Nutrition After 40: Life Happened...Tara fell off of the wagon but did not let it run her over......................................................8
Remembering the NBA Hall of Famer and Cobb local, Dikembe Mutombo..............................................................11
Whitefield Academy: We grow, serve, lead, and worship......15 Centerfold
Finance
Can a high income buy happiness? Our Town’s financial expert, Andres Sandate, has the facts....................................24
Thinking of buying, selling or investing? Realtor Josh Pitre encourages you to reach out sooner rather than later..........30
Travel
Just in case...Heather Meliski has tips on what to do if you get sick on vacation..................................................................34
am always thankful for my family, my health, my community and our readers but as the month of Thanksgiving is upon us, I am feeling a little extra “warm and fuzzy” inside.
I feel giddy with excitement of coming to gather with family and friends as well as the anticipation of the holidays. But it does make me think, in our world of the hussle and bussle, why don’t we make time for the excitement more often? Can’t we push aside the daily grind every now and then and find time for a sprinkle of thankfulness by gathering with those we love and enjoy?
As the year comes to a close, I challenge you to find time to laugh, to love, to enjoy life and to sprinkle in a dash of thankfulness all year long.
“Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but everyday of your life.”
Enjoy the moments.
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
Andres Sandate andres@ourtownmonthly.com South Cobb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allyson Balzuweit Tiffany Westbrook SMY Book Club
Josh Pitre Heather Meliski OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com
Cooler weather means it’s time to layer up.
November is a great time to schedule their flu vaccine.
Does your child need a check-up? Call us at 678-889-0487 or schedule online at nwpediatriccare.com
We accept all major insurances including Medicaid.
FOOD & HEALTH
Welp-life happened and I did not check in with Allyson once this month. Between kids, sports, work, early action college essays and a fall break cruise. I guess you’d say, I decided to put myself last. But you know what? I’m proud to say, I may have fallen off the wagon but I did not let it run over me.
Here’s the good news. After working with Allyson the past 4 months, without even thinking about it, I did make better choices. While on the cruise, I prioritized fruits, vegetables, salads and protein. Now, don’t get it twisted, I enjoyed hashbrowns at breakfast, whole cream in my coffee, appetizers before dinner and had a swirl ice cream cone every single day. Then against my better judgement, when I arrived home, I stepped on the scale (I guess you could say I am a glutton for punishment). However, to my shock, after a willy nilly month of poor planning and a cruise my weight was THE SAME. I guess you could say this was the “ah-ha” moment. Not because I am validated by the scale but because I had a month of chaos and indulged in a cruise and you know what happened-NOTHING!
I can honestly tell you some of the information that Allyson has been talking about has stuck with me and has been become a habit. This is what it’s all about and I am calling this month a win!
Ihad to smile when I read Tara’s take on this past month, because this is such a common situation that I see a lot with my clients. Given that I work with people for months at a time, I get to partner with them through all sorts of things that life throws their way. Vacations, holidays or simply busier seasons of life.
While I was a little unsure of how things were going with Tara since she did not check in with me, I’m not at all surprised that she held her own. This journey is not simply about weight, it’s about establishing habits and a lifestyle that automatically come to mind - even when on vacation. It’s not about restriction or a race to the finish line. Sometimes a win means holding steady and that’s exactly what Tara did!
The people I work with often tell me the same thing that Tara did. As a healthier routine is gradually established, they notice that they are automatically making better choices without a whole lot of effort. Notice that I said better – not perfect. A balanced routine, even on a weight loss journey is exactly that…balanced!
One of the most important things that Tara did upon returning from her vacation is that she got back on track pretty quickly rather than letting a week on the cruise and the busy weeks leading up to it derail the progress that she’s made both mentally and physically.
Typically people that are committed to a reasonable approach to changing their habits and have made consistent strides recognize that they don’t like the way they feel if they veer off course for too long and they are actually eager to get back to their routine. THAT is the true indication that they’re adhering to a lifestyle and not a diet.
As the holiday season approaches, heed Tara’s story as one that can be useful to you. Sometimes just holding your own is good enough, and a day, a week or even a month of eating a little out of whack is not a problem if you’ve established a solid foundation that works for you most of the time.
If you’re still struggling to find that foundation, I’d love to help you, and I strongly encourage you not to wait until January. Start NOW, get support through the holidays and by January you’ll be well on your way to a new lifestyle and a better version of you!
SERVING SCHOLARS 6 WEEKS TO GRADE 8
SOECA.NET l 678-426-5560 l AUSTELL, GA
Seeds of Excellence Christian Academy provides Christian teaching dedicated to nurturing the whole child: spirit, mind and body.
Talkin’ Sports
By Justin Hanover
Sports
A Mountain of a Man!
When one talks about a larger than life figure it sometimes comes off as hyperbole. In the case below it is anything but...
Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba JeanJacques Wamutombo, better known as just Dikembe Mutombo to most of us, was an absolute giant among us. Not only was this NBA superstar tall in stature at 7’2” but Mutombo was a person that contributed more to this world than most could ever dream of.
The former finger wagging Atlanta Hawks center of five years (1996-2001) passed away last month at the age of 58. On the court he was well respected and feared during his 18 NBA seasons and it all culminated with his Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction in 2022.
The man nicknamed “Deek” and “Mount Mutombo” was a four-time defensive player of the year, an eight-time All-Star and had the second most shot blocks in history behind only Houston Rocket legend, Hakeem Olajuwon. Both the Hawks and Denver Nuggets have retired his number 55 jersey.
I covered Mutombo while he was here in Atlanta as I worked for an ESPN owned wire service called Sportsticker. Every interaction I had with the big man was inspiring and educational and entertaining. He was that rare human being whose bright personality was infectious to be around and loved by all.
But his actions off of the basketball court were even greater. Mutombo, who spoke nine languages including French, Spanish and Portuguese, created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation back in 1997 dedicated to improving health, education and the quality of life in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. He also served on many boards including the Special Olympics and the CDC Foundation.
Mutombo is the only two-time winner of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2001, 2009), which is presented annually to a player, coach or athletic trainer who shows out-
standing service and dedication to the community. Sporting News Magazine named him as one of the “Good Guys in Sports” in 1999 and 2000. Also in 1999, he was selected as one of 20 winners of the President’s Service Awards, the nation’s highest honor for volunteer service. In 2007, Dikembe opened a $29 million hospital, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center, in honor of his late mother in his hometown of Kinshasa.
“This sport didn’t just give me a gift of talent to block shots, it allowed me to connect to the rest of the world and to go and make a difference,” said Mutombo in 2022.
Dikembe and his family have been attached to our beloved community forever. He was a 30 or so year member of Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta. His son Ryan attended The Lovett School and will be playing basketball at Georgia Tech this season after transferring in from his father’s alma mater, Georgetown University. Daughter Carrie played basketball and volleyball at Lovett, graduating in 2016.
Mutombo’s family released a statement after the passing that said, “Dikembe was a servant of God, a wonderful husband, father, humanitarian, and athlete. He touched countless lives on and off the court with his generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.”
There could be no truer words.
Rest in Peace, big fella!
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Lower School students and parents are invited to experience Whitefield at our Lower School Visit Day on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.! While on campus, families will have an opportunity to explore spaces around campus and connect with teachers. We can’t wait to meet you!
t Whitefield Academy, students from PreK to Grade 12 grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We take chances, dig deep, and pursue excellence in all areas because we are known, challenged, and loved with intentionally small class sizes and a Biblically integrated curriculum. We dream big, experiment, and think critically. We are challenged in AP and honors classes to prepare us for the top colleges in the nation.
We seek to understand the world around us through history classes, foreign language classes, and global experiences. We learn to be analytical and articulate. We design and construct in the innovation lab, and our compassionate and committed teachers help maximize our individual potential. We are nurtured, and our teachers equip us to explore, collaborate, and persevere, providing us with the tools and mindset for success.
After Whitefield, we go on to become engineers, missionaries, playwrights, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and community leaders. Beginning in the lower school, we discover our unique interests inside and outside the classroom and become well-rounded individuals. We sing, play, perform, and create visual art, from graphic design to sculpture, and our student musicians shine in award-winning ensembles. We create with purpose and passion. We dream, design, and direct, using our gifts to honor God and serve our community.
Our championship-winning athletic programs instill in us the value of hard work beyond the classroom. We pursue our goals with discipline and dedicate ourselves to improvement. We push and encourage excellence in each other and recognize that we are stronger as a Pack than we are on our own. Because of the community here, we build lifelong friendships with our families, teachers, and classmates.
We grow, serve, lead, and worship. We are inspired to find ways to serve our community and the world. Our teachers mentor, disciple, and coach us as we become strong Christian leaders eager to honor God with all our gifts.
Whitefield Academy, a Christ-centered college preparatory school, exists to bolster Christian families in rearing young people who go on to college and life with a passion for learning for others ahead of self, for the living and active Jesus.
To experience all that Whitefield Academy has to offer, we invite you to visit our campus and discover what makes our Christ-centered community a place where students thrive. We encourage families to explore how Whitefield can partner with you to raise the next generation of strong Christian leaders. To learn more and schedule a tour, visit whitefieldacademy.com.
We look forward to welcoming you! Connect with us today at www.WhitefieldAcademy.com
COVENANTAL Difference
Since
its founding in
1976, Mount Paran Christian School has chosen to be and remain a covenant Christian school. So what makes a school covenantal?
There is something intrinsic about Mount Paran Christian School. Families and students, as well as alumni and their parents know it well. It’s a difference you feel when you’re on campus. Something almost tangible you notice in your children when they come home from school. It’s a deep understanding that the community of believers at this place share a core value in common with one another — the Christian covenant.
Defining a Covenant Relationship
In historic terms, a covenant was a binding agreement that defined a commitment or an obligation between two parties. As such, a covenantal Christian school seeks to join parents, students, and the institution together through a common pledge to educate through the lens of a biblical worldview. Even today, a covenant creates a binding partnership between parents and the school in which they entrust their children. Traditionally, most covenantal Christian schools therefore require at least one parent to be a believer — one who understands Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Discovering a True Partnership
Though many private schools proclaim Christianity, not all require a covenantal commitment with families or any mutual dedication to their faith. However, a covenant unifies a school-wide community with a singular purpose — to bolster the faith of future leaders who are exceedingly prepared for college and fully equipped to impact the world for Christ.
As the only grade PreK-12 covenantal Christian school in north Cobb, MPCS trusts that each of
its participating families share a commitment to the Christian faith and actively participate in a local church. Parental statements of faith are an important part of the bond between MPCS and each family, as is a student’s profession of faith for those who are old enough. More than 165 churches and 19 denominations are represented by the MPCS student body. The school’s faculty and staff share a commitment to know and love each child through Christ-centered instruction — and they seek to immerse that faith-infused strategy in all aspects of the school experience.
Choosing to be a covenantal school is more than just having a statement of faith and like-minded families. And being covenantal does not in any way mean being perfect, as all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Being a covenantal school keeps MPCS intentionally pointed to Christ and His Word in all key areas such as through its State Championship athletics teams, award-winning arts programs, and exemplary academics. Required curricular Bible classes in all grade levels along with weekly chapel and monthly opportunities for service fosters faith and a thirst for spiritual knowledge. Courses such as Apologetics and Eschatology provide a real foundation for MPCS students to grasp — and ultimately defend — their faith.
Differentiating Genuine Value
MPCS embraces a laser-focused mission to serve Christian families and each of their children, regardless of learning needs. From the acclaimed Directed Studies program for exceptional learners to the 56 AP and honors classes all taught ON campus (and an astounding 90%+ AP exam pass rate), career educators are preparing servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.
A Parent Perspective
The school covenant ensures that what is being taught at home is what is being reinforcing at school, at church, and among the other families who “do” life beside you. “Mount Paran is an extraordinary place to bring up our children in Christian community. The covenant is what sets it apart,” says Mr. Gil Russell, MPCS lower and middle school parent. “Those seeking to have their children educated in a safe environment where the school aligns with their common set of values and beliefs can easily find that at MPCS.”
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.
CommunitySpotlight
Money, happiness, and reflections on living a truly wealthy life
Iattended the funeral service of a friend recently and it led me to think deeply about my family and friends, my health, and the future. I found myself asking lots of questions and digging into research on these topics in the days that followed. I wanted to share what I found.
Influential research published in 2010 by Nobel Prize-winners Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton concluded that “Emotional well-being (happiness) rises with log income (basically annual income), but there is no further progress beyond annual income of ~$75,000.” The researchers stated among other findings that “high income buys life satisfaction but not happiness…” This surprised me. The figure just felt low for some reason so I kept digging.
New research published in 2022 by Matthew A. Killingsworth, Kahneman, and Barbara Mellers contradicted some of the findings from Killingsworth’s and Kahneman’s 2010 research and the authors concluded, “a more precise statement would be that there is no further progress in average happiness beyond a threshold at or below 90K.” There you have it folks. At or below $90,000 in annual earnings, researchers have concluded, other things in your life are likely to contribute to your happiness. What are these other things? Being healthy, living in a tight-knit community, close friendships, finding purpose in something bigger than self, helping others?
While making a lot of money and having significant savings and investments may offer peace of mind, why do many people report feeling out of balance and wishing for something more? Behavioral finance expert and author Dr. Daniel Crosby in his new book The Soul of Wealth: 50 reflections on Money and Meaning offers some helpful ideas based on research on what it means
to be truly wealthy. I plan to gift this book to all my clients for the holidays. A few of my favorites are below:
• Giving Is the Path to Abundance – “Generosity is a paradoxical path to greater abundance.”
• Comparison is the Thief of Joy – “Focus on your goals and values. Recognize that success and fulfillment look different for each individual.”
• Your Life Will Be As Rich As Your Friends – “It has become common wisdom that who we are is determined, to a large extent, by our five closest pals. Choose wisely dear reader.”
• Delayed Gratification Is the Ultimate Life Hack – “If you can delay gratification in one area of your life, you can do it with money too.”
• Time Is the Ultimate Purchase – “A growing body of research all points in the same direction: Greater time, not money, should be our pursuit.”
• You Are Your Best Investment – “Exercise regularly. See a therapist. Find a mentor or be a mentor. Self-improvement is a reliable path to a better life.”
• No One Gets Rich Alone – Simply acknowledging the role of luck and chance is a key step toward humbling yourself. Having empathy and compassion for those less fortunate…brings everyone together. Practicing gratitude and giving back benefits you and future generations so that more people have the chance to reach their financial goals.”
Andres Sandate Financial Advisor
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Book Club
ith the holidays approaching, family time is coming! Does this put you in the mood for a multigenerational family saga? Our pick this month certainly fits the bill!
Our Book: The Most Fun We’ve Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Our Scene:
Shannon hosted this month, and treated us to a delicious spread including charcuterie, chopped salad and no-noodle butternut squash and sausage lasagna. We enjoyed her ginger snaps with pumpkin pie dip for dessert! If you too are inclined to eat seasonally, check out Pinterest for inspiration. Shannon’s lasagna was a perfect component of a fall feast.
Our Synopsis:
When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fall in love in the 1970s, they are blithely ignorant of all that’s to come. By 2016, their four radically different daughters are each in a state of unrest: Wendy, widowed young, soothes herself with booze and younger men; Violet, a litigator-turned-stay-at-home-mom, battles anxiety and self-doubt when the darkest part of her past resurfaces; Liza, a neurotic and newly tenured professor, finds herself pregnant with a baby she’s not sure she wants by a man she’s not sure she loves; and Grace, the dawdling youngest daughter, begins living a lie that no one in her family even suspects. Above it all, the daughters share the lingering fear that they will never find a love quite like their parents’.
As the novel moves through the tumultuous year following the arrival of Jonah Bendt--given up by one of the daughters in a closed adoption fifteen years before--we are shown the rich and varied tapestry of the Sorensons’ past: years marred by adolescence, infidelity, and resentment, but also the transcendent moments of joy that make everything else worthwhile.
Our Favorite Questions:
By the end of the novel, we’ve seen David and Marilyn’s marriage unfold through many ups and downs. What do you think are the keys to their enduring marriage?
2 3 4 5 6
Consider the almost affair between David and Gillian. Why was he even entertaining her? Was he trapped in a cycle of attempting to please all the women in his life?
Each daughter feels pressure to live up to the nature of their parents’ marriage. Are David and Marilyn really the perfect couple, or is it easier to shore up the foundation of a marriage than build anew?
The book starts and ends with Marilyn’s perspective. Why do you think the author made this choice?
Do you have sisters? Reflect on the competitive nature of sisterhood, noting this quote from page 439: “Everything unfolded from there, in the way that most of their interactions unfolded, with long stretches of defiance punctuated by burts of tenderness, arcs of jealousy that tapered off with flurries of compassion.”
What other books, movies and/or TV series does this novel remind you of? We felt major Parenthood and Brothers & Sisters vibes!
Our Key Takeaway:
The Sorensons are one heck of a dysfunctional family. We all felt a love-hate relationship with most of the characters in this novel, minus Jonah, whose arrival was a breath of fresh air.
The sisters’ relationships are super tricky and somewhat reckless. Our key takeaway here is mirrored in this quote from page 609, “I think we allow ourselves to hurt the people we love the most because we know they won’t abandon us.” This statement rang true for us. Do you agree?
While reading this novel may not be the most fun you ever have (ha!), we definitely enjoyed getting to know the Sorensons, and would recommend this pick to readers who love family drama.
Our Stars:
Our Next Book:
No book next month - it’s time for our Book Club Year in Review!
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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
Our Services Include:
l Bath w/Hydro Massage l Ears cleaned
Nails Trimmed l Sanitary Trim
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Getting Sick on Vacation Doesn’t Have
You’ve planned for months for the perfect vacation and things are going great – everyone is having fun, the kids are getting along, the weather is perfect. And then you hear the dreaded words – ‘I don’t feel well.’ Getting sick on vacation isn’t ideal but an unexpected illness doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
If possible, have a plan in place before you leave. No one wants to get sick while on vacation but it makes it easier if you already know if your hotel has a doctor on call or which urgent care is the best. If you have booked your vacation with a travel professional, they may also be able to provide recommendations.
Once you are on vacation your best resource for information about good healthcare providers is the hotel concierge. First, ask if they have a doctor on staff or on call. Often resorts will have a doctor on call that will come to your room so you don’t have to travel to them, particularly large resorts outside of the United States. They may also have a third-party company that they recommend that provides this service. If you are sailing, there will be medical staff on the ship that can assist you. Make sure you ask up front what the fees are so you don’t get sticker shock as some on call doctors can be expensive if you have to pay out of pocket. If you have purchased travel protection this may be an expense that can be reimbursed.
If your hotel does not have a doctor on call, ask the concierge if there is a nearby urgent care or hospital that they recommend – some are better than others so it helps to talk to someone in the know.
I also recommend calling your doctor back home to let them know that someone has fallen ill and for additional advice.
To prevent the illness from spreading, make sure that everyone is diligent about washing their hands and wiping down the surfaces in your room. This is especially important if you’re dealing with a tummy bug or strep.
If possible, divide and conquer. Have as many people as possible continue to stay on schedule with your vacation while the person who has fallen ill rests and recuperates. If you are a family with children, have one parent stay with the sick child while the other parent stays on schedule with the other kids. This will also help keep everyone from getting sick since you won’t all be in the hotel room for hours on end.
Assuming that the sick person isn’t completely bed-ridden and is feeling up to it, modify your plans to allow them additional time to rest but still participate in the fun. For example, shift your plans from the morning to the afternoon to allow additional time for rest or take a longer midday break so they can nap.
If you were planning a big activity, see if you can move it to later in your vacation. This will allow the sick person time to rest and hopefully start feeling better so they can share in the fun.
Above all else be flexible and patient. The vacation you end up with may not the be vacation you envisioned but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be fun!
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
