean but both should also be primed and ready to be successful, leading the way once again.
The Dodgers should be a powerful machine with Shohei Ohtani and Freedie Freeman and Mookie Betts and ready to repeat, but truth be told, the team with the best shot at knocking them off of the moun tain is probably the Atlanta Braves.
The bottom line is that our Bravos will be healthier and at least offensively far better than in 2024. So get ready for another potential wild ride as you may be rooting for a World Series contender.
MOVE mountains
at Mount Paran Christian School
Resilience.
It’s a skill that we all strive to instill in our children. As parents, our common desire is that our kids are happy and healthy despite the peaks and valleys of life. We are looking for a partner in education to help raise them to be fully prepared for the journey ahead, whether it be rocky or well-traveled. We want them to be steadfast in their faith and possess the confidence to tackle any challenge.
Mount Paran Christian School aims high, enabling students to “move mountains.” That is, to help them navigate through and ultimately conquer their goals. Whether it’s rigorous academic pursuits in the classroom, the courage to perform on stage, or the preparation to excel on the athletic field, MPCS guides students to approach their individual educational journey with a growth mindset and an unwavering faith.
Inspired by the collegiate 68-acre campus at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, Matthew 17:20’s “faith that can move mountains” embodies the guidance and dedication offered by career educators at MPCS. Success is achieved through the support of a close-knit school community and nurturing teachers who very intentionally know and love each child individually — teachers who share an unapologetic commitment to Christ. They build character and determination in their students to overcome inevitable obstacles while encouraging them to actively pursue and achieve their individual goals.
Rising Above
Comparatively, what students and teachers are accomplishing together is leading the way in private, PreK-12 education. Peak metrics include MPCS preschoolers performing with 14% higher Kindergarten readiness; high school students passing 91% of their AP exams, with 81 achieving AP Scholar status, and 54% of applicants to UGA or Georgia Tech gaining acceptance. This is just some of the data proving the quality of academic instruction by advanced career educators.
With an enrollment of more than 1,300 from PreK3 to grade 12, opportunities abound. Award-winning arts and magnet programs coupled with continuous State-championship teams among 18 sports offerings supports a well-rounded, next-level experience. Coaches and instructors are committed to discipling young people for Christ, ensuring that high character and faith development are paramount.
Early Foundation,
Lasting Impact
Who a child becomes is just as important as how they are challenged academically. According to a study by the Barna group, a child’s spiritual foundation is set by the age of 13. And — even more critical — a person’s moral foundations are in place by age nine. “This is why MPCS believes in getting to the heart of the child early in his/her school career,” affirms Associate Head of School Tawanna Rusk. “It makes the difference in who they become in their teens, and ultimately as adults.” As the only covenantal Christian PK-12 school in north Cobb, MPCS is committed to fusing family and faith into every step along the way. Weekly chapels and Bible as a required course in all grade levels, as well as consistent service opportunities help to shape young hearts and minds.
The result?
Ultra-prepared graduates who are resilient leaders with hearts for serving God’s people. Class of 2019 alum Kamryn Kitchens affirms, “Much more important than the knowledge and study skills I learned at Mount Paran which served me well in college, was growing so much closer to Christ which will forever stay with me.” As students navigate through school, they are learning to blaze trails, on their way to becoming the next generation of leaders. Mrs. Rusk adds, “Placing your child in a Christian school may mean a financial investment, but watching your child flourish academically and mature spiritually makes it all worth it.”
JEFF ALLEN COMEDIAN
JANUARY 4th 3 PM
$38 -$40
New tour! New material!
Jeff’s sidesplitting comedy drives home the humor in everyday family life.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER
Produced by The Main Street Players DECEMBER 6th - 8th
$16 - $18
Showtimes online!
LEE BRYAN TROUBLE IN TOYLAND
DECEMBER 18th
11 AM
$8 - $10
THE NUTCRACKER
FIVE SHOWS!
STARRING STUDIO 4 THE ARTS FRI DEC 13th - 7PM
SAT DEC 14th - 2PM & 5PM
SUN DEC 15th - 2PM & 5PM
$13 -$15
FIRST TIME AT DALLAS THEATER!
BOYS IN THE BAND
THE ALABAMA TRIBUTE
JANUARY 25th
7 PM / $22-$24
Boys in the Band hail from Fort Payne and aim to give the experience to lifelong fans while introducing younger generations to the magic of their timeless music.
THE RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAIN
FEBRUARY 8th / 7PM
$22 - $24
Laugh out loud comedy, marvelous melodies and terrific tap! Three amazing talents showcase Frank, Dean & Sammy! Reminiscent of their Vegas show!
CINDERELLA
The Main Street Players FEBRUARY 28th thru MARCH 9th
$12-$14
Showtimes online!
UPCOMING CLASSES +WORKSHOPS
JAN 6-FEB 12
Acting I Class (ages 8-12/13-17) MAR 11-MAR 27
Acting I Class (adults 18+)
PK(3)-12
700 Cobb Parkway N.
Marietta, Ga 30062
Open to all faiths
WHERE WILL WONDER LEAD YOU?
University of Rhode Island
Gavin Texas A&M Sophie
“I’m so grateful that Walker has been so accommodating for activities in and out of school. I’ve been able to pursue multiple passions of mine with so much support from my teachers and coaches!”
“Walker has taught me from a young age how to analyze situations, how to correctly approach them and how to resolve things.”
“Walker has pushed me to be curious, giving me the resources to always ask why while leaving me with more to wonder about.” Shawn MIT
RANKED #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL IN COBB COUNTY
The Walker School is now accepting applications for all grade levels. Visit thewalkerschool.org/admission or call (678) 540-7229 to learn more. Save the date for the all-school Open House on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Structured learning for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years
Pre-K4
Accredited Kindergarten & 1st grade programs
DEC 31 2024
he Battery Atlanta will ring in 2025 in style with its annual New Year’s Eve Bash presented by Xfinity, featuring an early countdown geared towards families and a traditional late-night show leading into the New Year!
The Early Innings, for those wishing to ring in the New Year with family and kids will begin at 6 p.m. in the Plaza. It concludes with a branded inflatable baseball drop at 8 p.m. and will include a performance by GRAMMY nominee Brady Rymer. The Late Innings festivities will start at 9 p.m., with A-Town A-List providing the entertainment from the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage. The midnight countdown includes pyrotechnics and will kick off the new year with an unforgettable confetti and aerial fireworks display.
Parking in the Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, Silver, Delta, 900, and 1100 Decks, and Surface Lots will be free for this event beginning at 6pm on December 31, 2024 and will continue until 12pm on January 1, 2025. Please note, the Orange Deck is not included.
ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATOLOGY OF GEORGIA in Rheumatology Care Excellence
Book Club
OUR BOOK CLUB TIPS
rom sharing our books, our scenes, our takeaways, to our reviews, it’s been our pleasure to appear in Our Town this year. Thank you to Tara for providing a fun outlet for our book club!
Author Lewis Buzbee noted that books connect us with others but in solitude. However, we know that reading doesn’t have to be a solitary hobby! Book clubs are a great way to turn connections into community. Check out our tips below for doing so.
Finding an Existing Book Club
l Look to your local library. Many libraries, including ours, have established monthly clubs and great suggestions. Our librarians are a treasure trove of ideas!
l Check out bookish podcasts and their online communities. We love Anne Bogel’s “What Should I Read Next?” podcast.
l Ask your friends, neighbors and colleagues for recommendations. There’s a book club out there for everyone!
l Be open to joining a group with different views on life to challenge the way you see the world.
Forming a Book Club
l If your group plans to rotate in-home hosting duties like ours does, consider the smallest space when determining membership numbers. Six is best for our group, but we love to include special guests when space allows. We’ve enjoyed meeting each others’ neighbors, siblings, childhood friends, college roommates and colleagues this way. Shout out to Kelly, Krista, Ashley, Kate, Tori, Sara, Betsy, Kami and Nikki!
l Consider getting started with the Blind Date with a Book activity. Each member brings a wrapped book with a few adjectives listed on the front. Members choose based on the descriptors, and steal or keep their selections.
l If your group would like to choose each month’s selection in advance as we do, reflect on choosing an annual theme. For example, our 2024 theme was books already on our individual To Be Read lists. In 2025, we have decided to select books with ratings of four stars and above across at least 10,000 Goodreads reviews.
l Acknowledge special interests. For example, do you love to cook? Start a cookbook club! Each member can prepare a different recipe for your meeting from the same cookbook.
l Alternatively, do you hate to cook? Don’t be afraid to order in! One of our favorite club traditions is our annual holiday Chinese meal!
l Are you intimidated to host your group? We’ve had great experiences across the years meeting at our local coffee shop, wine bar, restaurants and neighborhood pools.
Improving Readerly Goals
l Don’t get caught without a book. Load your Kindle! You can utilize free library apps such as Libby and Hoopla. Consider keeping an emergency paperback in your bag and car for when the mood to read strikes.
l Audiobooks are books too! We encourage you to enjoy books in any way that appeals to you.
l Looking to spend less time on your phone? Flirt with starting small by replacing 15 minutes of phone scrolling with the same amount of reading time.
l Be open to different genres. While we’ve covered different types of fiction this year for Our Town, we’ve also read and enjoyed memoir, self-help and social science recently for our group.
l Don’t be afraid to not finish a book if it’s not working for you. However, we recommend giving a selection at least 60 pages, ideally across one sitting, before moving on. Note that our group has had some fascinating discussions resulting from reading titles we collectively hated!
l Be sure to track. Our club utilizes a shared Google Sheet for annual tracking, including notes, reviews, recipes and our calendar.
l We encourage you to explore! Go see your favorite authors speak on tours. Plan to attend book festivals. Visit independent bookstores while traveling.
Our Farewell
Thanks again to Tara and Our Town for a fun partnership this year. Please keep up with us on Instagram @GoodTimesBookClub. Happy holidays from all of us - Allison, Jennifer, Laura B., Laura H., Myra and Shannon!
AND
K4 through 8th Grades
K4 through 8th Grades
3130 Atlanta Road | Smyrna, GA 30080 | 770-435-1596 ccs-admissions@ccssmyrna.org
3130 Atlanta Road | Smyrna, GA 30080 | 770-435-1596 ccs-admissions@ccssmyrna.org
Why I Became a Financial Advisor
ByAndresSandate
My dad has always been my greatest inspiration. Growing up poor, one of eight siblings who lost their father when he was just five years old, he learned early on life isn’t always fair, the value of hard work and perseverance. Instead of being defined by tragedy the family stuck together and with the help of others and a strong faith, were able to make ends meet. My dad’s experience motivated him to save for retirement over many years, embodying the dedication and discipline he wanted to pass on to his family.
Throughout his career, he worked nights at the United States Postal Service, often on just a few hours of sleep. He still found time to coach my sports teams and made every effort to help friends, neighbors and even strangers who needed a helping hand. His selflessness and resilience shaped the person I strive to be.
What has always inspired me most about my dad when it came to the subject of saving for retirement is how he quietly continued to save, even in the face of major economic challenges and without any outside help. From the dotcom bubble bursting in 2000 to the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, and later the uncertainty brought by COVID-19, he weathered setback after setback. As he approached retirement, like many Americans, he faced these challenges largely on his own without the benefit of professional guidance. I think growing up without financial security, and a perception that financial advisors were only for wealthy individuals led him to just save what he could year after year and hope it was enough.
Families like his often juggle multiple responsibilities—working, raising children, running a small business, and more. Many don’t know a financial advisor and didn’t have exposure to financial planning growing up. Talking about money, investments and retirement with a total stranger can lead to concerns over confidentiality, fear of judgement, feeling intimidated or just being outside one’s comfort zone. These feelings often lead to delaying or outright avoiding the conversations around financial planning. I realized that to truly help folks navigate these complexities and achieve their financial goals, they would need someone they felt comfortable with, who they liked and trusted, who wouldn’t make them feel judged and who could also offer comprehensive financial planning.
Comprehensive financial planning is NOT just for the wealthy, and it is far more than investments. It involves understanding a person’s personal and financial circumstances, identifying and setting goals, and a thorough understanding of the person’s values, attitudes and beliefs about money. Only by investing time with a client and earning their trust can a financial advisor learn the unique money scripts, sources of financial conflict, and behaviors that impact people and their money. Financial planning involves preparing financial statements, setting emergency reserve goals, managing education and other accumulation goals, addressing debt concerns, allocating investment capital, insurance planning, long-term care planning, property and liability planning, estate planning, and handling changes in lifestyle, health, family, and careers as they arise. This holistic approach to helping people with their financial lives is what my dad needed all along and what inspired me to begin a second act.
After spending nearly 20 years on Wall Street, I decided earlier this year to focus on helping people like my dad secure their financial futures. This idea had been in the back of my mind for years, ever since my dad suggested it to me. He told me that if I ever made the leap, he would support me by becoming my first client. True to his word, he did just that, giving me the confidence and motivation to begin this new chapter of my life.
As a financial advisor, I’ve made it my mission to provide comprehensive financial planning for families, retirees, and small business owners. My goal is to ensure that their hard work and sacrifices translate into a secure and fulfilling future. By addressing every aspect of financial planning—from education and retirement savings to debt management, insurance, and estate planning—I strive to offer solutions that account for life’s inevitable changes.
There’s a deep satisfaction in helping someone achieve the peace of mind they’ve worked so hard to earn or helping a client get back on their feet after a financial setback. Whether it’s showing a retired couple how to make their savings last, supporting someone through a divorce, aiding someone who has inherited substantial amounts of money after the death of a loved one, helping a small business owner build both their dream and their financial security, sitting down to help a client navigate their employer’s retirement and benefits or simply being a trusted guide through life’s uncertainties, every success story reminds me of why I do this work.
My journey as a financial advisor is rooted in my dad’s story—a story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to family and community. By helping others overcome their financial challenges through comprehensive planning, I aim to honor his legacy and the values he instilled in me. My dad’s support in making this career change, becoming my first client, and encouraging me to follow this path has been the foundation of my success. My mission is to ensure that no one must face life’s financial uncertainties without a trusted partner by their side.
About the Author: Andres Sandate is a Financial Advisor at Gramercy Park Wealth Advisors, LLC. Andres hosts the ATLalts podcast and is a Sales Executive with Our Town Monthly. Originally from Newton, Kansas, Andres and his wife Heidi have called Smyrna home since 2006. Andres and Heidi have three kids, Frankie (12), Renzo (10), and Maximo (8). Andres is an active volunteer in local Smyrna public schools, proudly coaches multiple youth sports teams, and is a member of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church. Andres Sandate Financial Advisor 404-550-8081 andres@gpwealthadvisors.com www.gpwealthadvisors.com Disclaimer:
4th Annual
Georgia Food + Wine Festival
presented by Georgia Grown Advance Discount Tickets On Sale Now March 21-23, 2025 | Jim R. Miller Park | Marietta, Ga.
Aworld-class culinary and beverage celebration will take place March 21 - 23, 2025 at Jim R. Miller Park. The Georgia Food + Wine Festival, presented by Georgia Grown will be a showcase of cuisine, beverage and culture that showcases Georgia celebrity chefs, local chefs, artisans, farmers, local craft spirits and beers, along with renowned wine, spirits and beer brands from around the globe. The festival is excited to once again partner with Georgia Grown as the Title Sponsor. This amazing organization brings so much to the table, and the organizers look forward to partnering with them to spotlight the many facets of how Georgia Grown supports Georgia agribusinesses. Georgia Grown will be showcasing their members in a variety of ways, including a Georgia Grown Chef Demo stage, and the Georgia Grown Member Village. The festival offers a wide variety of events for all tastebuds and budgets, with a variety of tasting events, shopping, live music, and more.
JRM Management manages and produces fairs and festivals throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including the North Georgia State Fair, The Great Anderson County Fair, the Big Shanty Festival, Smyrna Jonquil Festival, Taste of Smyrna, Taste of Acworth, Taste of Kennesaw, Taste of Marietta, and numerous other events. The festival will again team up with SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center as their charitable partner.
The festival organizers look forward to bringing this top-tier culinary event to Cobb County. The Georgia Food + Wine Festival takes place at the centrally located Jim R. Miller Park, in Marietta, at 2245 Callaway Road, SW which is minutes from the Marietta Square, The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park, just off I-75 and Windy Hill Road.
Early Bird advance discount tickets are on sale now with the lowest prices of the year on festival events. There are limited Early Bird advance discount tickets available for every event through December 31, 2024.
georgiafoodandwinefestival.com
NOW OPEN!
varenita.com/westcobb
AGE IN PLACE
At Varenita, residents can “age in place” comfortably and securely.
One of the main benefits of choosing Varenita of West Cobb is that residents can stay in the same community and, in many cases, the same “living area” even as their health care requirements change. This means that once you or your loved one moves into our beautiful community, it’s home. No matter how much needs to change over time.
ASSISTED LIVING
The perfect option for independent seniors who want support with daily tasks and personal care.
Varenita of West Cobb’s personalized assisted living care is designed for primarily independent seniors looking for a rich and rewarding lifestyle with an enhanced level of support. Guided by compassion and clinical expertise, our highly trained team members offer residents the gentle, individually focused support they need to flourish while retaining their independence.
Personalized Care for All Stages of Aging
ASSISTED PLUS
This specialized program is ideal for those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early memory loss. Our industry-leading transitional care program is built around an inclusive “open campus” model. It is specifically designed for residents experiencing the early symptoms of memory loss or MCI but may not require the full attention or secure environment of a traditional memory program. Residents who are appropriate for transitional care continue to reside in the Assisted Living area of the community while receiving additional support with daily activities.
MEMORY CARE
An enriching and supportive program designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Based on the latest research, Varenita’s memory care program offers a truly compassionate approach to care designed for those residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This living option combines an engaging, secure memory care neighborhood with a stimulating, person-centered lifestyle often missing from other cognitive care programs.
ON-SITE THERAPY SERVICES
Unlike many other senior living communities, Varenita offers comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for all our residents without the hassel of having to leave the community.
FIVE-STAR RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING
Varenita offers residents and their families an impressive mix of delicious cuisine and rich dining experiences. Our accomplished chef and culinary team create an ever-changing menu of delicious entrees made with organic, locally sourced ingredients across three beautiful dining venues. These include vegetarian, gluten-free, and specially designed dishes for residents with specific dietary needs. In addition, we have a registered dietitian available to help with residents’ nutritional needs.
THE VALUE OF CONNECTION
At Varenita, we offer an impressive mix of activities, classes, and events that foster engagement, stimulate the mind, and provide a rewarding sense of purpose.
• Arts & Crafts
• Daily Gardening
• Group Outings
• Move & Dance
• Animal Activities
• Cooking Classes
• Music & Song
• Live Concerts
• Exercise Classes
• Family Events
• Guest Speakers
Varenita of West Cobb | 1979 Mars Hill
Top Travel Destinations for 2025
Once the festivities of the holiday season are over, it’s time to start planning vacations for the new year. Where are the hot destinations for next year?
Read on for my top choices for 2025.
Faroe Islands This is a top destination for 2025 for a number of publications. These volcanic islands off the coast of Denmark have a perfect combination of charming Nordic villages, low crowds, and beautiful scenery. If you’re an adventure lover, you’ll have plenty to do here including challenging hikes, surfing, horseback riding, rappelling, and more.
Australia This is another destination that is shaping up to be very popular in 2025. Australia offers a wide variety of experiences – Sydney Harbor and Opera House, the Blue Mountains, the Outback, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and cities like Brisbane and Canberra – so there is something for everyone. This is definitely a destination for a longer vacation due to the amount of travel time and the time difference.
Alaska If you’re looking for a domestic vacation destination, Alaska is the place to be next year. Both the Iditarod Dog Race and Glacier Bay National Park are turning 100 in 2025, so it’s a perfect time to visit. Cruising is a great way to see Alaska for the first time but to really experience all Alaska has to offer, you will want to do at least part of your trip on land. One of the best ways to soak in the natural beauty in Alaska is to take a scenic ride on the Alaska Railroad. The railroad’s mainline runs from Seward to Fairbanks and passes through Anchorage and Denali.
Southern France If you’ve visited Paris before and are looking for something new, then Southern France is a great choice. Marseille is a fantastic city along the coast. It has a lower price point than other French seaside towns, glamorous beach clubs, and a great art scene. Bordeaux is a must-do for food and wine lovers. Make sure to take a side trip to the picturesque village of Saint Emilion for the best wines. Toulouse is like a mini-Paris with art galleries, amazing food, and scenic rivers and canals. If you’re interested in skiing, Courcheval in the Alps is the perfect destination that combines luxury, fantastic skiing, and adventure.
Thailand This is Travel + Leisure’s destination of the year for 2025, and for good reason. Thailand has the perfect combination of history, culture, fantastic accommodations, great food, and beautiful scenery. Whether you want to sightsee in a big city like Bangkok, check out the natural beauty of the mountains in places like Chiang Mai, chill on the beaches of Koh Samui or Phuket, or visit an elephant sanctuary, there is something for everyone in Thailand. This is a great destination for a first-time Asian vacation. They’re filming the third season of ‘White Lotus’ in Thailand, so expect an increase in visitors.
Visit me online for more great destinations! yellowshoetravel.com Make sure to check back in the new year to see which of these amazing destinations I travel to in 2025.
Happy holidays, and I wish you the best in the New Year!
Heather Meliski is a travel agent specializing in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, cruises, theme parks, and more. She lives in Smyrna with her husband two sons. Heather@yellowshoetravel.com FB @heatheryellowshoetravel IG @yellowshoetravelheather
‘TIS THE SEASON
Prep for the holidays with a natural spray tan glow! Great for holiday parties, family gatherings & New Year’s Eve celebrations. Ask about group rates!
