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Our Town
Our Town
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In This Issue
Featured Photographer Anne Gibson.....................................................8
O C T O B E R 2 0 21
Wondering where you can travel right now? OTM’s Travel Expert, Heather Meliski, has the information you need to know.......................11
Cover Story FullScope Sports
Talkin’ Sport’s “soccer guy” shares the beauty of Atlanta United 2........................13
15
Cover Story Check out FullScope Sports, your local go-to specialty sporting goods store........................15
11
Wondering if Reflexology could be for you? Eliana Ocheseanu has some facts that may interest you....................................................18
Travel Where can you go?
18 Health & Beauty Reflexology
13 33
Pets Pandemic Pup Success
PAGE 6
Introducing Samantha Jessing NP-C to the Cobb Vinings Gynecology team...24
Do you need Bark? An excellent compromise to kids’ “demands” for privacy and parent’s “behind the scenes” look ...............................................................28
Talkin’ Sports Atlanta United 2
28
Cobb’s Rising Stars! ................................21
Driven, Determined, Dedicated. “Deb Did It Again!” Don’t miss our Realtor Spotlight.........................................................30
Let K-9 Coach help you understand your pandemic pup and build a foundation for success!...........................................................33
Social Media Do You Need Bark?
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Our Town onthly M
in this issue
F A M I LY L I F E S T Y L E N EW S M AG A Z I N E
STERLING
Publishers/Editors Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes West Cobb Area. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not Linda Demery & Lori McLinden
in Cobb County. Opinions expressednecessarily by the editorial staff their own reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our are Town reserves the right to Graphics and Design edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Terry Tanner for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made reservesTanner the right toInc. edit and or reject any editorial or advertising Graphics, by advertisers. content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond Account Executive Entire contents copyright 2018 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in sara@ourtownmonthly.com the Sara costYoung, of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. Feature Photographer Entire contents copyright 2021 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole Our Town Monthly or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. 109 Anderson Street Contributing Writers
Suite 109 Marietta, GA 30060
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR 678-337-7844 Tara Hill Hanover Fax: 678-337-7825 info@ourtownmonthly.com
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www.ourtownmonthly.com EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Justin Hanover
DIGITAL EDITOR/SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR Kimberly Watkins-Swenk GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Jules Fandos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES West Cobb Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com Smyrna/Vinings/Galleria/Cumberland Misty Flanders-White misty@ourtownmonthly.com North/South Cobb Stephanie Mellom stephanie@ourtownmonthly.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Anne Gibson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Meliski Eliana Ocheseanu K-9 Coach Team
PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com FB: Our Town Monthly
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Feature Photographer ANNE GIBSON
A
nne Gibson, creator of Anagram Digital, is eager to work with companies and individuals to communicate their unique ideas through photography, videography, and graphic design. A native of North Georgia, Anne grew up in a creative family, surrounded by photographers, musicians, and artists. It wasn’t until she married her husband, Graham, that she found her own passion for creative digital media. From unique video ads and event branding to landscape and lifestyle photography, Anne gets to spend her time working with amazing people to grow their business in innovative ways. In her free time, Anne enjoys spending afternoons in her garden with her pups, Nova the hound and Ellie the corgi, as well as whipping up delicious meals and baked goods for her friends and family. Anne and Graham have been married over 2 years and one day hope to retire on a ranch in Montana.
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Our immune systems protect our health from day-to-day attacks by billions of microorganisms. Without an efficient and effective immune system, we are prone to colds, influenza and other germs. CLOSED SPACES, CROWDED PLACES Everything from crowded elevators and ATM machines to doorknobs can pose health risks. Ventilation systems in office buildings act as mass transit systems for illness-causing microbes. Closed spaces, from movie theaters to airplanes, are breeding grounds for germs. And each day your children bring home uninvited guests from school or day care that can leave your whole family feeling miserable. Keeping your immune system working at its peak – especially in times of stress or when exposed to someone under the weather – is crucial to staying healthy. Now there is a daily maintenance program that keeps your immune system from being overwhelmed as it wins the war against your body’s enemies. GET PROTECTED! VIRACID is a revolutionary new natural medicine with patented active ingredient black elderberry, which has demonstrated strong ability to fortify, boost and strengthen your immune system. VIRACID’s 5 potent ingredients work immediately on your body’s immune function to make it better prepared to respond to foreign invaders, including viruses and bacteria, that cause illnesses such as colds, flu and sinus infections. HOW IT WORKS A daily dose of VIRACID works in two ways. First, it makes your body produce more and stronger macrophages, a type of white blood cell that is the body’s first line of defense. These cells circulate throughout the body and engulf and digest “foreign invaders.” This triggers a second benefit, known as a “cascading effect,” that mobilizes your body’s entire arsenal of immune defenses. This cascading effect is a particularly useful tool if you have early signs of infection because VIRACID, in addition to prevention, can be taken on an hourly basis if infected to combat rising germ copies in the body. RESEARCH CONFIRMS EFFECTIVENESS Since the 1940s, scientists have studied the powerful immune-enhancing effects of the 5 key ingredients in VIRACID. And in 1985, a Harvard scientist made the outstanding discovery that macrophages (a vital immune cell that “eats” foreign invaders) can be stimulated by providing the body with the right nutrition. Over 1,600 peer-reviewed articles and 25 years of research confirm the effectiveness of the main ingredients in VIRACID in safely activating and modulating the immune system through its cellular network of macrophages, neutrophils and natural killer cells to control bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. VIRACID has no known side effects or negative interactions with medications or vaccines; virtually anyone can experience the benefits of VIRACID. In fact, with vaccines showing only around 65% protection depending on the illness, everyone should consider arming themselves with added ammunition in the fight against colds, the flu and other circulating germs. VIRACID perfectly complements other preventative measure like the flu shot and works best when taken daily. The result is a stronger immune system that can kill more germs faster and more efficiently. We are so confident in VIRACID’s ability to safely boost immunity for your entire family that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on every bottle; simply return your empty bottle to us. Get VIRACID today if you want to be prepared for this winter’s worst.
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Our Town
There’s A Vacation Out There for Everyone
I
recently attended a women’s business networking event with some members of the Our Town team, and during conversations with the attendees I was struck by a common theme – a lot of people haven’t taken a vacation of any kind since the start of the pandemic. What I consistently heard was that a number of people aren’t yet comfortable traveling so they have put off taking a much-needed vacation. I’m a big believer that a vacation of any kind and any length is good for us all – getting away from our day-to-day is good for our mind, bodies, and souls. Now more than ever, we all need some time to recharge. No matter your personal risk tolerance with the pandemic, there is a vacation for every comfort level. Let’s look at some options that might work for you.
Low Risk Tolerance If you are less comfortable traveling and being around people, one vacation I recommend is a beach or mountain rental home or a visit to a National Park. You can limit your contact with people outside of your immediate travel group while still being able to get away. Vacations in the Northeastern United States (Vermont, Maine, and even New York) or in California are also good options since these states have lower transmission rates and higher vaccinations rates, and a number of these destinations require proof of vaccination for entry to restaurants, theaters, museums, and more. For a number of these destinations, you can drive rather than fly which also limits your possible exposure.
Medium Risk Tolerance With a middle-of-the-road risk tolerance, you expand your options to include some destinations outside of the United States. There are a number of Caribbean islands that require both proof of vaccination and COVID testing for entry and also have low transmission rates, such as Turks and Caicos, St. Barthelemy, Grenada, Anguilla, and St. Kitt’s and Nevis. These are great options if you want a more tropical getaway with some of the lowest risk possible for international travel. You may also be comfortable traveling to countries with little to no entry requirements that have low transmission rates in tourist areas, such as Mexico. Another option to consider is cruising on certain ocean and river cruise lines that have both vaccination and testing requirements, such as Virgin Voyages (bonus – this is an adults-only cruise line so it’s perfect for a couples’ getaway or girls trip), Disney Cruise Line, or AmaWaterways.
High Risk Tolerance If your risk tolerance is high and you are comfortable in most places and situations, then your options include anywhere that is open for travel including countries with little to no entry requirements. If you fall into this category, traveling right now may be a great option for you since crowds are low in a number of popular destinations. Regardless of which group you fall in, take the time to take a vacation. Heaven knows we have ALL earned some time away!
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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PAGE 11
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Our Town
Talkin’ Sports By Justin Hanover
AU2: An Untapped Jewel
T
here are many places and events in beautiful Cobb County that do not get the publicity they deserve for one reason or another. One such example is our soccer club, Atlanta United 2.
Yes, I said “2”. Most people are familiar with Atlanta United. The 2018 MLS Champion has now been around for five seasons after that inaugural match played on March 5th, 2017 against the New York Red Bulls. But do you realize that we have their second team, Atlanta United 2, playing right in our backyard at Kennesaw State University? That’s right. Atlanta United 2 plays in the United Soccer League Championship, which is only one level below MLS and is considered Division 2 in the landscape of United States soccer. In baseball terms, it is Triple A compared to the Major Leagues. So, the product and quality overall is very high. In fact, in US Open Cup play we see USL teams beat Major League Soccer teams pretty much every year. The beauty of this second division team is that you get to see the future while also getting a look at some first teamers. The Club intentionally values and develops the younger generation in trying to groom the next MLS star. 16 year-olds like Caleb Wiley are earning starts and fitting right in battling against 10-year professional veterans. 18 year-old Tyler Wolff, the son of US legend Josh Wolff, just recently scored a goal 10 seconds into a match en route to a first ever professional Hat Trick.
Every match seems to have something unusual and phenomenal. This is not just a team that plays the same starting 11 and goes through the motions. You may get to see a local Academy product making his professional debut, which happens fairly often thanks to Atlanta United’s ultra-successful Academy. You also may see a top team player like Mikey Ambrose or Machop Chol swing down in order to get some work in. Now, full disclosure, I am a “soccer guy” and the team’s Public Address announcer so I am all in from the get-go. With that said, though, even if you are just a soccer novice there truly is nothing better than going out to KSU on a beautiful night and watching the future stars of Atlanta United. Plus, if you want a little intimacy, you will not have 50,000 plus fans like at Mercedes Benz. The atmosphere is quaint and perfect and leaving the parking lot post-match is two minutes at most. October marks the last month of the regular season, where the playoff push is on full display. Unfortunately, the final home match just took place on September 29th but this amazing product is something that should be around for years to come. Keep a place in your social schedule beginning next March and come out for an amazing night at KSU. Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone and 680 The Fan. He has also done play-byplay 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
COVER STORY
“Fitness and Sports is Our Business.”
T
heir love for sports and fitness prompted Bobby Young and his wife, Heather, to open a boutique-style running specialty and sporting goods store in Smyrna. Bobby and Heather grew up playing competitive baseball and soccer, respectively. Bobby played baseball through high school and has continued his love for the diamond sport by coaching youth teams through Smyrna Little League. Heather switched from soccer to middle distance running and triathlons in her early twenties and continues to compete in both. Her training for these competitions occur when she isn’t working as a Real Estate Agent for Petersen Partners at Berkshire Hathaway or tag teaming with Bobby to get their daughter, Kailey, a second grader at St. Benedict’s School, from one activity to another. The Youngs opened the doors to FullScope Sports (FSS), located at 1270 Concord Road SE, (across the street from Love Street Gifts and down from McEntyre’s Bakery) on March 7, 2020 and have been enjoying helping customers with their running, sports and fitness needs.
Q&A
I sat down with Bobby to ask him a few questions about FullScope Sports. Why did you start a running and sporting goods store? As a coach, player, and fan of community sports, I felt it was time to bring a boutique-style sporting goods and running store to the people in the area. Specifically, I realized that avid walkers and runners in the community had to travel inside the perimeter to purchase footwear and apparel. I wanted a place where people, players, teams, and athletes could shop with specialized knowledgeable sales associates who have the experience and the customers’ best interest in mind when fitting and demonstrating products. What is the mission of FullScope Sports? “Fitness and Sports is Our Business” Our mission is to bring good quality and affordable sports apparel, footwear, and products to Smyrna, Vinings, West Cobb and the surrounding communities. What did you do before starting FullScope Sports? Before starting FullScope Sports, I spent 25 years in corporate America working with Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson, HP, Sprint; with the last 10 years at Garmin (The GPS Company) managing running, sporting goods and golf stores in the Southeastern US.
assistant coach for an 8U Rhyne Park softball team. I am a member of the Cobb Chamber and 2020/2021 CEO Roundtable, Member of the Smyrna Small Business Association and a member of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Access Network OnDemand program. What does the future look like for FullScope Sports? FullScope Sports strives to be THE ‘go-to’ retail store for sporting goods and specialty running in Smyrna, Vinings and West Cobb. Our hopes are to establish a local presence that provides quality, functional products that customers can be confident in purchasing. We plan to provide the name brands the community needs online and in our retail store. STORE EVENTS Walking In Smyrna with FullScope Sports - every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM. Join your neighbors on a 2 - 3 mile round trip walk from the store through the heart of Smyrna. Wine & Workouts offered on select Wednesday evenings, is an opportunity for women to stretch, socialize and sample wines. Visit our website, fullscopesports.com/ events for more information. The Campbell Comfort Closet Community Drive - For the past year, FullScope Sports has been a collection point for the community to donate health/hygiene products and school supplies for students and families at Campbell High School. What’s an ElliptiGO? FullScope Sports is the exclusive ElliptiGO distributor in Metro Atlanta. ElliptiGOs are outdoor elliptical cycles which combine the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer to deliver a low-impact, high performance workout. Whether you are a former runner who can no longer take the impact on your joints, an active athlete looking for the best cross-training experience or an outdoor fitness enthusiast seeking a fun, new workout - the ElliptiGO is for you. Scan below to learn about the different types of ElliptiGOs and see one in action. Then drop in to test ride one for yourself. You will love it! Stop by FullScope Sports to test ride an ElliptiGO, pick up fan gear on the way to Truist or have a free shoe fitting to prepare you for your next run. FullScope Sports is located at 1270 Concord Road SE, Suite 100 and open Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 6PM. 678-424-1313 or visit FullScopeSports.com Facebook @ FullScopeSports Instagram @FullScopeSports1
What's in store at FullScope Sports? Free custom athletic shoe fitting for runners, walkers and other sports Saucony, Altra Running, Topo Athletics, Skechers and Reebok. Your new shoes can be paired with performance socks and insoles to give you the best comfort and fit.
Fitness accessories Garmin Running watches and Fitness Bands, Sports GU, Freeze Sleeve
Youth baseball and softball gear Bats: USA, USSSA, BBCOR and Wood; Catcher Gear, Helmets, Batting Gloves and Backpacks
Braves and Atlanta United fan wear by Fanatics
Custom apparel and merchandise with embroidery and screen printing via Custom Apparel and Embroidery by FSS shirts, hats, socks, banners, drinkware, window graphics forsports teams, company uniforms, school spirit wear, church functions and family reunions. As part of FSS, we also offer custom apparel printing and embroidery to businesses, teams, schools, and individuals.
Coming Soon in 2022 Under Armour, On-Running, HeadPenn for Tennis and Pickleball and more soccer gear!
When you aren’t at the store, what are you involved in? Where do I start? For over 13 years, I have been coaching with Smyrna Little League (SLL) Baseball. I was also a SLL Board Member for 6 years. Additionally, I am an
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The Science of Beauty
By Eliana Ocheseanu, the Skin Whisperer at Refinery21 Aesthetique
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY
What is facial reflexology?
I
n Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the face is a microsystem of the internal organs with different parts corresponding to different organs.
The concept of facial reflexology is that there are meridian points on the face that correspond with various organs in the body. Stimulating these reflexology points does not affect the organs directly, but instead affects the brain’s areas responsible for the regulation of those organs. What the science says: In a 2007 study done on facial and foot massages, researchers found that participants experienced more relaxation from a facial massage than a foot massage. This randomized controlled trial tested a 20-minute foot massage and a 20-minute facial massage on six female volunteers using peach-kernel base oil. Researchers found a drop in systolic blood pressure of 8.5mmHg immediately after the facial massage, compared to 1mmHg recorded after the foot massages. The most common facial reflexology points: l TAIYANG “The temples are acupressure/acupuncture points collectively known as Taiyang,” says Auth. Its uses include: soothing tension headaches, relieving stress, calming the mind. How to practice it: Place the pads of your index and middle fingers on your temples. Rub the point in a circular direction, slowly breathing in and out for 10 deep breaths. Rest your fingers in the center of your temples, hold
for two deep breaths, then release slowly. l BITONG The bitong point can be found under the nostril, where the nasolabial groove meets the nose. Its uses include: clearing congestion, calming inflammation, helping with seasonal ailments. How to practice it: Use your index or middle finger to apply pressure to bitong. Make small circles to bring circulation to your sinuses. l YIN TANG If you’ve been finding yourself glued to your smartphone, computer, and TV too often these days, you might want to consider targeting Yin Tang. According to Auth, this point is located on the third eye, the space on the forehead between your eyebrows. Its uses include: clearing the mind, relieving pressure around the eyes, nose, and head, relieving eye fatigue. How to practice it: Using your first or middle finger, lean your head forward to gradually release the weight of your head onto the support of your finger. Apply firm pressure and make a circular motion with your thumb. Take 10 deep breaths while massaging, then release.
While more scientific research is needed, reflexology is a popular and widespread alternative treatment. Whether you’re suffering from headaches, anxiety, a lackluster complexion, or something else, reflexology experts will tell you there’s a pressure point for that. Sources: healthline.com, Dr. Shari Auth, DACM, LAC, Brian Goodwin – esthetician at Eminence Organics.
Eliana has over 20 years of experience in skin care. She is the owner of Refinery21 Aesthetics
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Our Town
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Dr. Nanette Cook is excited to announce the addition of Samantha Jessing, NP-C to the Cobb Vinings Gynecology Team
S
amantha obtained both her Bachelors and Master of Science in Nursing at Kennesaw State University with a focus in family practice and primary care. She completed training in women’s health, internal medicine, urgent care, and aesthetics/medical weight loss. Before becoming a family nurse practitioner, Samantha also specialized in maternal-child nursing for five years. When asked why she chose women’s health as a career path, Samantha replied, “As a woman in medicine, I realized how little women are taught about their bodies, particularly when it comes to sexual health, postpartum recovery and perimenopause.” She continued, “I get great fulfillment from educating my patients about their bodies, listening to their stories, and empowering them with the knowledge and support they need to take control of their own health.” Samantha is excited about her new role at Dr. Cook’s office and says, “I love the warm and welcoming environment here and Dr. Cook’s practice philosophy of providing individualized care with an emphasis on education and wellness resonates with me. I am honored to become a member of this team!” In her free time, you will find Samantha immersed in a fantasy novel or attending a renaissance or anime convention (pre-pandemic, of course!). She says she is learning to prioritize self-care with activities such as yoga, skincare, and meal prep as she believes these things are key to staying healthy and confident.
Samantha was asked what advancements in women’s health has her most excited, and her response was, “Treatments such as hormone therapy and vaginal rejuvenation are exciting advancements in women’s health as they can treat major issues related to sexual dysfunction, low libido, and stress incontinence. These issues have long been ignored in the medical community as a ‘natural part of childbirth and aging’ despite the negative effects on a woman’s quality of life. It can be difficult for women to finally seek help for their sexual health, so I am passionate about providing these services to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing!” About Cobb Vinings Gynecology: Cobb Vinings Gynecology, the office of Dr. Nanette Cook, was voted “Best OB/GYN in Smyrna” in 2017. Their mission is to provide quality healthcare to women in a nurturing environment that allows each patient to feel comfortable and cared for. Dr. Nanette Cook understands that each woman is unique, with her own individual health questions and concerns. To discover each patient’s individual needs, she listens. She will spend as much time as you require to feel comfortable and satisfied with your care, all the while listening to you and your concerns. Cobb Vinings Gynecology offers a wide range of services including Family Planning, Adolescent Gynecology, Pap Smear & HPV Testing, Pregnancy Testing, In-Office Tubal Ligation, Bioidentical Hormonal Therapy, Treatment of Menopause Symptoms, Bladder Incontinence Treatment, Endometriosis Treatment, Infertility Testing & Treatment, Treatment for Uterine Bleeding, Bandaid Hysterectomy, Treatment of Uterine Fibroids, Vaginal Rejuvenation, and Robotic Surgery. Learn more about Cobb Vinings Gynecology, Dr. Cook and Samantha at www.cookgyn.com or call 770-431-2322 to schedule an appointment.
770.431.2322
Dr. Nanette Cook, OB-GYN
3692 Highlands Parkway // Smyrna, GA 30082 PAGE 24
Our Town
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3292 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy NW l Marietta, GA 30064
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NOW HIRIN G DEDICATE D ST training ava AFF ilable
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Our Town
A Place Where Respect is for Everybody
SERVICES
Testosterone Deficiency (Hypogonadism) Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism Non-Toxic Goiter Diabetes Mellitus Complicating Pregnancy Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Ovarian Dysfunction
Thyroid Cancer Prolactin Disorders Calcium Disorders Gynecomastia Osteoporosis Addison’s Disease Hyperparathyroidism Vitamin D Deficiency
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Dr. Puentes has more than 30 years experience as a physician and more than 17 years as an Endocrinologist
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PAGE 27
Even Dr. Phil Isn’t Safe. By Kimberly Watkins-Swenk
“C
I guess you know where I am going with this story; the value of phone monitoring software. You may not realize that the software is for your kid and your kid’s friends.
atch me outside.” “Have you ever heard of this girl? The Catch Me Outside girl?”
I picked up my phone coming in from playing with my younger son, who was seven at the time. The call was from my friend - the same one from last month’s column. “Who? Oh, that girl from the Dr. Phil Show. Her accent was so thick I thought it was “cash me outside.” (Note: if you don’t know who I am talking about, google “Dr. Phil + Catch Me Outside.”) I won’t go into the details behind the Catch Me Outside girl. That is beside the point of this column. I will tell you, my friend’s son got into a Twitter war with said girl, and he was only in the 7th grade. “He isn’t even supposed to have social media. He is only in the 7th grade, but he got online via a friend’s phone and got into a (insert a nasty word) Twitter war with her.”, my friend said.
don’t know the software the friend’s mom uses records everything that happens on the phone.”
“How did you even find out he did it? How did he have a Twitter account?” I asked. “Agh, the mom of the kid who owned the phone called me and said she saw her kid was on Twitter. She asked her son about it because he isn’t supposed to have Twitter, and he ratted out Matt.” That is the name I am using this month for my friend’s son. “My son’s friends dared him to start a Twitter war with her, and bam, my kid, is an online bully. I swear Matt is going to be the death of me.” My kids were young at the time, so I wasn’t fully aware of all the phone monitoring software that was out there. “How did the mom even know the kid was on Twitter anyway? Can’t he delete his history?” “Oh, he did.”, my friend responded. “But they
Kids are NOTORIOUS for creating fake social media accounts and checking them on friend’s phones and even at libraries. By having a phone monitoring program, the chances of other kids using your kid’s phone significantly decrease. I use Bark because it has a privacy setting that allows my kids to have some privacy but alerts me to certain words or actions. You can set your alerts to High, which I do, or to Low, which allows more freedom. Bark was an excellent response to my kids’ “demand” for privacy. Regardless of which software you go with, you need to have some protection on your kid’s phone. Kids are intelligent and sneaky. You need to stay ahead of the game because even Dr. Phil isn’t safe from the effects of kids on their phones. Kimberly Watkins-Swenk is a social media professional and also OTM’s Digital Content Director & Editor. Kimberly and her family split their time between Smyrna and Durango, Colorado. She is married to Jason and has two sons, Luke and Chase, and two cats she loves more than anything.
NOW Enrolling Toddler 1 - Pre-K 4! Get an early start!
PAGE 28
Our Town
150 ARTISTS & CRAFTERS
FREE ADMISSION
FEATURING: K-9’s In Flight Peter Hart’s puppet show The Acoustic Sounds of Scott Thompson
OCTOBER 23 & 24 VILLAGE GREEN IN DOWNTOWN SMYRNA
The Smyrna Fall Jonquil Festival presented by Superior Plumbing features over 150 Arts & Crafts booths, a variety of food booths, an entertainment stage, and an abundance of children’s activities. Bring the family to shop, play, eat, drin k a nd have a n amazing day together.
SMYRNACITY.COM
Interactive Kids Zone with inflatable slides, Rockwall, bounces and much more! Saturday, October 23 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Your Local Garden Center
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Wild Bird Supply
Neighbor’s Community Market Saturdays 10AM-4PM
$5 OFF Purchase of $25 or More EX 10-31-21
1565 Roswell St. SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 678-653-8838 l neighborsfeedandseed.com
Our Town
PAGE 29
Spotlight Deborah Ratchford Top Producing Agent Keller Williams Cityside
“D
eb Did It Again”, is her signature slogan and for good reason! Her determination, dedication and drive has made her very successful at finding the perfect home for her buyers as well as getting the highest sales price in the quickest amount of time for her sellers. Deborah is also a great negotiator and has been in the real estate business for 20 years. Right out of the gate, she was known as the “Rookie Sensation”. Deb has also received prestigious awards as “Top 5 Team”, “Top CGI Team”, “Top in Closed Volume”, “Top in Listed Volume”, “Top in Listed Units” and “#1 in ListingTeams”. In addition, she has been “Top Producing Agent” consecutively over her 20 years in business and “Top Southwest Agent” five years in a row! Deborah Ratchford is from North Carolina and has been living in the Smyrna, Cobb County area since 1998. Before selling real estate, she was a flight attendant, but real estate is her passion. In addition to her successful career, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
PAGE 30
Deb also has a cat, Tigger and a dog, Redford, which you will often see in her social media. Hobbies: Going to the gym ~ Walks with her Labradoodle Redford ~ Long bike rides on the Silver Comet Trail & Chattahoochee River. Deborah is also a Braves Fan and you will see her at many of the home games at Truist Park. Favorite quotes: “Live life passionately. Laugh until your belly hurts. Love unconditionally.” “When looking back doesn’t interest you anymore, you’re doing something right.” “Quit trying to steal the pen. Trust the author.” ~God is writing the story. Deb is licensed in Georgia and North Carolina. Consistently Top Agent Since 2000 Office: 770-874-6382 Cell: 678-570-4779 DebSellsHouses.com Debratchford@kw.com
Our Town
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Our Town
PAGE 31
For all your home comfort needs www.CallBartlett.com l PAGE 32
Family Owned & Operated for Over 35 Years
770-818-4339 Our Town
Did Everyone Get a Puppy During COVID!!!
I
n all seriousness, we’re getting A LOT of calls about puppy behavior. Some of these issues require training. Others can be addressed with just a few simple hints and tips to help you and your puppy be successful. So, please see below and do not hesitate to reach out if you need some professional help. CHEWING/BITING - Puppies chew for two main reasons: to alleviate the pain from teething and as a means of exploration. To help off-set this natural desire, provide your puppy with lots of appropriate and safe chew toys, limit their access in the home to “safe zones” and when you catch them chewing a beloved chair or one of your hands, remove them and encourage play on a doggie toy. CRYING - Having typically been with mom or a sibling, puppies are not used to being alone. Crying is how puppies call their litter mates and mothers - to communicate fear or needs. Make sure your pup has had lots of exercise before you try to leave, give them a safe toy to chew on like a puppy Kong with treats inside and a t-shirt or towel with your scent. JUMPING - Jumping is typically a result of a pup’s attempt to be social and often they get rewarded for the behavior, albeit unintentional. By rewarding your puppy before they jump, you will teach them that when their paws are on the ground, you reward them with attention. DIGGING - Puppies typically dig for two reasons: boredom or to get to something they desire. Provide lots of appropriate toys to alleviate boredom. K-9 Coach is proud to offer an extensive line to help.
Our PREMIER PUPPY PACKAGE which includes everything you and your new puppy needs to build a foundation of success for life! Includes: K-9 Coach Private Lesson, Super Puppy Class, S.T.A.R. Puppy Class, Puppy Daycare (5 Half Day Sessions), Puppy Groom! SUPER PUPPY CLASS - Open for puppies between 10 and 20 weeks of age and who are least 10 days past their first DHPP vaccination! S.T.A.R. PUPPY - Open to pups aged 5 months to one year at the time of graduation. S.T.A.R. is the first step in the Canine Good Citizenship certification and includes critical socialization and obedience training. PUPPY MANNERS - Open to pups aged between 5 & 18 months at the time of graduation. Designed to develop basic manners and polite behavior: greeting people, jumping, counter surfing, begging, barking, etc… PRIVATE LESSIONS – At K-9 Coach, your location or even online, these are one-on-one, individualized and based on your goals and your pup’s progress! LEARN FOR LIFE - Our most popular training because it includes comprehensive board and train, playcare every day for socialization, exercise, etc..., AND back-end alumni benefits in the form of private lessons and group classes. As always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. We wish you all continued happiness and success in this new year and beyond and we hope to see you all soon! If you need help, do not hesitate to contact us. We’re always here for you.
Want to understand and shape behaviors like these and others with your new pup? GREAT! Check out our puppy specific programs on the website including:
Amber, Jarrette & the K-9 Coach Team
HAPPY MEMORIES!
Our Town
PAGE 33
Celebrat ing 10 Year s in North Atlanta!
Mobile Dog Grooming
• Weekend Appointments
The waggin’ wagon provides professional mobile dog grooming services to the North Atlanta community. We are currently servicing Buckhead, Brookhaven, Smyrna, Vinings, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody extending 3 miles north of I-285.
Our services include: Bath with hydro massage Ears cleaned Nails Trimmed
All doctors at Cumberland Animal Clinic have extensive experience in medicine and surgery for dogs and cats. We are conveniently located at the corner of Spring Road conveniently and Village Parkway in Smyrna. in yrna.
Sanitary Trim Basic de-matting Full brush and blow dry Shave downs Full cuts
Monday thru Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-1pm Sunday CLOSED
Call us today to book your next appointment!
www.thewagginwagon.com
Expires October 31, 2021
PAGE 34
Our Town
Deborah M Ratchford
Keller Williams Cityside 3350 Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080
I Want To Sell Your Home Today!
DebD id it
C: 678-570-4779 O: 770-874-6205
Again!
SOLD IN 7 DAYS!
SOLD OVER ASKING PRICE! - in Smyrna
SOLD IN 10 DAYS!
SOLD OVER ASKING PRICE! - in Smyrna
Call the agent that knows the market and how to get over the asking price. Results Driven!!! Call today for your FREE market analysis.
NEW LISTING - in Smyrna!
Looking for Listings and Buyers! Call Today! 678-570-4779 All information is believed to be accurate, but not warranted. Each Keller Williams Realty Office is individually owned and operated.
Ameris Bank Mortgage Services Barry Butler PAGE 36
Senior Loan Officer Member FDIC
600 Townpark Ln Ste 190 Kennesaw, GA. 30144 O 404.553.2621 C 770.365.7179 barry.butler@Amerisbank.com
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