October 2024 by Tara Hill Hanover

In This Issue

Food & Health

Nutrition After 40: Consistency vs. Crazy - Follow Tara as she focuses on the progress........................................................8

Talkin’ Sports

Can the Dawgs win it again? Check out a local preview of our in-state teams.....................................................................11

Cover Photographer M. Jae Photography..................................................................14

Cover Story

Welcome to North Cobb Christian........................................15

Business Spotlight

A new location for Urban Renewal: From Gap to Gucci, there is something amazing for you!..............................18

Community Spotlight

Life Goals. Happy Anniversary Louise and Tony, 75 years and going!..................................................................................21

Local Events

There’s something delicious in Acworth this month.....24

Book Club Sit Down, Relax & Join Our Town’s Book Club...................26

Finance

Are you wondering if the upcoming election is effecting interest rates? We want you to feel informed. Meet Our Town’s new financial expert, Andres Sandate..................................30

Real Estate

Don’t let buying a home spook you. Our real estate guru, Josh Pitre, wants you to relax and enjoy the home buying process.......................................................................................33

Travel

How do you keep up with the ever-changing entry requirements for the countries you are visiting? Don’t worry, Heather Meliski, has the scoop...............................................38

Thank you to all of the Our Town community readers, advertisers and contributors. Each and every one of you keep me excited for what is to come in the future.

I truly believe our community is as close to a Hallmark movie as I want it to be. I hope you are enjoying everything that makes Our Town so very special... fall festivals, pumpkin farms, our local businesses and the people, especially the people! I look forward to seeing you all around town this beautiful season.

Enjoy the moments. Love,

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.

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

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

M. Jae Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Allyson Balzuweit

Kate Hartley

JRM Management

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

We are accepting all major insurances and Medicaid.

We see children from birth to age 21.

We will be offering evenings and Saturday appointments starting this fall.

Dr. Figaro

Cora Crumby, PNP

FOOD & NUTRITION

Happy fall y’all! It’s time to check in on Tara and see where she’s at midway through her nutrition journey. In case you’re newly jumping in, Tara and I have partnered up so I can help her get on a good path as a woman in her 40s that’s battling all those lovely changes that come our way hormonally while juggling family life and multiple jobs.

Let’s be real – with school getting underway in August and sports/activities starting up in September, life is BUSY if you’re a Mom and Tara is feeling that on top of her sometimes unpredictable work schedule.

But here’s the GOOD news! While Tara is not tracking weight as the indicator of her progress she HAS lost weight and she feels it in her clothes vs. the scale.

Since we’ve been going at this for a few months, and Tara has a solid foundation of nutrition knowledge despite needing to break away from some of the “good food/bad food” tendencies she brought to the table, she has made nutrition a priority and is able to tap into things that work for her without a big time or energy investment.

One of my favorite WINS from this past month is that Tara enjoyed a bowl of pasta guilt free and also without feeling the urge to overdo it. In the past, her association of pasta as a “bad” food would essentially trigger a larger portion in a sense of the GO BIG or GO HOME scenario. Learning to eat in balance and stop categorizing foods as good or bad is always a huge win in my book, because this can literally be so freeing and last a lifetime.

Here’s what we’re working on: in a nutshell…CONSISTENCY. This takes a bit of time and consistency doesn’t mean that you must do the same thing over and over, but instead it means that your thoughts and behaviors that will set you up for success need to be top of mind.

There are literally hundreds of ways to check the boxes.

Tara’s goals for consistency sometimes take the backseat due to her on the go crazy lifestyle.

But what I DO know is working is that she is putting the right things at the top of her mind and following through with SIMPLE steps. Nothing crazy and nothing complicated. Just putting one foot in front of the other again and again.

Hope to see you back here in November for a Tara check in, but in the meantime I want to challenge you to start your OWN journey if you feel called to that.

Reach out via DM’s, email or text and let’s get you started on YOUR personal journey just like Tara!

Here’s a delicious soup recipe that comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours to make. In under 30 minutes you’ll deliver a meal that’s sure to please and tastes like it took hours to prepare. This is exactly the type of recipe I share with my busy Mom clients like Tara. One pot, no mess, kid approved!

PS – double the recipe. It tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients:

1lb chicken sausage

6 cups chicken stock

1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup small pasta (like shells or elbows)

4-6 cups spinach

Fresh chopped basil (optional)

Grated parmesan cheese

Brown chicken sausage in a dash of olive oil, breaking up into pieces until cooked through. Add chicken stock + diced tomatoes (undrained) and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add pasta) and reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender

Stir in 4-6 cups of baby spinach and some fresh chopped basil (optional)

Top with a bit of parmesan cheese when ready to serve

By Justin Hanover

College Football in the state of Georgia

The state of Georgia has perennially been a powerhouse in the world of college football. Certainly, the Georgia Bulldogs are as good as they come and could win the National Championship for the third time in the last four years but our other programs such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Kennesaw State represent our state very well.

Let’s take a look at college football here in the Peach State in 2024.

UGA Bulldogs

There is no college team more uniformly respected and feared than Kirby Smart’s boys from Athens. The Dawgs won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and had a great shot to make it a threepeat in 2023 until that rare tight loss in the SEC Championship game against Alabama kept them out of the four-team playoff. Now, in 2024, Georgia opened up the season in impressive fashion dismantling a still very solid Clemson squad, 34-3, before beginning 3-0 heading into the rugged SEC gauntlet of a schedule.

Losing NFL talented guys like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey is never great but Smart’s squad continues to bring in 4 and 5 star guys that keep the program at the highest of levels. Quarterback Carson Beck is back and one of the favorites to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Trevor Etienne, Arian Smith, Oscar Delp, Dominic Lovett, Malaki Starks and Smael Mondon, Jr. are all studs who continue the tradition of excellence and make the Dawgs the favorite to win it all once again!

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

On a scale of 1-10, Head Coach Brent Key is a 1,000!

The former Tech offensive lineman from 1997-2000 was hired on as the interim head coach after the disastrous Geoff Collins era ended in the middle of 2022. Ever since, we have seen the Ramblin’ Wreck climb and climb and climb some more beating many teams they were not supposed to beat. The Jackets are narrowing the gap with the in-state rival Dawgs and are now, themselves, starting to really bring in high level recruits like 5* Josh Petty from Fellowship Christian School.

Tech returned 17 starters from the highly successful 2023 team that went 7-6 and upset the University of Central Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl last December. Quarterback Haynes King turned heads with his incredible season. Eric Singleton, a former Alexander High School speedster, is a future superstar wide receiver and Jamal Haynes is turning into an absolute beast of a running back. Add in an experienced and high-quality offensive line and an improving defense led by new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci and the Jackets are no longer a pushover for anybody at any level.

The week zero win in Dublin, Ireland against then number 10 Florida State proved this program’s legitimacy and how the sky is the limit!

Georgia State Panthers

It’s a brand-new era in Panther land as the experienced and former UGA running backs coach Dell McGee has taken over the program.

McGee is used to a certain standard and intends to bring Georgia State to that level. With many new faces thanks to the transfer portal nobody fully knew what to expect of the Panthers in the early going. But after a competitive opener against Tech at the flats and a very surprising win against the SEC’s Vanderbilt Commodores, as the nine point home underdog, it looks as if State is on the right track to prove McGee as a success.

Light it blue, Panther fans!

Kennesaw State Owls

KSU just started playing football in 2015, yet can already boast three conference championships and four NCAA playoff appearances. In fact, head coach Brian Bohannon’s program came into the 2024 season with a gaudy 71-31 record.

The Owls recently decided to step things up moving from the FCS to the FBS level and are now playing at college football’s highest stature. Future dates are already set with major programs such as Wake Forest, North Carolina and Indiana.

Certainly there will be growing pains in the FBS and wins in the early going should be few and far between but this program has succeeded in every aspect thus far and should be able to continue to do so.

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.

Freeing “the Anxious Generation”

Insights from Gen Zers at North Cobb Christian School

Raising Confident Entrepreneurs

Inside North Cobb Christian School’s expansive Upper School building is a sun-dappled coffeeshop, complete with a custom drink menu and banquette seating. Higher Grounds Coffee is run by student entrepreneurs who are part of the NCCS Business Academy, a specialized track for students interested in the field of business.

Higher Grounds baristas do far more than pour drinks; they are trained by Kennesaw’s Apotheos Roastery and mentored in business management through NCCS’s next-level business courses. The best principle they learn, however, is that good business is always God’s business: Higher Grounds proceeds support nonprofits, including Calvary Children’s Home, where 10 NCCS students live.

By Kate Hartley

Today’s youth have been dubbed “the anxious generation.” Research has emerged that, as children have gone from play-based childhoods (like children of the 80s and 90s) to screen-based childhoods (2000s onward), the result has been a mental “rewiring” that interferes with children’s neurological development, impacting attention, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, comparisons and perfectionism.1 So, as parents, how do we counteract this rewiring?

Aside from dropping your child’s smartphone off the nearest bridge, here are three ways to safeguard your child’s mental and spiritual wellbeing, as shared by Gen Zers themselves, who attend North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) in Kennesaw.

GEN Z TIP #1 | Nurture Authentic Relationships

To combat superficial screen interactions, youth need authentic adults to model real relationships. “One of the best parts of my life is being surrounded by teachers and coaches who are always there to talk if I’m struggling with life or with my faith,” says NCCS sophomore, Grant Robich. “Knowing they’re there to process or to pray with me is a huge support.” Genuine relationships like these provide invaluable wisdom and echo a child’s true worth.

GEN Z TIP #2 | Explore Unique Gifts + Talents

When children and teens discover their unique genius, it builds confidence and resilience. “Being part of sports and clubs at NCCS has helped me discover how God has uniquely made me,” says NCCS senior, Kaitlin Long. “For me, joining the school’s cross country team has given me a passion and helped me find my place.” In addition, Kaitlin has served as editor of the yearbook, and she was selected to go to Washington, D.C., as a youth delegate with the Cobb EMC Youth Leadership Program. “Experiences like these build my confidence outside of my comfort zone,” she says.

GEN Z TIP #3 | Leverage Your Faith to Impact Others

At NCCS, having a Bible-based faith and applying it to serve others establishes an unshakeable foundation. “All middle- and upper-school students are in small groups at NCCS where we study God’s Word together. Last year, my group learned how to defend and share our faith,” shares Grant. “One day when I was training on a basketball court, another guy asked about my NCCS fall retreat t-shirt. I got to talk to him, and I felt led to give him a Bible. I think learning how to use my faith to help others gives my life joy and purpose. To me, my faith keeps me grounded.”

To tour North Cobb Christian School, call 770-975-0252 or visit ncchristian.org. | K3 - 12th Grade | Uncompromising Faith + Unparalleled Opportunities

1Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Penguin Press. Main photos by M.Jae Photography, Kaitlin Long individual photo by Leah Watson.

rban Renewal Consignment is a women’s consignment boutique. We strongly focus on customer experience, our goal is to be our customers happy place. Our mission is for all women to feel confident and true to themselves and their own sense of style.

UR believes in sustainability in the fashion industry. By reselling clothing we already have in our closets or purchasing pre-owned items, we are helping reduce textile waste.

We offer women an opportunity to earn back a portion of the investment they have made in their wardrobe. With two options, our consignors can take a check from their account or they can use their proceeds as store credit to shop in store.

Also, what can be more fun than the thrill of the hunt! Most everyone who shops at UR is looking for a treasure and it is so satisfying to share in those small victories. Each of us thoroughly enjoys those moments. My entire team and I would like to personally invite you to stop by and experience the Urban Renewal difference.

Visit URCONSIGN.COM to shop our online store and to learn more about our consignment policies. Follow UR on facebook.com/urconsign and instagram @urbanrenewal consign_. Find all of our contact information at linktree/ urbanrenewalconsign.

The UR team is a highly skilled group of women dedicated to providing a professional, efficient consignment experience with genuine care for each of our consignors and customers. We love to collaborate with Robyn Hollner of RHimage, who can be found offering complimentary styling services during our special events. Robyn is available for personal shopping appointments at UR. Visit Robyn at RHimage.com or find her on instagram @fashionandimageconsultant

Beth Mannella is the owner of Urban Renewal Consignment Boutique and she is definitely “the hostess with the mostest”. She makes sure everyone that walks in is treated to a lavish yet comfortable experience, from the exquisitely designed dressing rooms to the option of a personal image consultant (oh yes, this lady has connections). But don’t trust me, you have to experience it for yourself!

OLIVIA in Rachel Pacell with Pinko wallet

LEANNA with Varley sweater + INC denim skirt & fossil crossbody bag.

KARIN in Bhanuni by Jyoti NWT

ANGIE with Johnny Was, Levi’s, Ann Taylor, Current Air and others

MADISON in Bobi, Athletic wear by Lululemon, with Vintage Havana sneakers.

BETH with Farm Rio. + Urban Renewal Jewelry shoes: Christian Louboutin, Coach, Tory Burch, Prada, Bed Stu, Jimmy Choo.

ALESHA in Banana Republic, April Cornell, Chanel & Valentino

LORI with Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs

ALL YOUR FAVORITES FROM GAP TO GUCCI / LOUIS VUITTON / MICHAEL KORS / JOHNNY WAS / CHICO’S / TALBOTS

COACH / BRAHMIN / HABITAT / CHANEL / FARM RIO / MAGNOLIA PEARL / URBAN RENEWAL JEWELRY / MANY MORE!

OUR TOWN’s Community Spotlight

How many people do you know that can say they have celebrated a 75th Wedding Anniversary?

Just think about how rare and incredible this milestone truly is!

How about this for amazing, Tony and Louise Ciarloni celebrated their 50th (golden) wedding anniversary last century. Yup, that’s right, last century, as in 1999, pretty much before the iPhone, YouTube and Facebook!

On Sept. 1st, 2024 Tony and Louise celebrated their 75th anniversary with a marriage blessing by Fr. Kevin at St. Francis Assisi Church in Cartersville followed by a luncheon at their daughter Susan’s home with family and friends. The festivities continued two nights later on September 3rd (the anniversary date itself) as a dinner party was held at Celebration Village, where they live. The evening included cello dinner music, a champagne toast, dinner and cake for their immediate family and friends. A beautiful photo of Louise in her bridal gown and their wedding album was on display for all of the guests to enjoy.

“I’ve never seen the dining room so crowded and the cello dinner music and champagne toast made the party so elegant”, Louise said.

Picture it, 75 years ago...The happy couple first met at a house party when they were in high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Tony entered the army artillery division and was stationed in Germany while Louise went to nursing school at the Hospital of St. Raphael to become an RN. Louise then went through the anesthesia program. After discharge, Tony and Louise married on September 3rd, 1949. Tony would go on to work in Louise’ father’s home building business and she worked at a hospital in the operating room and then later for an oral surgeon administering anesthesia.

Tony and Louise started their family in Hamden, Connecticut. First they had their son Robert and then their daughter, Susan. They lived next to Louise’ sister, Candy, her husband Bill and their four children. Across the street were Louise’s parents, Mary and James DiMeo. Family time was always important as evidenced by the many family occasions and dinners, sharing great Italian food and traditions.

In their retirement, the couple, who now cherish five children and eight great grandchildren, spent the winter months mainly in Fort Myers, FL. while keeping a condo in North Haven.

In 2023, Tony and Louise moved to Celebration Village in Acworth to be near Susan and her husband Tony.

“To have family come from California and Connecticut for our weekend family celebration meant so much to mom and dad”, Susan said.

In case you were wondering: A 75th wedding anniversary is called a diamond anniversary and the U.S. Census Bureau doesn’t keep statistics on how many couples reach their 75th anniversary because it’s so rare.

Congratulations, Tony and Louise!

Structured learning for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years Pre-K4

Accredited Kindergarten & 1st grade programs

Crafts and Drafts

Saturday October 26, 2024

10:00 am—6:00 pm

Sunday October 27, 2024

12:00 pm—5:00 pm Join Us On

The Village Green

Downtown Smyrna Free Admission, Arts & Crafts, Food, Live Music, Big Screen TV’ s, Beer Garden, Kid’s Zone, Puppet Show

TASTE OF ACWORTH

Saturday

October 12, 2024

11 am– 6 pm

Downtown Acworth

Admission, Local Entertainment, Dog Show, Kid’s Zone

Superior Plumbing and Acworth Business Association in cooperation with the Acworth Downtown Development Authority and City of Acworth. Presenting sponsors are Georgia Grown, Capital Vacations, LGE Community Credit Union, and Window World of Atlanta

The Taste of Acworth 2024 will satisfy your palates, quench your thirst, fulfill your family’s need for music & entertainment!!! You will be able to sample many Acworth restaurants on the beautiful Main Street in downtown Acworth. There will be more than 150 booths featuring local restaurants and businesses from around the greater Acworth area. There will be an entertainment stage, inflatables, cold drinks, lots of food, a fabulous dog shoe, and more! Plan to bring your family to experience a true “Taste” of Acworth!

Saturday, October 12th 11am - 6pm

Main Street – Downtown Acworth, Georgia

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the 2024 event.

Free Admission! There will be an array of diverse restaurants that will be offering food samples from $1 to $10.

Georgia Grown: There will be a Georgia Grown Member Village featuring all items. We grow (catch, create and cultivate) it all here in Georgia. If you’re looking for fresh, you’ve come to the right place. You will find a variety in this section from smoked sea salts, pecans, sauces, paintings, crafts, fruits & vegetables.

Parking will be available throughout the area.

Participating Restaurants: 1885 Grill Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Fusco’s Via Roma Sugar Shane’s Henry’s Louisiana Grill Copeland’s of New Orleans Tacos Del Chavo and many more……

Take I-75 North to Exit# 277 (GA Hwy 92); turn left go over I-75 and straight through traffic lights, continue straight until you dead end into Main Street –Acworth, GA; turn right to Taste of Acworth.

770-423-1330 / acworthbusiness.org

Book Club

efore joining our book club, several of us rarely read thrillers. New readerly opportunities are one of our favorite things about our club! October is the perfect time to dive into a book that will bring all the thrills and chills.

Our Book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager

Our Scene:

Myra hosted us this month. She considered decorating with ouija books and creepy old portraits inspired by the novel, but since we had a birthday to celebrate, we traded spooky decor for flowers, candles and cake!

We love that spooky season is also soup season. Myra treated us to delicious gumbo and an amazing cajun caviar appetizer. Check out Alex Snodgrass’ The Defined Dish for Myra’s favorite gumbo recipe. Dessert was a gluten free pound cake for our birthday girl from The Local Graze in Canton. The cake was amazing and we highly recommend this bakery if you’re in the market for gluten free sweets.

Our Synopsis:

B 1 2 3 4 5

Our Favorite Questions:

We get our discussion questions from a variety of sources but most often find them online or generate our own. Without spoiling the story, here are some that spurred interesting conversation:

The novel incorporates elements of psychological suspense and a sense of the unknown. Were there any moments that stood out in terms of tension?

Also incorporated was a sense of claustrophobia. How did this contribute to the overall atmosphere in the story?

Kit is faced with the difficult decision to trust or suspect others. Did she evolve in this way throughout the novel?

The book is structured as a layered mystery with lots of twists and turns. Were you able to anticipate the reveals as we were, or were you surprised?

Secondary characters were major contributors to the suspense and the overall narrative. Which were your favorites and why?

Our Key Takeaway:

This novel explores themes of isolation, resilience, trust and identity. We enjoyed how Kit was eventually able to trust her instincts, even though it was uncomfortable for her. We did feel that the author tossed in too many twists and turns just for the sake of being twisty. While we did all figure out the whodunit, this pick is an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Kit McDeere is a caregiver with a troubled past. After losing her last placement, she is assigned to care for Lenora Hope, the sole survivor of a gruesome family massacre that took place decades earlier. Lenora has remained in seclusion following the murders, with creepy ghost stories about her family spread throughout the town. Elderly Lenora is paralyzed and mute, confined to a wheelchair in her family’s mansion on a cliff overlooking the sea. Kit eventually learns that Lenora can use a typewriter to communicate. Using Lenora’s hastily typed messages, Kit begins to uncover unsettling secrets about the massacre and the people involved. The mansion itself seems to hold clues and dark memories, and Kit starts to suspect that the real truth about the massacre might be something unimaginable.

Kit can’t trust anyone, including her distant father, or the suspicious local detective. The tension mounts as Kit dives deeper, putting herself in danger as she confronts the past and the chilling reality of what happened. This book is filled with twists and turns that don’t stop until the very last page!

Our Rating:

Our Next Book:

The Most Fun We’ve Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

There’s

Our

THE IMPACT OF INTEREST RATES & ELECTIONS

October 2024 Monthly Money Insights

The market backdrop heading into fall is the impact of expected Federal Reserve rate cuts and potential market volatility in the run up to the U.S. presidential election. Two recurring questions I am hearing from clients include:

1. Is this the time to move cash back into the market?

2. What impact will the results of the election have on my portfolio?

An estimated $84 trillion transfer of wealth is underway in the U.S., the biggest in history. Called the & “silver tsunami”, 12,000 Americans are turning 65 each day. Two-thirds of the nation’s wealth is now distributed between baby boomers (born 1946-1964) and the silent generation (born 1928-1945).

If you are included in these cohorts, you may be thinking about your asset allocation, addressing capital gains, increasing your focus on estate planning, evaluating housing alternatives including active adult and continuous care retirement communities, and capturing opportunities brought about by advances in AI and blockchain technology.

If you are in your 50s or a family with young children, you may be thinking about education savings, strategies to reduce or eliminate debt, options to grow your investment portfolio, or desire a comprehensive and integrated approach to your family finances.

While not assured, financial peace of mind often results in part from implementing a holistic approach to your personal financial situation including goal setting, budgeting, debt reduction, estate planning, prioritizing saving and investing, and much more.

When I meet folks, they often ask a version of the following:

1. Am I going to outlive my retirement savings?

2. Am I on a good path towards my retirement goals?

3. Are we saving enough?

4. How can I get more control over my money, investing, taxes, healthcare costs, etc.?

Given market uncertainty, heightened volatility, rapid technological change, and increased lifespans, the questions quickly multiply. At Gramercy Park

Wealth Advisors we seek to help our clients gain financial peace of mind. We educate and assist clients via a comprehensive and participatory financial planning process. If you have questions about retirement income planning, estate planning, budgeting, college savings, 1031 and 721 exchanges, or Bitcoin and alternative investments, please schedule a free consultation.

Andres Sandate is a Financial Advisor at Gramercy Park Wealth Advisors, LLC. Andres hosts the ATLalts podcast and is a Sales Executive with Our Town Monthly. Originally from Kansas, Andres and his wife Heidi have called Smyrna home since 2006. Andres and Heidi have three kids, Frankie (12), Renzo (10), and Maximo (7). Andres enjoys doing individual baseball instruction, volunteering in his community, and is a member of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church.

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

NOW OPEN!

varenita.com/westcobb

AGE IN PLACE

At Varenita, residents can “age in place” comfortably and securely.

One of the main benefits of choosing Varenita of West Cobb is that residents can stay in the same community and, in many cases, the same “living area” even as their health care requirements change. This means that once you or your loved one moves into our beautiful community, it’s home. No matter how much needs to change over time.

ASSISTED LIVING

The perfect option for independent seniors who want support with daily tasks and personal care.

Varenita of West Cobb’s personalized assisted living care is designed for primarily independent seniors looking for a rich and rewarding lifestyle with an enhanced level of support. Guided by compassion and clinical expertise, our highly trained team members offer residents the gentle, individually focused support they need to flourish while retaining their independence.

Personalized Care for All Stages of Aging

ASSISTED PLUS

This specialized program is ideal for those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early memory loss. Our industry-leading transitional care program is built around an inclusive “open campus” model. It is specifically designed for residents experiencing the early symptoms of memory loss or MCI but may not require the full attention or secure environment of a traditional memory program. Residents who are appropriate for transitional care continue to reside in the Assisted Living area of the community while receiving additional support with daily activities.

MEMORY CARE

An enriching and supportive program designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Based on the latest research, Varenita’s memory care program offers a truly compassionate approach to care designed for those residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This living option combines an engaging, secure memory care neighborhood with a stimulating, person-centered lifestyle often missing from other cognitive care programs.

ON-SITE THERAPY SERVICES

Unlike many other senior living communities, Varenita offers comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for all our residents without the hassel of having to leave the community.

FIVE-STAR RESTAURANT-STYLE DINING

Varenita offers residents and their families an impressive mix of delicious cuisine and rich dining experiences. Our accomplished chef and culinary team create an ever-changing menu of delicious entrees made with organic, locally sourced ingredients across three beautiful dining venues. These include vegetarian, gluten-free, and specially designed dishes for residents with specific dietary needs. In addition, we have a registered dietitian available to help with residents’ nutritional needs.

THE VALUE OF CONNECTION

At Varenita, we offer an impressive mix of activities, classes, and events that foster engagement, stimulate the mind, and provide a rewarding sense of purpose.

• Arts & Crafts

• Daily Gardening

• Group Outings

• Move & Dance

• Animal Activities

• Cooking Classes

• Music & Song

• Live Concerts

• Exercise Classes

• Family Events

• Guest Speakers

Photo: Taylor Deas-Melesh Unsplash

Varenita of West Cobb

When you are planning to travel abroad, one important thing to keep up with are the ever-changing entry requirements for the countries you are visiting. With several trips planned to Europe in the near future (Croatia, the Netherlands, France, and Austria) and lots of connecting flights through various European airports, this has been top of mind for me so I thought I would share the three biggest changes on the horizon.

United Kingdom – Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Beginning January 8, 2025, all Americans will need an ETA to get into the United Kingdom. This includes if you are simply connecting through an airport in the U.K. The ETA is required regardless of how long you are staying or the reasons for travel.

The ETA will cost £10 (around $13 USD) and it will be valid for two years. Once an application is submitted, approval should be received within about three business days.

Applications for the ETA will be done electronically via the U.K. government website or the U.K. ETA app. At the time of the application, you will need to provide a photograph, passport information, and some other personal information. You can apply for other people in your travel party, so one person can complete the applications for everyone.

If for some reason an ETA application is denied, you would need to apply for a visa to enter the U.K.

European Union - Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES is a new biometric system that countries in the European Union will begin implementing effective November 10, 2024 for all non-EU travelers. This system will utilize fingerprints and digital photos to eventually make immigration faster when arriving in EU countries. It will also help improve border security, easily identify visitors that have overstayed, and prevent identity fraud.

This new system will replace traditional passport stamping in all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland (these countries have chosen to not par-

Upcoming Changes to European Entry Requirements

ticipate in EES), and will apply for all short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

European Countries - European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

After several prior implementation delays, the long-awaited ETIAS is expected to finally roll out in the first half of 2025. This system requires all visitors from the U.S. to obtain a travel authorization and link it to their passports prior to travel.

This authorization will be required for all European Union countries as well as various other countries in Europe (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) for all short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. Like the EES, Ireland will also not be part of the ETIAS.

The cost for the authorization will be €7 (approximately $8 USD) for all travelers ages 18-70, and you can apply for authorization via the ETIAS website or the ETIAS app.

One thing I should mention is that this guidance was accurate at the time this article was written but European countries are notorious for delaying the implementation of changes like these, so the dates for these new requirements could be pushed out. Always regularly check for the latest information starting around six to eight weeks prior to travel.

Also, the acronyms for each of these entry requirements are very similar so you will want to make sure that you’re applying for the correct entry requirement for your travels.

Happy adventuring!

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