February 2024

C O B B ’ S FA M I LY L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E FEBRUARY 2024

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STERLING ESTATES

Senior Living Communities

Award Winning Full Continuum of Living

3450 Acworth Due West Road / Suite 610 / Kennesaw, GA 30144

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Letter from the Publisher

T

• A Variety of Large Floor Plans to Meet Any Need

TARA HILL HANOVER

here are friends and there are family...then there are friends who become family. That is how I feel about each and every one of you.

Readers, advertisers, contributors and to the OTM staff, you are all my Our Town Family and I love you all dearly. Thank you for being such an amazing community to live and work in.

I hope this month fills you with so much joy and most of all, I hope you find time to be with the ones you love and don’t forget...to take a minute to love and appreciate yourself. #selfloveclub And remember, “if you only have one smile in you, give it to the people you love” -Maya Angelou Happy Valentine’s Day!

with Love, Tara

• Diverse Amenities Inspiring Our Residents to Live a Social, “Sterling” life • Certified Parkinson’s Programs - Emphasizing Balance & Maintaining Strength

Our Town

“We sold our home of 20+ years earlier this year, above our asking price, and moved into our beautiful cottage home at Sterling Estates, freeing us from all the responsibilities of homeownership. We freed up cash, traded in property taxes and constant maintenance for the many benefits we’ve discovered living here at Sterling. We exercise more than ever. I love to walk through the grounds and enjoy the large wellness center, while my wife swims almost daily in the indoor heated pool. She is fond of her weekly art classes. A day here is much more fulfilling for us, we wished we had moved sooner. We encourage you to come see what we mean.” - Bill and Sally R.

• State of the art Wellness Centers & Programs, led

by Sterling Recreation Therapists and Exercise Specialists

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• Award Winning Food

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In This Issue

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2024

FAMILY LIFESTYLE NEWS MAGAZINE

15

Cover Story

Mount Paran Christian School

Note from the Publisher.................................4

Talkin’ Sports Fun for the entire family, The Georgia Swarm.......11

Cover Story: Check out why MPCS students love being part of a covenantal Christian school.................................15

Local Fun It’s back, Georgia Food and Wine........................18

Community Spotlight Cobb Youth Commission.....................................21

Book Club Sit down, relax and join in!.....................................26

Talkin’ Sports

The Georgia Swarm

11

31 26

Book Club The Change

GA Food + Wine Festival

Food & Dining Having trouble incorporating “plant foods” into your diet? Real food Dietitian, Allyson Balzuweit is here to help..........................................................31

Travel Is new year travel on your mind? Heather Meliski knows all of the 2024 travel trends.......................34

Food The Power of Plant-Based

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Cobb County. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content.

Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2024 by Our Town.

Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR Tara Hill Hanover EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Justin Hanover GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Jules Fandos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES West Cobb Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com Smyrna/Vinings/Galleria/Cumberland Amy Knight amy@ourtownmonthly.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Bastke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JRM Management Brittani Lee SMY Book Club Allyson Balzuweit Heather Meliski OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com

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FB: Our Town Monthly

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Travel

2024 Destinations

34

IG: @our_town_monthly

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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.

1727 Mars Hill Rd/Suite 203 Acworth 30101 In the Brookstone Publix Shopping Center

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Our Town

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Personalized Care for All Stages of Aging

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.

ASSISTED PLUS

FIVE-STAR RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING

MEMORY CARE

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.

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.

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.

Varenita of West Cobb | 1979 Mars Hill Road, Acworth, GA 30101 | 470-750-3500

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

• Arts & Crafts • Daily Gardening • Group Outings • Move & Dance • Animal Activities • Cooking Classes

• Music & Song • Live Concerts • Exercise Classes • Family Events • Guest Speakers

9

Talkin’ Sports

By Justin Hanover

The Fastest Game on Two Feet

I

f you read this Talkin’ Sports column enough, then you probably know that a majority of my work is in the freelance sports world. I don’t have that 9 to 5 job, like many do, as the bulk of my work world is with various organizations ranging from High School to professional.

I just added one such “job” a few months back and feel the need to tell as it could involve you and your entertainment pleasure.

Have you ever heard of the Georgia Swarm? Are you a lacrosse fan? If the answer to either of these questions is no, it doesn’t even matter.

*

The Georgia Swarm is our professional indoor lacrosse team based in Duluth, right off of Sugarloaf Parkway. They play at Gas South Arena and consist of the best lacrosse players in the world, including the great Lyle Thompson. The Swarm play an 18-game schedule in the National Lacrosse League which consists of 14 other teams, including many major markets such as New York and Toronto in both the United States and Canada.

a bad seat in the house as all of the views are right there on top of the action.

“We do fan engagement surveys after each game and we consistently rank higher than other professional sports”, said Arlotta. “Yet we are always trying to get better by constantly improving everything from our in-game music adjusting our in-game experience to our fans’ ability to interact with our players.”

I’ll be honest, I really had no idea what to expect with this gig as I knew little about the Swarm franchise or the overall sport of lacrosse as a whole. But to say that I am impressed with this organization and the overall game experience is the understatement of the century.

I took my family to a game in January and they all had an absolute blast wanting to come back for more. My son was gifted lacrosse balls and autographs from the players. He was living his best life running around trying

770.805.9977

4500 W. Village Place Suite 1011 / Smyrna

John Arlotta bought the franchise back in 2008 and moved it from Minnesota to Georgia in 2016, winning the NLL title the following season. He also makes sure that the Swarm gives back to the community with various charity endeavors that include our beloved Cobb County.

“We do grassroots development of lacrosse in the community through the Swarm Box League which has youth players from counties such as Cobb County, and we do middle school programs where we teach lacrosse in gym classes”, said Arlotta.

But what is a Swarm game actually like? After just calling my fourth game as the color commentator, with Chris Mooneyham on the play-by-play, I can tell you it’s flat out awesome. The play is fast paced as guys come flying off of the bench to try and get out on a fast break or defend against a fast break. It’s the same number of players on the floor as in the NHL where the game is six on six including a goaltender. There is non-stop music blasting throughout the game, yes, as the play goes on, making it extremely unique and frankly one of a kind.

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Our Town

Going to a Braves game or a Falcons game or a Hawks game or an Atlanta United game can be fun and a good time for all but this experience has it all. It’s constant action, fan friendly contests and giveaways, great arena rocking music, quality food, passionate fans and an overall amazing atmosphere that is second to none. Plus, at Gas South Arena there isn’t

to get balls over the boards and glass, as collecting has become his hobby, and my daughters and wife just loved the fan friendly atmosphere and overall experience. In fact, they all walked out of the arena shocked at how much fun they had, originally thinking they were just coming to support me and use a few free tickets.

The schedule has broken down where the team plays its final five games at home, meaning three games in March and a pair in April, two on a Friday, two on a Saturday and one on a Sunday.

I promise you this, if you come out and give it a shot, you will love what is deemed “the fastest game on two feet” and possibly even be hooked!

Check out the Swarm on-line at https://www.georgiaswarm.com/ schedule/ and use this QR code for a discount!

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.

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Our Town

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member of the MPCS family, and no one is left out. By recognizing each child for the unique ways God made them, MPCS teachers encourage students to reach their full potential.

Critical Early Development of Christian Character

Known and Loved

I

t’s a universal truth that all people, but especially children, desire to connect with others, to be recognized for their innate worth, to be known and loved. When you consider that from the ages of 5 to 18 children spend more waking hours at school than at home, it begs the question, how can a school help a child do more than learn, but also feel known and loved?

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“Where young children spend their school hours, and under whose guidance they spend them, has a great impact on who they will one day become,” attests Tawanna Rusk, associate head of school at Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS). For 10 percent of American parents — roughly more than 5.5 million children according to the Council for American Private Education — that school-home relationship is shaped in partnership with private schools.

Indeed, independent school education has grown in Cobb County such that MPCS has experienced a record-breaking enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year, solidifying it as the largest private Christian school in the area. So, just why are parents willing to invest in tuition during their child’s primary years, oftentimes sacrificially, when there are other good schooling options in the area? Private schools such as MPCS can offer unique benefits, including much smaller class sizes, faith-based character development, and specialized enrichment opportunities.

Small Classes, Big Difference

The truth is, nothing can fill a spiritual void except Jesus. By partnering with a covenantal school, parents align with faculty believers to help guide and nurture this important spiritual relationship. According to a recent parent survey, the two words that perhaps best describe the MPCS student experience are that children are “known and loved.” At MPCS, teachers get to know what makes each individual student tick — what they’re passionate about, who their friends are, what their academic strengths and struggles are, and what they love most about school.

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Our Town

Small classes with a campus-wide 12:1 student-teacher ratio at MPCS means students receive individualized attention. Whether it’s recognizing advanced understanding of a topic and providing enhanced and supplemental learning opportunities or seeing a spark of enthusiasm for a subject to encourage deeper exploration, MPCS faculty meet students where they are.

Unique to middle school, the MPCS House system provides a “home” for every middle schooler, offering connection through team bonding, alongside House projects and competitions. This is but one innovative example of how MPCS views students as more than just a number. Instead, every student is an integral

According to research from 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. For this reason, it’s imperative that parents help their children develop strong character early on.

At MPCS, faculty and staff believe in reaching the heart of the child early in his or her school journey, with daily devotions and Bible study, weekly chapel and small groups, monthly service projects, and the annual schoolwide Family Serve Day. Moreover, teachers and coaches model Christian character for their students by offering grace, praying over students, and acting with kindness.

Mentoring Servant-Leaders from Preschool to High School

The mission of MPCS is to develop servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. By incorporating a biblical worldview into all aspects of the school — from curriculum to athletics to the arts — students develop not only a heart for service, but also an attitude of gratitude. Preschoolers are MPC Eagles from the start, attending spirit parades and football games. Mentorship from older students is an extraordinary benefit of a PK-12 school. From high school students who mentor lower school children through the MPCS 11:1 Effect program to the annual senior citizens’ dance attended by MPC student-athletes, engaging with one another and with the community helps students open their hearts to sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Elevated Academic Experience

The MPCS focus on faith-based character development and servant-leadership does not mean the school is without rigor. In fact, 55 percent of applicants from the class of 2023 were accepted to the University of Georgia and/or Georgia Tech. With 100 percent of each graduating class earning college acceptances, MPCS parents know that their children are receiving both a best-in-class, elevated educational experience and affirmation of their family values. Last spring, MPCS seniors received more than $9 million in scholarships, with many students entering college with nearly a full year of AP college credits. Bible teachers and MPCS guidance and college counselors walk intentionally with students throughout their school journey so they find their right-fit college, are equipped to defend their faith, and have wings to fly. MPCS is a safe place for children to grow, both academically and in faith — a place to be truly known and loved.

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770-578-0182 www.mtparanschool.com

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Endocrine Specialists of Georgia Receives 2023 “Best of Georgia” Award for Excellence in Endocrinology

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Dr. Francisco Puentes’ journey in medicine is marked by an international path of excellence and dedication. Born in Colombia and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Puentes graduated with honors and obtained his medical degree from the University of Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 1990. His early career was distinguished by a two-year internship and a subsequent role as a Research Fellow in the Renal Transplant Unit at the University Hospital in Venezuela.

His scholarly pursuits led him to become an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Zulia, a position he held until 1999. Dr. Puentes started his Internal Medicine Residency program in 1994 and completed it in 1997 at the University Hospital in Maracaibo Venezuela.

In 1999, Dr. Puentes made a pivotal decision to relocate to the United States with his family, where he embarked on his Internal Medicine Residency Program at the esteemed Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. This journey ultimately led to his specialization in endocrinology, culminating in the completion of his Endocrinology fellowship in 2004.

Our Town

Today, Dr. Puentes is the driving force behind Endocrine Specialists of Georgia, LLC, a practice dedicated exclusively to Adult Endocrinology. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Puentes and his team offer unparalleled expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of various endocrinological disorders, including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, Osteoporosis, Calcium Disorders, Obesity, Pituitary Disorders, Gynecomastia, Thyroid Carcinoma, and Testosterone deficiency (Hypogonadism).

The practice is also renowned for its thyroid ultrasound and biopsy services, ensuring accurate examinations and diagnoses.

Endocrine Specialists of Georgia has earned its stellar reputation through unwavering commitment to patient care and a deep-rooted trust within the community.

Winning the Best of Georgia award is a testament to the community’s appreciation and confidence in the exceptional services provided by Dr. Puentes and his team. Through their dedication and commitment to enhancing the well-being of their patients, Endocrine Specialists of Georgia, LLC, continues to shine brightly as a beacon of excellence in the field of endocrinology.

Office Hours Tue-Thu 8:30am-5pm / Fri 8am-3pm Telemedicine Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

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3rd ANNUAL GEORGIA FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL Presented by GEORGIA GROWN MARCH 21-24, 2024 Thursday, March 21 - Best of Cobb 5:30 - 8:30pm presented by Cobb Life Magazine and the Marietta Daily Journal.

Friday, March 22 - Fired Up 7:30 - 9:30pm.

Saturday, March 23 - 1:00- 4:00pm Savor, Georgia Food + Wine Festival Saturday, March 23 - 12:00 – 4:00pm VIP Lounge, at Savor Sunday, March 24 - 12:00am - 5:00pm Sunday/Funday -Family friendly Sunday, March 24 - 12:00 - 3:00pm Sunday/Funday Oyster Roast, VIP Lounge- Family friendly Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road S.W., Marietta, Georgia 30008 The Georgia Food + Wine Festival, presented by Georgia Grown, will celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts, to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more.

The Georgia Food + Wine Festival is thrilled to partner with Georgia Grown in our third year. Georgia Grown will be featuring their members in a variety of ways, including:

The Georgia Grown Member Village The Georgia Grown Culinary Demo Stage The Georgia Food + Wine Festival has partnered with SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, a Cobb County, Georgia based 501-(c)3 non-profit organization and will develop several fundraising opportunities to benefit them, including a silent auction.

A variety of events for all taste buds include the legendary barbecue event, “Fired-Up” an all-inclusive food and drink tasting event. Saturday’s main event, “Savor” offers hundreds of beer, wine and spirits tastings, a Georgia Celebrity Chef Stage, VIP Lounge, artisans, shopping, and live music. “Sunday/Funday” is the budget friendly and family-friendly day, with free Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music, Georgia’s Best Whiskey Cocktail Challenge, and more. ***PLEASE NOTE: ALL EVENTS ARE FOR AGES 21 AND OLDER, EXCEPT SUNDAY/FUNDAY Friday, March 22 7:30 - 9:30pm - “Fired-Up” $55 Early Bird | $75 Winter Rate (Jan/Feb) | $85 March/Gate An evening celebrating everything grilled, smoked, barbecued and more. A wide variety of the best barbecue in the South: beef, pork, chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes will be available to taste from some of Georgia and the South’s most renowned Pitmasters and chefs. Highlights for this event include a whole hog pickin’, featuring Rodney Scott’s BBQ, and an interactive demo on the Georgia Grown

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BUY TICKETS NOW & SAVE!

Celebrity Chef Stage. Enjoy live music, wine, beer and spirits tastings in a souvenir glass.

This event will also feature a silent auction with all proceeds benefitting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center. This is an all-inclusive event, with food and drink included with admission ticket.

21 & OLDER ONLY. Saturday, March 23 ~ 1 - 4 pm “Savor, Georgia Food + Wine Festival” $59 Early Bird | $79 Winter Rate (Jan/Feb) | $99 March/Gate An unbelievable afternoon of sumptuous food and drink, with some of Georgia’s best chefs, restaurants and more offering a variety of delicious bites. Over 300 varietals of beverages for tasting, with a souvenir wine glass – including wine, beer and spirits. Tickets include unlimited beverage tastings. Samples from the culinary and beverage tasting stages will be available for the first 50 people seated in attendance at the Georgia Grown and Celebrity Chef Cooking Demo Stages. Several live music stages will be located throughout the festival. Gourmet bites and plates from a variety of restaurants, and specialty food companies will offer tastings available for purchase. An artisan market and Georgia Grown Member Village will feature an assortment of unique items, from food products to artwork, and more. This event will also feature Bubbles & Brews Alley, presented by Cobb Travel and Tourism and a silent auction with all proceeds benefitting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center.. 21 & OLDER ONLY Saturday, March 23 ~ 12 - 4pm “VIP Lounge, at Savor” $125 Early Bird | $150 Winter Rate (Jan/Feb) | $165 March/Gate presented by Publix. An exclusive, fully catered VIP Lounge experience with special SWAG bags, restrooms, live music, open bars, early admission, and more. Each VIP Lounge ticket includes $10 in Culinary Credits. 21 & OLDER ONLY Sunday, March 24 ~ 12:00 - 5:00pm “Sunday/Funday” Presented by Atlanta News First $15 Early Bird | $20 Winter Rate(Jan/Feb) | $25 March/Gate A Family Friendly fantastic festival finale with live music, shopping, a variety of delectable restaurants, food trucks, a Georgia Grown Member Village, with a variety of beverages for purchase. Also catch Georgia’s Best Whiskey Cocktail Challenge, with bartenders competing live for cash prizes. This event will also feature a silent auction with all proceeds benefitting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center. This is a family friendly event with something for everybody, including a free Kid’s Zone. FAMILY FRIENDLY Sunday, March 24 ~ 12:00 - 3:00pm “Oyster Roast, VIP Lounge” $99 Early Bird | $119 Winter Rate (Jan/Feb) | $139 March/Gate Spend the afternoon listening to live music, shopping, enjoying unlimited wine, beer and spirits tasting stations, Bloody Mary Bar and oysters.

Each adult ticket includes $10 in Culinary Credits. VIP Lounge tickets include admission to Sunday/Funday 12 - 5pm. FAMILY FRIENDLY For more information and to purchase advance discount tickets online, please visit our website at www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com (770) 423-1330

Our Town

Food, drink, music & more!

Presented BY Presented BY

Georgia Food and Wine Festival M ARCH 22 - 24, 2024 JIM JIM R. R. MILLER MILLER PARK, PARK, MARIETTA, MARIETTA, GEORGIA GEORGIA

Celebrate Celebrate the the best best culinary culinary superstars superstars and and beverage beverage experts, experts, farmers, farmers, artisans, artisans, live live musicians and more from Georgia and the South.

Experience a variety musicians and more from Georgia and the South. Experience a variety of of events events including: including: Cobb Cobb Life Life Magazine’s Magazine’s “Best “Best of of Cobb”, Cobb”, “Fired-Up” “Fired-Up” an an all-inclusive, all-inclusive, food food and drink tasting event, “Savor” featuring unlimited beer, wine and and drink tasting event, “Savor” featuring unlimited beer, wine and spirits spirits tastings, tastings, aa Georgia Georgia Celebrity Celebrity Chef Chef Stage, Stage, VIP VIP Lounge, Lounge, artisans, artisans, and and live live music music and and finally, finally, “Sunday/Funday” with a Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music “Sunday/Funday” with a Kids Zone, VIP Lounge Oyster Roast, live music and and more! more!

Buy Early &$ave!

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SATURDAY, SATURDAY, MARCH MARCH 23 23

Winter Winter (Jan/Feb): (Jan/Feb): $75 $75 March/Gate: $85 March/Gate: $85

Winter Winter (Jan/Feb): (Jan/Feb): $79 $79 March/Gate: $99 March/Gate: $99

FIRED-UP FIRED-UP

SAVOR SAVOR

SATURDAY, SATURDAY, MARCH MARCH 23 23

VIP VIP LOUNGE LOUNGE AT AT SAVOR SAVOR

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Community Spotlight

Cobb County Youth Commission Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

T

he idea of the Youth Commission started as such…an idea. The concept was born during a summer when Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid had five high school interns in her office while she served as the District 4 commissioner. The students were not only hungry to learn but also brought tremendous value to helping Chairwoman Cupid understand how the decisions she made as a district commissioner affected the youth on a personal level.

After that summer, the Chairwoman knew that she wanted to create a program to educate youth on the internal aspects of running a local government. In the fall of 2021, the first Cobb Youth Commission was established. The program is open to high school students in grades 9-11 to provide an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of local government, engage in civic affairs, and become leaders of change in the community. It is also a prestigious experience for youth commissioners to add to their resumes and college applications.

Chairwoman Cupid, County staff, and UGA Extension Cobb Youth Development 4-H Agent, Brittani Lee, collaborate annually to coordinate the program for Cobb students. Since its inception in 2021, 40 students have completed the program with 27 students currently enrolled in the 2023-2024 program. Past program attendees have toured the Cobb Department of Transportation, Cobb Water Department, learned about the election process from Cobb Elections Officials, hosted a Youth Mental Health Town Hall meeting for the community, created a mock budget with Cobb Finance, met with the Cobb Legislative delegation at the State Capitol and much more.

Chairwoman Cupid states, “The Youth Commission provides Cobb County the opportunity to educate and empower young people to impact the communities they live in and ideally will serve in through increased knowledge of local government services and its leadership.”

The new class of Youth Commissioners’ journey of leadership and civic engagement has just begun. The next Chairman or Chairwoman could be amongst this group of young leaders.

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Our Town

Our Town

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WHERE WILL WONDER LEAD YOU?

Sandra

PK(3)-12 700 Cobb Parkway N. Marietta, Ga. 30062 Open to all faiths

Nikhil

Andrew

Tulane University

Univ. of Pennsylvania

University of Georgia

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

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

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

RANKED #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL IN COBB COUNTY

THE DALLAS THEATER 208 Main Street, Dallas, GA 30132 / 770.445.5180

2024

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FRI & SAT MAR 1st & 2nd - 7PM SUN MAR 3rd - 3PM FRI & SAT MAR 8th & 9th - 7PM SUN MAR 10th - 3PM / $12 -$14 Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway?

Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! And now he’s ready to ride the wave to entertain and delight audiences in this brilliant, bright, hilarious and brand-new musical.

GOT ELVIS? starring CHAD GIBSON FRI MAR 22nd - 7:30PM SAT MAR 23rd - 7PM $20 - $22 Chad Gibson returns for two nights with his wildly entertaining tribute to Elvis. You will not be disappointed by Chad’s all encompassing likeness to the King himself! Both shows will include Elvis’s beloved but rarely performed live, Gospel music. Get your tickets early as Got Elvis always sells out!

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A native of the Smyrna area, Dr. Cook has been in the field of dentistry for over 13 years, first as an assistant, then as a dental hygienist for 8 years. Dr. Cook recently received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from The Dental College of Georgia in 2023. As an associate dentist, Dr. Cook is looking forward to providing excellent and gentle dental care for all our patients at Oakdale Family Dental. He has been married to his wife Kim for 6 years. Dr. Cook enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends, along with fishing and playing soccer.

Call 770-738-4143 to schedule your tour today!

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Our Town

Our Town

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THE

Book Club

T

his is the first column in a series that highlights the ongoing reading adventures of a local Smyrna book club. Each issue we will share one of our latest reads and give a look inside our club, which has met monthly since early 2020. We have six members (Allison, Laura B., Laura H., Jennifer, Myra, and Shannon) and we often meet at each other’s houses, but you might also find us at the Vineyard Wine Market, Muss and Turners, or another local spot.

It has been difficult to pick the perfect book club name to describe our different personalities, reading styles, and book preferences. Names seem either too cheesy and cliche-ish or too serious, so we have yet to find the perfect one. For now, we are calling ourselves SMYBC giving a nod to our little hometown. We hope you will continue to join us on our book club journey, and that you will find some books you love in the process. In future columns we will share more about ourselves and our love of books, but for now, let’s jump into the reading!

Our Book: The Change by Kirsten Miller, published in 2023.

Our Scene: We met this month at Myra’s house for brunch. Myra loves to cook and prepared several tasty dishes for our group.

First was a jalapeno pepper jelly over rosemary whipped goat cheese, followed by an arugula winter salad and turkey sliders with Havarti. For dessert, we enjoyed a variety of Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes in the Smyrna Market Village.

Our cocktail of the day was a highlight.

Dubbed “The Honeycrisp,” Myra combined prosecco and Honeycrisp apple cider for a festive sipper. To prepare, mix a small amount of cinnamon and sugar in a saucer, moisten the rim of a champagne flute, and swirl in the sugar mixture to coat. Pour prosecco into the flute and top with cider to taste. Garnish with a thin slice of apple and toast with us!

Our Synopsis: Set in Mattauk, Long Island, three women discover special powers and friendships that together lead them to solve mysteries the town kept secret for far too long. Harriett discovers a deep connection to nature, from creating cures to summoning sea life. Jo learns that she can harness incredible strengths to intimidate her opposition. Nessa is reunited with her hereditary power to communicate with the dead. Together, they find the abandoned body of a young woman, presumed by authorities to be a drug addict rather than a victim deserving an investigation. Unwilling to let her voice remain unheard, they use their powers to uncover the truth, exact revenge, and even find new connections.

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Our Favorite Questions: 1. Is it ever justifiable to enable powerful but evil people if you are able to minimize harm to others if you feel like you can’t completely stop it?

EST

2023

2. Of the women’s superpowers in the book (power over nature, extreme physical strength, or contacting the dead) which would you like to have and why?

3. Do you think that it is ever possible for a town like Mattauk to remain idyllic or does evil and corruption always exist?

Our Key Takeaway: The Change has been one of the few books that celebrated growing older and challenged the notion that we become “less than” as we age. The book disrupted that outdated notion by having characters grow stronger, sexier, and more into their own. We loved how The Change highlighted the importance of celebrating all stages of life and the connection to growing more into who we are as we age, even if we can’t all have superpowers.

Our Stars: 4/5 Our Next Book: This month we are reading, I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makali. Head to your local Library or bookstore to get your copy and read along with us!

Special thanks to our honorary book club member Kristin Jackson for our photo!

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Our Town

Our Town

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The Power of Plant-based Foods and How to Eat More

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here’s a strong case for eating more plants as the benefits of a more plant forward diet are repeatedly being shown by leading health experts and organizations. As a dietitian that works with people with a multitude of health goals, adding more plant-based foods is a common denominator in the education and programming I use with my clients. The reality is that most people simply don’t eat enough of them.

When it comes to amping up your plant game, there are plenty of great options, and there’s no need to adopt a fully vegetarian diet in order to reap the health benefits. Finding a middle ground is a reasonable approach that can help to reduce blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes and weight loss, and much more.

Here are some practical ways to make it easier to load your plate up without feeling like you’re overhauling your entire diet.

1

For starters, use the “what can I add” approach and begin to incorporate plant based foods to your meals/snacks as an enhancement. For example, a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and whole grain toast can be brought to the next level by incorporating leftover veggies, spinach or some avocado. In the same way, Greek yogurt can be topped with walnuts, flax and berries, which is a more optimal choice than simply adding granola or nothing at all. Tossing some veggies and herbs into spaghetti sauce or taco meat can boost the flavor and nutrient profile with minimal effort. A sandwich can be embellished with sliced avocado, a leafy green, pickled vegetables and a side of fruit!

2

Aim to include a vegetable and/or fruit with all meals and snacks. Produce is loaded with phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that will never be matched by a multivitamin, and the fiber that’s present helps to regulate both appetite and digestion.

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3

Make veggies and plant-based fat the focus of your plate instead of animal protein and starch. In order to be successful with this, consider having multiple veggie options (your kids will do better with this too if they have a variety to choose from). A roasted or grilled vegetable plus some salad with nuts/seeds is a great way to fill up *more* of your plate with powerhouse nutrients and leave less room for whatever protein and carb you’ve selected.

Accepting new patients of all ages Family and cosmetic dentistry l Children of all ages welcome l Complimentary laughing gas to make appointments more comfortable l

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Tap into the convenience of pre-washed/cut and frozen produce to save time and increase the likelihood of consuming more plants. Some favorite go-tos for my clients include bagged salad kits, green beans, broccoli and cauliflower florets that can be tossed with some oil on a sheet pan and roasted.

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Allyson Balzuweit is a Registered Dietitian based in Smyrna and has a private nutrition consulting business. She loves to help people ditch diets and embrace a healthy and realistic approach to eating for optimal health with individualized strategies that considers all aspects of life.

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Look beyond just produce. Superseeds like hemp hearts, chia seeds and flax, and raw nuts, seeds and nut butters are packed with nutrients and can easily be added to a multitude of meals like smoothies, salads and even baked goods. Check out my easy chia seed pudding recipe for a delicious and easy way to do this!

Here’s the bottom line: A completely plant-based diet is not for the faint of heart and can be a challenge in delivering all the nutrients your body needs. But adding more plant foods and shifting towards a mindset of changing the ratio of plant foods to protein and carbs can provide major health benefits without having to feel boring or restrictive!

Allyson Balzuweit is a Registered Dietitian based in Smyrna and has a private nutrition consulting business. She loves to help people ditch diets and embrace a healthy and realistic approach to eating for optimal health with individualized strategies that considers all aspects of life.

Chia Seed Pudding Combine: 1 cup plant based milk of choice 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp almond extract 2 tbsp. Maple syrup 1/4 cup chia seeds

Stir well with a whisk and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before giving it another stir and dividing into individual containers if desired. Refrigerate for an hour or two to get a pudding like texture. When ready to serve, top with chopped almonds or walnuts and some berries.

Top with toasted nuts, berries, coconut or granola…whatever your heart desires. My personal fav is a sprinkle of hemp hearts and blueberries to add even more powerhouse nutrients.

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Our Town

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Travel Trends & Top Destinations for

H

2024

ere are some of my top trends and destinations for the new year to inspire your next adventure.

Sports Tourism Take your fandom on the road to experience sporting events and races first-hand in exotic locations around the world. Big events in 2024 include the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris, Formula One racing, and the Tour de France which will be starting in Italy for the first time ever. You can also extend your stay before or after the event you’re traveling to see the local sights.

Coolcationing Instead of traveling somewhere warm, beat the heat and enjoy the cold in destinations such as Norway, Antarctica, Iceland, and Scotland. Not only are these destinations more temperate, but they also tend to be less crowded. This is also a great choice for family travel as these destinations offer tons of fun activities.

Gig Travel Call it the Taylor Swift Effect. Destination concerts in locales throughout the world are the new way to see your favorite artist perform or experience a must-see music festival. Ticket prices are often less expensive than in the US, so you can often combine seeing your favorite headliner along with a fun experience in a city such as London, Glastonbury, or Milan.

Greece With an abundance of history, nightlife, shopping, and beautiful views, Greece has something for everyone. Combine touring the historical sites in Athens with island-hopping the Cyclades—an island group that includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios. Greece has been a popular destination for several years, and should stay popular in 2024.

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Thailand Combine big city thrills with stunning beaches and world-class wellness in this exotic destination. Top places to visit include Bangkok, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Krabi. And with Thailand named as the new destination for the next season of The White Lotus, expect tourism to the area to skyrocket.

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This is a perfect destination to combine an active vacation (ziplining, hiking, white water rafting, and more) with chill time at the beach. Make sure to spend time in Arenal, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and enjoy one of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches in areas such as Tamarindo. This is a great choice for family and multigenerational travel, and is one of my most-requested destinations so far in 2024.

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Here’s to many new travels and adventures 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

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Photos Unsplash top to bottom: Rob Wingate, Paul Chambers, Ivan Teece, Jonathan Gallegos, Robin Noguier, Zdenek Machacek

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Our Town

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Hello ‘Our Town’ Neighbors

AMY KNIGHT

As a lifelong resident of the beautiful Cobb community, I am thrilled to introduce myself as your local Realtor.

With over eight years of experience purchasing and selling homes across metro Atlanta, I have a deep understanding of the local market and well-equipped to guide you through every step of the process.

My commitment is to work tirelessly to ensure my clients’ real estate journey is a success. This includes utilizing the strong partnerships I’ve cultivated for the lending and closing process, as well as with contractors, inspectors and vendors in our community.

I am dedicated to help you find your next perfect home

Amy Knight - Floyd Realty Advisors or to sell your property for the best price as quickly as possible. See you around our town!

400 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1500 Atlanta, GA 30339 It is not our intent to solicit listings of other brokerages. If your home is currently listed for sale, please disregard this messaging.

PHOTO: JOEY KYBER/UNSPLASH

RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES!! Preferred Closing Attorney, Nicole Pettis with O’Kelley and Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, LLC - Cobb Galleria Call to find out more about my discounted listing fee options and what your home could sell for today!

844-53-FLOYD / 404-423-2966 cell / Amy@FloydRA.com / GA RE#368384

MARKET UPDATE

‘Mortgage rates are meaningfully lower compared to just two months ago, and more inventory is expected to appear on the market in upcoming months.

A 30-year fixed loan is now around 6.89%, according to Mortgage News Daily’

Bruce Guinn

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS 251290 c: 770-309-4863 o: 470-289-6137

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Bruce.Guinn@silvertonmortgage.com

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Our30066 Town 3750 Palladian Village Dr Ste 600, Marietta, GA,