OTM MAY25 by Tara Hill Hanover

Spring Forward with Healthy, Beautiful Legs!

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How to Stay on Track with Food During the Crazy End-of-School-Year Chaos

The end of the school year hits like a whirlwind. We’re talking field trips, sports banquets, awards ceremonies, graduation parties, recitals, and the list goes on and on. If you’re a mom, you know May isn’t for the faint of heart, which is why I typically refer to it as May-hem.

But even if you’re not navigating school calendars or carpool lines, this article is for you. Because the truth is: chaotic seasons hit everyone—and staying on track with healthy eating during those busy stretches doesn’t require a perfect plan and it also doesn’t need to derail any of the positive habits you’ve been trying to establish.

It just takes a few grounded strategies and a little bit of grace. Let’s dive in.

1. Redefine What “On Track” Means

First things first: “on track” doesn’t mean eating perfectly.

It means staying connected to your body, fueling it consistently, and making choices that support your energy—even if they’re not Pinterest or Instagram-worthy. It might look like:

Grabbing a protein bar and banana on the way to work instead of skipping breakfast

Eating pizza at the team party and pairing it with a salad later

Ordering fast food on the road but making a conscious choice to choose one of the healthier options.

Looking at your schedule a few days is a helpful strategy to have a general idea of when you’ll need to grab and go vs. when you can throw together a quick meal at home.

2. Anchor Your Day with One Consistent Meal

In seasons of chaos, forget overhauling every meal. Pick one to stay steady. For many of the people I work with, breakfast is the easiest place to start. Try: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with berries and nuts

A protein smoothie with greens

Eggs, toast, and berries

One consistent, balanced meal helps stabilize your blood sugar and provides the energy you need to go about your busy day. It also helps take the thinking out of things which can be so helpful when your mind is swirling with all of your to-dos.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Shortcuts

You likely don’t have time for a full day of meal prep—but you can still set yourself up for the week by grabbing things that are ready to go or working smarter not harder in the kitchen when you actually do have some time. Keep it simple:

Grab a rotisserie chicken and bagged salads

Keep frozen veggies and grains on hand

Double a dinner recipe

Batch cook a protein, a vegetable and a grain that can be used in multiple ways.

4. Have a “Busy Day” Meal List

When your brain is fried, you don’t want to think about what to eat. Keep a short list of fast, no-decision-needed meals like:

Rotisserie chicken + veggies + rice

Breakfast for dinner (scrambled eggs, toast and fruit)

Sandwich and soup

Quesadillas or tacos

Pasta w/ground meat + jarred marinara + salad

Individual pizza on naan bread + salad

No brainer meals that work for you and your family will take the thinking out of it and conserve your energy.

5. Don’t Let One Meal or Treat Ruin the Day

The drive thru Chick-Fil-A sandwich and fries is not a reflection of you failing. It’s just part of real life. Sustainable eating habits need to hold space for ALL types of meals, but awareness and a peripheral vision of sorts is key to moving forward instead of reverting to an all or nothing mindset.

Instead of starting over Monday, or deciding to wait until the chaos is over, ask yourself…“What’s one thing I can do to make my next meal a solid one?”

Pivoting with self compassion, not restriction is the name of the game!

6. Stay Hydrated

When you’re rushing all day, hydration often slips—but it makes a big difference. Even mild dehydration can lead to cravings, foggy thinking and fatigue that you just might interpret as hunger.

Try:

Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning

Keeping a refillable water bottle in the car or your bag

Adding lemon, mint, or fruit to make it fun

Add an electrolyte

7. Embrace “Good Enough” Meals

Some days it’s turkey sandwiches. Other days it’s a frozen pizza or smoothie on the go.

That’s not slacking—that’s just real life.

Your meals don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. They just need to nourish you, regularly and without guilt.

8. Remember: This Too Shall Pass!

The May madness won’t last forever. Neither will your busiest work season, your move, or your travel stretch.

Give yourself grace. Show up for your body in small, doable ways. Celebrate the wins—even if they’re just remembering to eat lunch or drink water. Because real progress happens in the messy middle, not in the perfect plan. When Mayhem starts to get the best of you, just remember… You don’t need to throw in the towel to start over on Monday. You don’t need to put your goals on hold until the summer.

You just need support, strategy, and the reminder that your health doesn’t require perfection—it requires consistency.

And whether you’re a mom or not, these habits are here to help you thrive in the real, full life you’re living.

Cheers to a month of Mayhem!

Ready to make real food easier in your busiest seasons?

Let’s talk. Shoot me a DM or grab my free guide to sustainable, real-life meal strategies right here:

Allyson

a Registered

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.

Balzuweit is

Dietitian based in Smyrna and has

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PUBLISHER/MANAGING

Tara Hill Hanover

EDITOR

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Justin Hanover

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

West Cobb

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Kimberly Brinson

Amy Selby

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May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. About 80% of clients at Wholebody are actively working on keeping and improving bone density because of an osteopenia or osteoporosis diagnosis.

Osteoporosis is characterized by having low bone density and an increased risk of bone fracture. This diagnosis is very common, particularly after having gone through menopause. loss of estrogen can lead to a dramatic loss of bone mineral density during this time. Just like how puberty correlates with the most bone density growth in your life, menopause can be associated with the most bone loss. It is estimated that nearly 1.5 million people in the United Stated are diagnosed with Osteoporosis every year. What should you do if you are one of them?

Take a deep breath. Age related bone mineral density loss happens to everyone over time, just as it is harder to keep muscle strength as we age, we will have some decline in our bones as well. It is important to remember that the test used to give this diagnosis compares your bones to a healthy 30-year-old person. Getting this diagnosis is serious but doesn’t mean you are falling apart.

Be sure you have accurate test data. The DXA scan has been the standard for bone density screenings for nearly 40 years. Unfortunately, there can be issues with DXA and it can be inaccurate. Before making any big decisions, get tested again. Whether it is on a different DXA machine or using Echolight (REMS) technology to confirm your t-scores, you may be surprised to see an entirely different score.

Get lots of opinions. Doing diligence to educate yourself on the topic is super important. Whichever path you choose to strengthen your bones could have lifelong implications, and you get to make this decision. Do as much research

as possible looking at medications, side effects, exercise modalities, nutrition, and how other diseases or hormonal imbalances may affect osteoporosis.

Design a plan. You have learned all you can about bone health, then lay out the plan you are going to take to make it better-exercises, supplements, food (eliminate/add). Are you going to take steps to manage other symptoms that may seem unrelated? Use your knowledge and plot your course.

Stop doing diligence. Important: Once you have decided on the path, no more Google/Youtube... It is easy to fall into the trap of continual research because you can literally get addicted to finding answers. You have your plan now; it is time to start.

Work your plan. Commit to your plan and work it for at least a year, and don’t change course! DO NOT change up your plan, you won’t know what actually worked or didn’t work.

Get re-tested. Give your plan at least a year and then get re-tested. These results will let you know if you should continue your plan or if you should make some changes to it.

Share this with a friend and make bone health a normal wellness conversation. can put on and maintain here can really help with longevity and quality of life when we are older. More muscle equals more functionality.

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

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

Talkin’ Sports

By Justin Hanover

Sports

“Roring” into the history books at Augusta

I’m neither a psychic nor a man with a crystal ball but I can tell you with reasonable certainty, that if you’re a golf fan, exactly what you were doing on Sunday, April 13th. Some lucky fans, err patrons, as they want them called, were in attendance in Augusta and many others were on their couch glued to their television screen watching “The Grandaddy of them All”, The Masters.

Rory McIlroy, who grew up idolizing the great Tiger Woods, was the center of attention on that day. The Northern Irishman had won three of the four major golf tournaments in his career but could never conquer Augusta National, in our home state of Georgia. In fact, he melted down so badly back in 2011 that many doubted he could ever overcome it and win this event and thereby capture the elusive and exclusive Grand Slam.

Well, the stars finally aligned in this, his 17th career appearance at the event.

I was lucky enough to catch up with my good buddy Brian Katrek who was on the call on Masters Radio.

“The Masters is special. It’s part massive sporting event and part social event. Something is there for everybody whether you follow golf or not”, Brian said. “The no phone policy forces people to be where their feet are and connect with the people who are there with you and take it all in. It’s founded by one of the greatest amateurs in Bobby Jones who built Augusta National back in the early ‘30’s.”

I knew that “BK”, as I call him, had a love for the sport of golf and how he especially revered this special tournament. But I really wanted to know how this 90th edition of the Masters went down. I’m not a huge golf guy but certainly this last one caught my attention for obvious historical reasons.

“Coming in it was about Rory and Scottie (Scheffler), the number one player in the world. Scottie cut his hand in the offseason and had surgery so he hadn’t won yet this season. Rory won twice this season but this one (The Masters) was just one he couldn’t win. Since 2011 he seemed to be cursed at this event. Everything at Augusta National is perfect for his game but he just mentally hasn’t been able to get it done.” Katrek said.

Brian made a point to mention Bryson DeChambeau who also made a run here and actually led briefly early on in the final round. But as he said, “Bryson self- destructed and it was apparent that Rory would beat Bryson.”

As the day was getting older the gallery really started to feel as if this was going to be it for Rory, his time had finally come to exorcise the demons and cast aside all of the previous pain from this legendary course. And then came Justin Rose, a great friend and Ryder Cup teammate of McIlroy, who somehow reeled McIlroy in from five shots behind. Certainly Rose was playing well

but the ghosts once again appeared to be circling around the four-time major champion as the putting game was fading quickly.

Brian summed the mood up perfectly at this moment. “Everybody was rooting for Rory but I’m not sure at this point everybody was believing in him. He missed the four-footer badly late and we would go to a playoff. Unfortunately for Rory the putter was melting down and he seemed to have that mental block.”

As many of you reading this know, Rose would hit a great shot on that playoff hole to within 10 feet of the hole but somehow McIlroy mustered up the courage to do even better and get within four feet. After a Rose miss and a McIlroy make, the ups and downs on this day turned sweet as sugar for McIlroy, who became the sixth professional golfer to accomplish the Grand Slam joining legends Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

So how do we sum this Masters up and where does it go in the annals of history?

“It’s probably in my top five all-time golf moments”, Katrek exclaimed. “The best moment was probably Tiger in 2000 at Pebble Beach. That was utter domination as he was the only player to play under par and he won by 15 strokes. That’s number 1. But this has to be the most exciting moment I have ever seen at The Masters. It had everything, all of the drama. I wasn’t there in ‘86 when Jack won. That is on the list of one of the greatest Masters ever. If you’re a Phil (Mickelson) guy, 2004 is probably your greatest Masters ever. Tiger in 2019 was even more exciting than Tiger in 1997 because we know what to make of 2019 as a 46-year-old broken down Tiger played with one leg and no back.”

So, what does the future hold for Rory? Can he continue to win majors?

Brian answered this with a typical Brian partial chuckle/partial laugh. “Well... The next major is at Quail Hollow where he has won twice. He loves the course and he loves the event. If he wins, he will probably jump to number one in the world again. Then the U.S. Open is at Oakmont where you don’t have fluke majors so Rory very well may be a favorite. And then the British Open will be at Royal Portrush where he is from (cue more chuckling).”

McIlroy will be turning 36 on May 4th, young enough to continue his domination.

Thanks for the knowledge BK!

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

A Powder Springs Dentistry for Kids: Where Healthy Smiles and

t Powder Springs Dentistry for Kids, the mission is heartfelt and powerful: to be a trusted partner in every child’s oral health journey. The practice is dedicated to nurturing lifelong healthy habits through compassionate care, innovation, and joyful experiences. The goal? To create a welcoming, fun dental home where every child feels safe, valued, and proud of their smile.

A healthy smile means more than just dental care—it’s a cornerstone of a child’s confidence. When children feel good about their teeth, they naturally radiate joy. A bright smile encourages self-expression, boosts social confidence, and helps children feel secure in who they are. Beyond appearance, excellent oral health supports overall well-being and builds a lifelong, positive attitude toward dental visits.

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S MYRNA GUIDE

I could keep going down this road of poor little ol’ me, but instead I choose to celebrate the moments, the victories, the failures we’ve all learned from and the amazing adventures ahead! Get ready fellow mom’s, dad’s and family members of these incredible seniors- it’s officially GO TIME and we all deserve to celebrate.

Congratulations to the graduating seniors, Class of 2025!

I know that no one asked but as a mom does, I will take it upon myself to give you unsolicited advice as you take your next step:

The world is not much different from high school, you will find in life the same cast of characters-they are just older.

The only limits on you are the ones you put on yourself.

Most people will quit when it gets hard, even if you fall, keep getting back up it will be hard at times -just keep going.

Dress the part, it matters!

Anything that folds wash twice (yes, I said that).

If you find you made a bad decision, admit it and move on.

Don’t dwell on the past or hold a grudge, it only hurts you.

If you find yourself in a bad situation, call your mom, she loves you unconditionally.

And to my baby Evie, I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Watching you at such a young age being so confident and successful makes my heart explode! You are my hero, my best friend and truly who I wish I could be one day.

Remember you can be anything you want as long as you keep pushing, keep the grit, keep the unwavering perseverance all with your strong faith and big smile!

Daddy, Jocie, Beckham, Beebs and I are thrilled for you!!!!! Go girl…go conquer the world.

Friends will come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime -all friends are not “lifers”.

The only person who truly wants you to be better than them is your mom (or parent). Don’t expect everyone to celebrate your victories.

Don’t think everything is about you, most of the time, it’s not.

Failure is essential for success, embrace it.

Get excited for the “no’s” as they are the steps to the BIG YES’s

From Storms to Storylines: How a Weather Nerd Turned Lockdown into a Thrilling Literary Career

Romantic suspense author Allison Bettes debuts her fast-paced series with small-town charm, second chances—and plenty of adrenaline.

Like many of us, Allison found herself with extra free time during the early days of the pandemic. But instead of learning to make sourdough or binge-watching every true crime docuseries on Netflix, this Cobb County resident and Atlanta-based meteorologist-turned-author decided to write her first novel.

What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into something bigger.

“I used writing as a form of catharsis during Covid,” Bettes says. “It became this unexpected joy—and five years and four books later, I’m finally ready to share my stories with readers.”

Earlier this year, Bettes officially launched her debut romantic suspense series, Ranger Shield Security , described in her own words as “Cupid meets crime scene.” Each book features a pulse-pounding plot wrapped around a slow-burning love story—and yes, despite the danger, you’re always guaranteed a happy ending. Oh and they are based in North Georgia—though for fiction purposes, some of the town names have been changed.

“There’s always a sense of danger—whether it’s a stalker, a crime, or a hidden identity—but the romance is the heart of it all,” she says. “And maybe that’s leftover pandemic energy too. We all just wanted some hope. A little light at the end of the tunnel.”

Her first book, Betrayal&NewBeginnings , introduces us to Ellie Hutchinson, a woman desperate to escape a dangerous ex. With the help of her brother and his fellow Army veterans—now running a private security firm in Georgia— she finds refuge, and unexpectedly, romance with former soldier Wade Watson. But just as she begins to settle into her new life, her past comes back with a vengeance. Between the relentless pursuit of her unhinged ex and betrayal from someone she once trusted, Ellie must choose between hiding or fighting back—with Wade at her side.

The second installment, Instinct & New Identity (releasing May 6), brings readers the story of Catalina Rivera, a woman in Witness Protection whose quiet life is disrupted when her former military pen pal, Vince, shows up at her doorstep. What follows is a reunion wrapped in danger, unresolved grief, and a rekindled connection that could cost them both everything.

And here’s the good news for those who hate the wait between books: Bettes is releasing all four books in the series by September.

“Reader feedback made it clear that no one has patience anymore,” she laughs. “We got used to binge-watching, binge-reading—no one wants to wait two years for the next story to come out. And since all four books were already written, I decided to just go for it.”

The series is fueled by Bettes’ love for storytelling and her signature mix of suspense, emotional depth, and just enough sass. She’s quick to describe herself as a romantic suspense writer fueled by caffeine and chocolate, and proudly wears many hats: part-time chef, full-time weather nerd, and mom to both 2-legged and 4-legged kids.

Her love of romance novels began with hand-me-downs from her grandma— dog-eared copies of Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel that opened a whole new world. “I was hooked,” she says. “And now I get to write stories like that, only

with more danger and a bit more grit.”

Up next for Bettes? A brand-new series spot lighting strong female leads in STEM. “It’s a nod to my roots as a scientist,” she says. “Still romantic suspense, but this time the heroines are smart, bold women in lab coats, tackling more than just love.”

Whether you’re here for the slow-burn chemistry, the adrenaline-pumping scenes, or the security firm full of protective (and occasionally grumpy) heroes, Bettes’ books offer something for everyone—especially readers who want both heart and heat.

Ranger Shield Security Series

Betrayal & New Beginnings — Out now

Instinct & New Identity — Out on May 6

Deception & New Direction — Coming in July

Restart & New Revenge — Coming in September

For more on Allison Bettes and her books, visit [allisonbettes.com] or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @allisonbettesauthor.

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Cobb Chamber Connection

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

1885 Grill

41 South Creative

AED Brands

DynamiX Web Design

Eclipse Networks

FruiTea Bubbles Cafe

Gaston Street Eats Co.

Gillis Law Firm, LLC

GreenMellen

HR Knowledge Source

Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia’s economy, representing over 99 percent of all businesses in the state and employing millions of Georgians. In Cobb County, these businesses bring energy, innovation, and a strong sense of community to our local economy. From family-run shops to fast-growing startups, small businesses shape the character and future of our region.

The Cobb Chamber is proud to champion and celebrate the vital role small businesses play in our success. Each year, the Chamber hosts the Small Business of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding companies that exemplify growth, community involvement, and entrepreneurial spirit. These awards highlight the dedication and resilience of small business owners who are making a difference every day.

Beyond recognition, the Cobb Chamber provides a robust lineup of programs, events, and services tailored to support small businesses and professionals. From networking opportunities and leadership development to advocacy and business resources, the Chamber is committed to helping small businesses thrive at every stage of their journey.

Help us celebrate our Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year and our Category Winners:

Initiating Protection Law Group

Johnson & Alday

Manay CPA

Mills Specialty Metals

Modo Modo Agency

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Peachtree Hearing

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Sundial Pools LLC

The Butcher on Whitlock

The Music Studio Atlanta

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CATEGORY WINNERS

BUSINESS TO WATCH

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WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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COMMUNITY SERVICE OF EXCELLENCE

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MUST MINISTRIES SUMMER LUNCH

A GIVING BACK

lthough MUST Ministries is proud to mark its 30-year anniversary of its Summer Lunch program, the need this year for feeding children is very real. There have never been more children facing hunger in our community than right now. Between changes in government funding, the high cost of groceries and families having to choose between keeping the lights on and keeping food on the table, these children face a need like we have never seen before in Summer Lunch history.

With 1 in 4 children in Georgia now facing hun ger insecurity, MUST is preparing to have its bus iest and most-needed Summer Lunch program in 30 years and desperately needs your help.

For many children, the only meals they receive are breakfast and lunch at school. When school is out, their plates are empty. MUST’s Summer Lunch pro gram fills that gap by providing meals for a week for nine weeks during the summer. Each child receives a Kids’ Kit full of 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, snacks and drinks. These meals are crucial to keeping them fed and healthy.

How can you help?

R Collect food, fill and deliver Kids’ Kits to the MUST Donation Center. To see what we recommend for the Kids’ Kits, visit mustministries.org/ summer-lunch

R Make a financial donation at mustministries.org to help MUST purchase the Kids’ Kits items

R Create a food drive in your neighborhood, at your workplace or through your civic organization or church

R Volunteer to put together Kids’ Kits and deliver the food to the children.

You can change a hungry child’s life this summer. Please help.

Visit mustministries.org/be-help or more information on how to donate or volunteer.

$90 feeds 1 child for all of Summer Lunch

$300 feeds 30 children for a week

$900 feeds 10 children for all of Summer Lunch

Smyrna’s Future Stars Compete in 4th Annual Jonquil Cup

On Friday, May 2nd, Smyrna’s elementary schools gathered under the lights at Riverline Park for the 4th Annual Jonquil Cup, in partnership with NASA Tophat—an evening full of youth soccer, school spirit, and community pride.

The Jonquil Cup has quickly become a beloved Smyrna tradition. What started as a small fourteam event has grown into a citywide celebration that featured six elementary schools this year: King Springs, Nickajack, Smyrna, Teasley, Green Acres, and Norton Park. The tournament offers students a chance to compete, connect, and build friendships before heading into middle school.

Students prepared through PE units focused on speed and agility, then participated in open tryouts in April. Rosters were selected based on skill, experience, and classroom behavior. This year’s tournament featured boys and girls in grades 3–5, organized into two pools: Pool A included defending champs King Springs, Smyrna, and Teasley, while Pool B featured Nickajack, Green Acres, and Norton Park. After round-robin play, the top team from each pool faced off for the 2025 Jonquil Cup title.

King Springs, coming off an undefeated 2024 tournament, returned with a coed roster of determined student-athletes and aspirations of a repeat. Head Coach Christopher Hardy or ‘Coach Hardy’ as he is known to students in his PE classes, delivered this advice to families in advance of the event, “This tournament is highlighting our amazing community. It’s showing off the best of what we have to offer. While we all want to win, at the end of the day the most important thing is that everyone walks away with a sense of accomplishment, both on and off the field. Please remind your children of this and that they are representing their school, community, and family.”

Thanks to partner NASA Tophat, which provides soccer programs for players of all levels and abilities across Metro Atlanta, the Jonquil Cup has become a highlight of spring. Players earn medals, teachers lead on the sidelines, and families cheer with school pride while collectively strengthening bonds that fortify the community and local schools. “Bragging rights are definitely on the line,” said Eric Homansky, Tournament Director and Teasley PE teacher. “The kids compete with passion and pride—it is about having fun and playing for the name on the front of their jersey.”

As these young student-athletes work hard on the field, the Jonquil Cup is also a great reminder for families to consider the importance of financial planning. As a financial advisor I see the same principles at play—preparation, teamwork, and consistent effort. Whether it’s saving for education or building retirement security, success on the field and navigating today’s volatile markets begins with having a plan, working together, and staying focused amidst the noise.

The Jonquil Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of youth, unity, and the values that shape our future here in Cobb County both on and off the field.

Celebrating Some of Cobb County’s Brightest This May

Andres Sandate Financial Advisor 404-550-8081 andres@gpwealthadvisors.com www.gpwealthadvisors.com Disclaimer:

Send inspiring stories and the people making Cobb better to andres@gpwealthadvisors.com

As spring blooms, we’re taking a moment to spotlight some of the many bright moments that make our community shine—from student achievements to heartfelt holidays.

l First, Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible moms who hold it all together. We see you—and we thank you.

l Congratulations to the 16 swim and dive state champions, two individual wrestling champions, and swim relay teams who won state championships recently and attend CCSD schools.

l A shout out to Kimberly Chinn, Lindley Middle and Pebblebrook, who was recently named CCSD’s 2024-2025 School Social Worker of the Year.

l In March Patria Brown was honored as the 2024-2025 Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). For more on Patria’s inspiring story please visit cobbk12.org.

l One of Cobb’s rising young writers Olivia Teagan Schulz of King Springs Elementary earned First Place (among all kindergartners) in the Cobb County Writing Fair for her imaginative story, “The Power of Puff Cats.” Way to go, Olivia!

l In academics, Cobb continues to lead the way. Pearson Middle was named the top growth school in Georgia by the Georgia Department of Education, with Lindley Middle posting a remarkable 40.9-point gain and Griffin Middle showing a 25.7-point improvement. Kennesaw Mountain posted the largest growth among high schools with a 30.6 increase. All five were among the 44 Cobb schools recognized as Georgia Math Leaders, a testament to their commitment to student success.

l Walton High School recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Consistently ranked among the top high schools in Georgia and nationwide, Walton continues to exemplify excellence and Raider pride—in the classroom, on the field, and in the arts.

l Congratulations to all Cobb County students receiving diplomas between May 19-24. Commencement ceremonies at Kennesaw State University (KSU) will be broadcast live via the internet. Check the schedule at www.cobbk12.org.

l From young authors, math champions, and new high school graduates—and the moms who lift them up—Cobb County has much to celebrate this May.

Things To Consider For An International Vacation

Before embarking on an international trip, there are several factors to consider prior to travel to ensure a smooth experience.

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements

Familiarize yourself with the entry requirements for the country you want to visit. These can – and do – change often. Staying on top of the latest entry requirements is a must.

Do you have a current passport with at least six months remaining from the time you will reenter the United States? Does your passport have at least two blank pages per country you plan to visit, and is one of those pages a visa page? If your answer was ‘no’ to either question, then it’s time to get a new passport. The good news is the wait time for passports is down to pre-pandemic levels so now is a great time to renew or get your first passport.

Check to see if a visa is required to enter the country you’re planning on visiting. If so, you’ll want to know if you need to obtain your visa before you leave or if it is available for purchase at the time of entry to the country you’re visiting.

Health & Safety

Research to see if any vaccinations or medications are necessary. Many countries either require or highly recommend that you get certain vaccines before travel. In these cases, you will want to schedule an appointment with your doctor for guidance and plan ahead to ensure that you can get the vaccinations you need in time for your trip. For example, several years ago it was recommended that I get a typhoid vaccination before traveling to Egypt and I had to go to several pharmacies before I could find one that had this vaccine in stock. Some countries require yellow fever vaccines for entry, which you can only get at a few locations locally, so you will need to plan well in advance for this vaccine.

If you are traveling outside of the US travel insurance is a must-have. I have always advocated for travel insurance for a number of reasons – the biggest ones being that your health care coverage typically does not cover you outside of the US and if for some reason you need to be repatriated it is incredibly expensive. Typically, both of these must be paid for up-front and often in cash.

Familiarize yourself with the State Department travel advisory for the country you are visiting and make sure you are comfortable with it. You should also register with the STEP program so the government is aware you are traveling abroad and can reach you in case of an emergency (natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency back home).

Research The Destination

Make sure to research and familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and etiquette before you depart. This will help you avoid inadvertently doing something rude or, worse, illegal.

Know the best ways to get around. Some destinations don’t offer ride share services so public transportation or taxis may be your only way to get around. Knowing this in advance can help you plan.

Understand the local currency and exchange rates. This will allow you to know how far your money will go in the destination.

Ensure you understand how your cell phone and connectivity will work in the destination. Some cell providers charge a per day fee for call service, whereas others may charge on a per minute/text or data usage basis.

Know what travel plug adapters you will need and ensure that you bring these with you.

A little bit of advanced planning can help you have a stress-free international vacation!

and more.

Heather lives in Smyrna with her husband and two sons.

heather@yellowshoetravel.com @heatheryellowshoetravel

Heather Meliski is a travel advisor and the owner of Yellow Shoe Travel. She specializes in vacations to the Caribbean and Mexico, Europe, Hawai’i, Australia, Africa, the South Pacific, Asia,