Fall 2020

C O B B ’ S FA M I LY L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E FALL 2020

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Letter from the Publisher

TARA HILL HANOVER

H

i OTM readers! I could not be more excited about this special fall issue.

You may know me as the writer of the LifeStyle Report. You may know me as a member of the Cobb community, a wife and mother of three. Or maybe this is our first introduction, so here goes. I was born in Kennestone hospital and have lived here my entire life.

I have spent 23 years working in the media. I have had the pleasure and honor to not only watch history in the making but to live it. I guess you could say, I’ve seen “the good, the bad and the ugly”....and lived to tell the story.

I watched breathless as planes hit the twin towers, realizing our country was in war, our world stood still yet my job never stopped. I had a front row seat when Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. I’ve attended events I will proudly speak about for years and moments that nightmares are made of. My career has been an honor and a privilege to say the least!

but you’ll soon realize, it’s part of my charm) You see, what I’ve learned through all of these years is that even if you can’t see it, there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm.

Right now, most of us are mourning a life, a livelihood or a lifestyle. It’s ok to be sad. It ok to admit you’re stressed but I am here to tell you, we are STRONGER TOGETHER!

We are all looking for the good news and that is what I am all about and it’s what Our Town Monthly delivers to your mailbox every month. For the past six months, however, everyone has been affected in some way. Out of respect to our local businesses we even halted production for the first time in over 15 years. We wanted our advertisers to have a moment to get a vision of their “new normal”. Let’s face it, nothing is “normal” right now but rest assured will are back and stronger than ever!

I am thankful for this opportunity to help our businesses grow. I am thankful for this opportunity to spread the good news to our Cobb community. Readers, you are part of the OUR TOWN family. We WILL make it through and we will do it TOGETHER!

So when I was asked to take over as owner and publisher of Our Town Magazine-- during a pandemic, of course, I said YES! (I’m a little bit nuts

A

s neighbors and close friends for over 20 years, Lori McLinden and Linda Demery had a vision to create a magazine that would bring the community together. Between the two of them they found the latest in local events, prominent voices, places to go and things to do- all in “Our Town”!

Our Town Monthly Magazine debuted in January 2005. With a tremendous amount of hard work and a whole lot of perseverance, their dream quickly became a household staple, a heartbeat between local businesses and the community.

This past spring the ladies decided to “pass the torch”. Our Town Monthly will live on with the same content and values in which it was started.

Thank you Lori and Linda. Congratulations!

PAGE 4

Our Town

Hero

HOMETOWN An Interview with Chef Rusty Hamlin

C

hef Rusty has become a household name, from his years of being the executive chef for the GRAMMY award winning Zac Brown Band, to his many television appearances including “Food Network Star”, “Guy Fieri’s Big Bite”, “The Today Show” and “The Chew”.

This in demand, celebrity chef, has achieved superstar status through his food, his personality and his amazing restaurants like our own Atkins Park of Smyrna.

I had a chance to chat with the well-known chef and after just a few minutes of talking with him, you feel like you have known him your whole life. He is a true southern gentleman with a heart of gold, serving up delicious southern food. His slogan is “Come as you are. You are Family” and I am here to tell you, he means it.

OTM: Where and what started your passion for cooking?

Chef Rusty: I was born in Baton Rouge and grew up steeped in Louisiana’s famed culinary culture.

Jambalaya and gumbo were some of my go-to dishes. I landed my first job as a line cook at Belle of Baton Rouge and shortly thereafter was brought in to revamp the kitchen menu at Atlanta’s Atkins Park.

OTM: It wasn’t long after that when you opened Atkin’s Park in Smyrna.

What makes it different from other restaurants?

Chef Rusty: We serve Southern fair with Louisiana flair. Our staff and our customers are family to us. We love our Cobb community. It is diverse and supportive, they really stick together. I am proud to not only work here but to live here as well.

OTM: How has COVID-19 affected your business?

Chef Rusty: In March we had to close our doors for the 1st time in 17 years and furlough employees. It was the worst day of my career. That night I went home in prayer. The next day I woke up with full focus and fire. I needed to take the attention off of myself and use my God given talent to help the ones in need. That day I called Mayor Derek Norton and told him my mission. Within a few days, I partnered with the Tillman House Resource Center and opened Atkins Park Community Kitchen. I was responsible for ordering, preparing and boxing 500 meals a week.

Within a blink of an eye 3500 meals had been served to the Smyrna community and I was able to re-open my restaurant.

COVID cleaning crews for the sanitizing and disinfecting of the restaurant. We are also offering social distance dining, call in/pickup and online order/pay/pickup.

OTM: What is the most challenging part of running your business right now?

Chef Rusty: The challenge for us is letting everyone know we are SAFELY OPEN. We will continue to support this community and our staff by providing a safe environment to eat and work.

Atkins Park of Smyrna was founded in 2003 by owners Rusty Hamlin and Kevin Drawe.

The restaurant is located in Smyrna’s Village Green.

2840 Atlanta Rd. Smyrna, GA 30080 770-435-1887 www.atkinspark.com Hours of operation are: Monday-Thursday 12pm-2am Friday12pm-4am Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm Brunch/3pm-2am Dinner

OTM: Wow, chef. Great job. What do you want the community to know about what you are doing to keep customers safe?

Chef Rusty: The safety of the community and our staff is the #1 priority.

We are strictly following the CDC guidelines as well as bringing in special

Our Town

PAGE 5

In This Issue

A Note from the Publisher Tara Hill Hanover .......................................4

FA L L 2 0 2 0

Thank you & Congratulations Linda Demery & Lori McLinden..................4

Stronger Together Children Love Unconditionally

5

Meet Our Hometown Hero:

8

An Interview with Chef Rusty of Atkin’s Park......5

About the Cover & Feature Photographer

Meet Our Hometown Hero An Interview with Chef Rusty of Atkin’s Park.

Stronger Together and Liz Williams............8

Talkin’ Sports with Justin Hanover What Do You Think About “The Bubble”?........10

LifeStyle Report Hobo Chic, The New Fashion Trend.................12

Travel with Heather Meliski “Roam If You Want To”...................................15

“Roam If You Want To”

By Our Travel Expert, Heather Meliski

18

Tips by Kimberly Watkins-Swenk Is Social Media Making You Feel Like You Are Losing Your Mind?.............................................15

The Science of Beauty How to Practice Self Care during COVID by Eliana Ocheseanu.........................................18-19

Wondering How the Pandemic Affects Our Youth?

Evie will tell you her story in

10

Talkin’ Sports What Do You Think About ‘The Bubble?’ by Justin Hanover

Cobb’s Next Generation....................................21

Struggling with Acne?

This new breakthrough may be just what you’re looking for by Megan Polichnowski...................27

You and Your Dog Deserve to Be a Team Thank You From the K-9 Coach Team...............31

Real Estate in Our Town Moving? by Deborah Ratchford.........................34

You and Your Dog Deserve to Be a Team Thank You From the K-9 Coach Team PAGE 6

31 Our Town

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

Our Publishers/Editors Town is published and direct mailed tomailed prestigious Our Townmonthly is published and direct monthly to prestigioushomes homes in the in Cobb county.

Opinions expressedWestby editorial Cobbthe Area. Opinions expressed by staff the editorialare staff aretheir their own own and do not Linda Demery & Lori McLinden necessarily reflect of the opinions the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to and do not necessarily reflect the opinions theofpublisher.

Our Town Graphics and Design and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town content. is not responsible reserves the Terry rightTanner to edit and or rejecteditany editorial or advertising for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made Our Town is Graphics, not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of Tanner Inc. by advertisers. the space or for Executive the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents Account Entire contents copyright 2018 Our Town. in whole Sara Young, sara@ourtownmonthly.com copyright 2020 by Our Town. Reproduction in bywhole orReproduction in part isor in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. forbidden in any media without prior written permission Feature Photographer from the publisher.

Our Town Monthly 109 Anderson Street

Suite 109 Contributing Writers PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR

Marietta, GA 30060

Tara Hill Hanover

678-337-7844

Fax: 678-337-7825 EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR info@ourtownmonthly.com Justin Hanover

www.ourtownmonthly.com

DIGITAL EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR Kimberly Watkins-Swenk GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Jules Fandos Advent Marketing & Media, LLC ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE West Cobb Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com South Cobb Tamara Siemon tamara@ourtownmonthly.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Liz Williams CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Meliski Eliana Ocheseanu Evie Love Megan Polichnowski K-9 Coach Team

PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com FB: Our Town Monthly IG: @our_town_monthly

Our Town

PAGE 7

About the Cover

2

020 has been quite a year. I think we can agree a little bit of hope and happiness is what we all need right now. That is exactly why we choose this inspiring cover picture by photographer Liz Williams.

In the midst of all of the emotion and uncertainty, Liz woke up with a clear message that something needed to be done. She needed to support the world in any way possible. Liz put out a model call to all of her clients.

The response and acceptance of this shoot was positively overwhelming.

These Cobb County children had never met each other, yet they played, laughed and loved without judgement or hate.

“They will run this world soon and its our job to raise them to love unconditionally.” -Liz

LOVE. BE KIND. UNITE.

Liz Williams 678-699-2118 www.LizbyDesignPhoto.com www.facebook.com/LizbyDesignPhoto Shirts from Lazy Coconut Custom Tees! lazycoconutcustomtees@gmail.com

PAGE 8

Our Town

Raising a World Changer

by Kate Hartley

During the COVID quarantine, 11-year-old Thalía Fung-A-Wing set a lofty goal. It wasn’t to increase her TikTok following or grow her Instagram likes. It was to help end human trafficking.

Thalía, a sixth grader at North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) in Kennesaw, filmed and edited her own cooking shows, charging a small fee to view them online. Every penny she

photo credit Allison Mah

raised -- over $1,370 to date -- was donated to the END IT Movement.

It’s undeniable that we need more young world changers like Thalía. So, how do we raise children with this selfless lens? When asked this, Gabrielle Fung-A-Wing, Thalía’s mom, is

The Hidden Curriculum at North Cobb Christian School Every school has a “hidden curriculum” -- the informal yet unforgettable interactions and influences that determine what students actually “learn” at school. “The ‘hidden curriculum’ at NCCS is our teachers and coaches, who feel called to live out their lives in front of our students, mentoring and modeling what it looks like to be authentic and sincere in your Christian faith,” says Todd Clingman, Head of School at North Cobb Christian School.

“That’s the DNA of NCCS. We’re not just a private school; we’re an authentically Christian school.”

quick to dismiss any credit for herself or her husband, Dean. “We cannot take credit for Thalía’s passion to be a light in dark places,” asserts Fung-A-Wing. “Honestly, it was planted within her at an early age as a 4-year-old in PreK at North Cobb Christian School. She learned to ‘love others as you love yourself,’ and her teachers have beautifully modeled that for Thalía. Having the lessons she’s learned at home and church reinforced and deepened at school has shaped who Thalía is and how she views the world.”

What Fung-A-Wing is describing -- the early shaping of her daughter’s worldview by lessons at home, church and school -- is actually supported by research. The Barna Research Group has found that a child’s spiritual framework crystallizes by age 13. This includes morals, justice, integrity, and the personal significance of God and Jesus. Researcher George Barna says, “In essence … most people’s minds are made up, and they believe they know what they need to know spiritually by age 13.”

Barna’s research also found that children who are raised in the context of a consistent faithbased community -- where biblical principles are synchronously learned at home, church and school -- experience “security, belonging and lasting spiritual and moral development.”

The takeaway? If you want children to grow up as spiritual world changers, the early years of their education are critical in equipping them with that lens.

To Thalía’s mom, it all comes down to her teachers. “Whoever spends the most time with your child’s mind wins,” says Fung-a-Wing. “We send our children to school for seven hours a day, 5 days a week. School shapes who our children become. The message students at NCCS get in surround sound from their teachers, coaches, peers, weekly chapels, retreats and more is that 'Jesus loves you, so now go love others!' Everything under that roof creates a tide around children that encourages them to do what Thalía is doing -- to use their gifts and talents to shine God’s love into the darkness, as brightly as they can.”

photo credit Allison Mah SOURCES: 1.Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions (Barna, 2003). 2.Worldview is Formed by Age 13: Who's Shaping Your Kid's? (www.oshmanodyssey.com, 2017).

Learn more or schedule a tour of North Cobb Christian School: 770-975-0252 or info@ncchristian.org. Virtual + On-Campus Options for 2020-2021. 4500 Eagle Drive, Kennesaw, 30144. ncchristian.org

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Talkin’ Sports

What Do You Think About “The Bubble”?

By Justin Hanover

I

t was the average mid March Wednesday night, pretty much like every other Wednesday night. I returned home from my soccer match, took a shower, grabbed something to eat and sat down in front of the computer. With the family all tucked away in dream mode I logged onto twitter to see the usual nightly “hot takes”.

The first tweet I encountered seemed like the dumbest, as in ever. It read and I quote, “The NBA has suspended its season”. My first thought was, sure people say and do ridiculous things on twitter but this one may have just taken the cake. How and why would the NBA suspend its operations?

That doesn’t happen, how silly.

Then suddenly a flood of similar tweets reigned down. Long story short, the Oklahoma City Thunder game against Utah was canceled because Jazz Center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the Coronavirus and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took swift action in actually suspending the season. Then all the other sports followed suit.

You see, when your entire career has been centered around professional sports and announcing to the fans, this is especially shocking.

Eventually many people in the know starting talking about “a bubble”.

This is where the players, coaches and mandatory personnel all go to a central location. They basically stay quarantined away from anybody but themselves. But how could entire leagues pull this off? We’re talking thousands of people.

The National Women’s Soccer league and Major League Soccer were the first to return in America. The “most popular sport in the world” became

PAGE 10

our guinea pigs creating this bubble and actually showed it could work.

Both tournaments were played with great success and a lack of positive tests, with the ladies in Utah and the men down in Disney World.

“The Bubble” has also worked so far for both the NBA (also in Disney) and NHL (in Edmonton and Toronto) as they have advanced into their playoffs without any setbacks.

All leagues followed this strategy, except Major League baseball, which opted to play in normal home ballparks, without fans, meaning OUR HOMETOWN BRAVES would still be running the bases right here in Truist Park, but without anybody in attendance (except cardboard “fans”).

Unfortunately the Cardinals and Marlins early on had numerous positive tests and therefore had to take a break for a few weeks. St. Louis stopped after just five games where as other franchises continued to play as many as 20 games before the Cardinals were able to come back. When adding in other team outbreaks Major League Baseball has become the “outcast” and has somewhat been rendered to disaster status.

We have seen our beloved sports justifiably be put on the back burner due to real life issues and are trying to make a comeback. For the most part, except for baseball, it has been successful. Stay tuned and....Go Braves!

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-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children.

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Our Town

PAGE 11

Lifestyle Report

By Tara Hanover

“Hobo-Chic”

M

y breakfast table is my office. My dining room is the school. My backyard is the playground. My bedroom is my private conference room. My closet is where I go (every now and then) when I need to cry and my pajamas have become my everyday wear. Can anyone else relate?

In the beginning of our new reality, I got up and dressed as any person would but as the days, weeks and months passed, I guess I just got lazy.

To be honest, I did not even really notice.

Until…I was assisting my son on his zoom session and I saw myself in the

video. I am not going to lie, the image looking back was startling. It was then that I realized my new daily standard was get up, brush your teeth, then keep people fed, safe and alive.

Remember just 6 months ago I was the one saying, “No matter what happens, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.” Who have I become?

I saw an article in Psychology Today titled “Dressing for the Pandemic”.

Luckily, it seems I am not the only one dropping my standards when it comes to fashion. It stated that many people have the attitude “why change your outfit (or fix your hair or trim your beard) if every day is also yesterday.” However, “we need to see the glimmers of possibility in each day, to believe in the return of possibility. Grooming ourselves for each day is one way to affirm that something new and ideally interesting MAY HAPPEN.”

YES! YES! YES! We cannot lose ourselves in these times. I am not saying we have to get inappropriately dressed up for our day but we need to make ourselves a priority.

Step one: Change from night clothes to day clothes…and go from there.

I am officially taking the style “hobo-chic” off the menu and replacing it with “athleisure”. I have to take baby steps. I am not sure I can jump right back into clothes without stretch just yet. But I need to bring back a standard. How about you?

Definitions

Hobo-Chic: Adjective that describes the new fashion that incorporates

an almost disheveled-like clothing appearance, including many layers of clothes that are often ripped and otherwise damaged. The look was largely inspired by the Olsen twins’ style in 2005.

Athleisure: A type of hybrid clothing, characterized as “fashionable, dressed up sweats and exercise clothing”. These outfits can include yoga pants, tights, sneakers, leggings and shorts.

Honestly, dress however YOU feel your best!

This time will pass my friends and as I write this while wearing my pajama’s, I will still say…

Get up, Dress up, Show up and NEVER EVER Give up!

If you would like your business featured in the LifeStyle Report please email: tara@ourtownmonthly.com

PAGE 12

Our Town

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By Heather Meliski

I

Roam If You Want To

hope that this article finds you doing well and surviving the craziness that is 2020. What a year!

As I’m sure you’re aware by now the travel industry has been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic. Cruise lines aren’t sailing. Flights are operating with significantly reduced schedules. Resorts, if they’re open, are operating at significantly reduced capacity. And the number of countries that aren’t allowing US visitors significantly outpaces those that are.

But it isn’t all bad news! Countries are slowly starting to reopen. Flights are being added back, resorts and theme parks are reopening, and people are starting to travel again. Slowly but surely the travel industry is inching back to life.

The top question for most people right now is if it is safe to travel. And my answer is ‘yes’ – and ‘no’. This is a complicated and personal question, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are a number of factors to consider before booking that getaway.

Travel inside versus outside the US makes a big difference. Currently it is significantly easier to travel within the US. If you are traveling outside of the US there are a lot more things to consider.

down for COVID so the backlog of passports to be processed is significant. The wait can be months long and access to same day passports is limited. If you need a passport you may not receive yours in time.

For countries that require a COVID test for entry, can you get the proper test and receive the results in time? This is currently the biggest hurdle for most travelers as COVID tests aren’t readily available in most places without being symptomatic.

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

Now more than ever you need to book with a Travel Advisor. Even before COVID there were so many moving parts to a vacation and now that is multiplied by 20. We are specialists in travel which means that we stay on top of everything travel-related to ensure that your travel experience is seamless and stress-free. We are also your advocates so if something goes wrong, we have your back.

What are the entry requirements for the country you want to visit? These can – and do – change weekly. Being flexible, knowing that things can and will change, and staying on top of the latest entry requirements is a must.

The biggest factor of all is your personal risk tolerance.

Do you feel comfortable traveling? This is a question that only you can answer for you.

Do you have a current passport with at least six months remaining from the time you will renter the United States? The Passport Agency shut

So, roam if you want to, if you can, and if you’re comfortable. And if not now, there’s always 2021!

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Our Town

5 Tips On How To Be On Social Media & Not Lose Your Mind

By Kimberley Watkins-Swenk

I

t took all of 5 minutes before my blood pressure started to rise after my most recent Facebook check-in. 5 Minutes. The most troubling thing is part of what I do for a living is social media. ARGH.

As a social media professional, I will be blunt with you. These next several months are going to SUCK in the world of social media.

Take the election, current political climate, a pandemic and add in the bots, the hackers, and more disinformation than I care to count - Ba Bam. You are looking at a hot mess. And don’t forget the ever so popular FAKE-BOOKERS. You know who you are.

The good thing is you can enjoy, yes, I said ENJOY, social media during all this “unprecedented” craziness.

There are specific things you can do to keep yourself sane over the next several months:

1

Remember, nobody posts the bad parts of their life on social media. Don’t compare your daily life to someone’s highlight reel. I promise you that mom posting her Instagram or Pinterest perfect 8-year-old birthday party on social media has probably lost her mind doing so.

Remove all negativity. Yes, ALL negativity. On Facebook, you can “snooze” people for 30 days without them ever knowing.

If someone is posting negative thoughts, comments, or articles, snooze their butt. Unless someone contributes to your life positively, unfriend them, unfollow them, or snooze them. Bye, Bye Toxic Person.

2

Our Town

3

When it comes to news or information, be very careful about what you pay attention to on social media. There are hundreds if not thousands of hackers and bots out there who have created fake accounts to influence the upcoming election in one way or another.

Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know personally even if they are friends with some of your friends. If you don’t know them personally - DECLINE. Set a daily social media time limit. Most people use social media to keep up with friends and family, and there is no reason this should stop because of all this craziness, which is 2020. Limit yourself to a specific time limit and time of day to check in with your friends online. Friday. 6PM. 30 Minutes.

Don’t post anything that you know or even think might cause a Facebook Fight as I call them. NOBODY CHANGED THEIR MIND BECAUSE OF AN ARGUMENT THEY GOT INTO ON SOCIAL MEDIA. And honesty, people only care about their opinion in the end. Posting something that creates strong reactions will only bring negativity and stress into your life.

4

5

This may seem contradictory, but we need social media now more than ever. We are social beings by nature, and COVID-19 has taken away many of our social interactions. Social media can be a positive experience if you do it right. Keeping up with friends and family online is an easy way to keep those connections alive, even if we would rather be together in person.

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.

PAGE 17

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uring this unprecedented time of social distancing in our new hands-off, ‘no-touch’ world, self-care, which is the cornerstone to well-being, has become increasingly difficult. With limited to no access to massage and other spa treatments that many people rely on for stress management, it’s the ideal time to learn new at-home, DIY techniques to help you maintain physical and emotional health.

1. CLEAR YOUR MIND: Start your day by clearing your mind with a 2 to 5 minute breathing exercise. Don’t make it complicated but make it yours.

Get an essential oil blend such as Aura Cacia’s Mind Guide for clarity, Rescue Charm for a sense of purifying or Chill Pill for relaxation. Put one drop in the palm of your hands and rub your hands together briskly and then cup your hands over your nose and mouth and take several deep breaths at a time.

2. PRACTICE REFLEXOLOGY. Reflexology is one of the easiest and quickest natural ways to relieve stress and heal yourself of many common problems. It can be used anywhere, anytime, it’s extremely effective, and best of all - you can do it to yourself! Reflexology uses pressure to relieve tension and to clear energy pathways.

There are many pressure points you can work on but here is one to help with stress relief.

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Press with your thumbs on the soles of your feet (one foot at a time) in the middle of the foot. Pressing directly on this point can bring instant stress relief. Hold your thumbs for 30 seconds, release and repeat.

3. GIVE YOURSELF A MINIFACIAL. Don’t we all love going to the salon/spa?

Not just to give our skin some attention, but also because it serves as a much-needed break! And who doesn’t like a little pampering once in a while? But not all of us can make it to our favorite esthetician this year and with the holidays around the corner here is a super-easy 4-step mini-facial that you can do in just 25 minutes in the comfort of your home.

Gently cleanse your face with a cleansing lotion or a mild cleansing gel to remove surface makeup and impurities. Put a little face scrub (not body scrub) in your palm, and start applying it on a small section of your face like the chin or forehead. Move fingers upward and outward in a circular motion. You can start with the forehead, then move to the chin and then cheeks. Continue this for 3-4 minutes. If the scrub feels dried out or hard, use a little water to moisten it. Never rub harshly. Rinse and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Take a hydrating cellulose sheet mask out of a mask pack and place on the face. Put two slices of cucumber over your eyes, sit back and relax for 15 minutes. Remove the mask and gently massage the serum in a small circular motion. Take a little bit of moisturizer and place on your face using the 5-dot method, spread the cream all over your face. You should always massage gently and in the upward direction until completely absorbed.

TA-DAA! You just gave yourself beautiful, glowing skin!

PAGE 18

Our Town

4. ENJOY A RELAXING BATH. An easy way to practice self-care right now and de-stress is to create a relaxing at-home spa experience. Start off with a hot bath and set a relaxing mood with some candles. While you’re unwinding in the tub take the time to do a face mask while meditating to some spa music to take your mind off of things. We recommend LeMieux Moisture Infusion Mask.

We hope to see you all soon at the studio but in these challenging times, when keeping you and your family safe is the main priority, make some time to create a beautiful escape for you in your own home.

Eliana has over 20 years of experience in skin care.

She is the owner of Refinery21 Aesthetics

At Oakdale Family Dental, ensuring the safety and wellness of our patients is our top priority.

We screen all patients prior to their dental appointment for symptoms and travel history.

We wear PPE for all staff, utilize aerosol reducing equipment and hospital grade HEPA filters in each room, while operating with a reduced patient volume. We strive to practice social distancing for everyone who enter and exit the premises.

Let’s all do our part and stay healthy and safe!

- Chris Shim, D.M.D.

Our Town

PAGE 19

OurTown

Superstars Y O U T H

1

A T H L E T E S

2

5 4

3

O

ur Town celebrates Cobb’s outstanding youth athletes in this issue! Congratulations! 1. Cami Brown 2. Grace Smith, Smyrna Elite 3. Katie Christopherson, USAC 4. Powder Springs Raptors 5. Luke Swenk 6. Smyrna Elite, JOAAU 7. Mitchelle Norton 8. Calvin Estep 9. Leighla-Rachelle Herriott

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Our Town

arrived home from school on March 12th, 2020 and was working on my homework when my parents received an email that my school would be shutting down for a period of time. I was kind of happy to have a break from waking up at 6:30 every morning not knowing I wouldn’t be able to finish out my school year. I had to miss so many things like my school dance, soccer season, field day and school musical that we had been practicing for months.

I

I’ve been hanging out with my family more than ever. We have been getting creative, writing stories, telling stories, writing a musical, writing songs, and playing sports in our front and backyards. My family even threw me a “thirteen in quarantine” birthday party. I had a few friends drive by my house to wish me a happy birthday which made it so special.

Some of my neighbors even sang to me! Let me tell you something, I have never had a party quite like it and I’ll never forget it!

I hadn’t realized how much I took my family, friends, school, and just going places for granted before it was all taken away from me. My eyes were instantly opened. These last seven months haven’t been easy for anyone. I just can’t help but wonder what our future will hold. Halloween? Christmas? My volleyball season? Will they be the same? Everything changed so fast, one second I was in school having fun with my friends and the next second I was having to avoid them. My whole world has been turned upside down.

I know you are probably really eager to get out of this unimaginable time, and it’s crazy to think we are living in a time that will soon be in history books. But just remember, don’t wish your life away, no matter how hard the situation is, find a positive and hold on to it!

By Evie Love

I just have to remember I’m not alone, and neither are you. We can all make the best out of this time like invent a game or learn something new.

We are also so fortunate to have technology such as phones to call, text, or FaceTime someone. I even taught my 92 year old great grandfather how to use an ipad which was such a treat to share something that is so common is the world now with someone that didn’t grow up with technology. It was quite a challenge but it has really made a difference in his quarantine experience so far.

Our Town

Evie Love is a middle school student in Cobb county who loves volleyball, soccer, her family and friends. She is kind, determined, funny and hardworking. She has achieved presidents honor roll and holds a leadership position within her school.

You will either find her on a sports field or volunteering in her community.

PAGE 21

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Our Town

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Thank you so much to everyone that donated to the 7th Annual Military School Supply Drive! It was a tremendous team effort.....Community love, which will benefit our local military children that sacrifice for our freedom.

I am incredibly grateful and so very proud of our community! This was the best year yet and it was such a wonderful turn out for our Georgia National Guard. ***Photographed are Ella Enman, Camylle Gary, Sophia Watson, and Kaylee Long, of Girl Scout Troop 29220

PAGE 26

Our Town

A New Golden Hour

By Megan Polichnowski

I’

ve been an aesthetician for 17 years and an acne sufferer for two decades. Witnessing people struggle with acne has always been personal to me. As a teenager, truly clear skin was something I’d never experienced for longer than a few days at a time. As an adult, my skincare routine and access to professional treatments keeps my skin looking good, but I am constantly researching and waiting for a new breakthrough in acne treatment.

It’s finally here. But first, more on my own quest for clear skin.

Until now, only systemic, oral isotretinoin (“Accutane”) could, for some, permanently lower the output of sebum by shrinking your sebaceous gland, halting acne in its tracks. However, isotretinoin comes with side effects, contraindications, and months of doctor’s appointments. Occasionally, you need multiple rounds of treatment. Not everyone can tolerate the medication, even with its potential outcome of “curing” acne.

About a year ago, I finally took a leap and gave isotretinoin a shot. Nine weeks into my treatment I was delighted to wake up and find myself breakout free, with my clearest complexion in 20 years. But my lips were cracked and my eyes burned. The birth control I took with isotretinoin made me feel moody. Frankly though, I would have suffered those inconveniences forever if it meant having clear skin.

If you’re an individual that has never experienced acne in your life, you may think I’m being unreasonable. I’d never wish for you to experience the emotional toll acne takes on a person, particularly teenagers. Unsightly bumps, redness, and a shiny face by lunchtime. Large black dots littered across your nose. Diminished self-esteem with each new pimple.

Teasing by people who think you’re “dirty” – which isn’t true, of course, but many people wrongly assume acne comes from poor hygiene. You wash. You scrub. You pile on serums, masks, and creams, hoping this combination is the miracle cure. Sometimes it works for a while, but then it doesn’t, and you’re back to the unending search to clear your skin.

A normal sebaceous gland produces a tiny amount of sebum (oil) that lubricates your hair follicles. Sebum overproduction triggers an inflammatory response in the skin and the breakout cycle begins. The bacteria that exists on our skin feeds on the excess sebum and proliferates rapidly. The bacteria and inflammation strangle your pore, blocking dead skin cells from sloughing off normally and a pimple is born. The cycle continues

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and with no topical products able to target your sebaceous gland directly.

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Sebacia is a non-systemic, FDA-approved, in-office acne treatment.

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Our Town

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3 day supply drive sponsored by Our Town Monthly. Love Street Gifts, Heart and Sole & Support Smyrna.

Thank you to the Cobb community we were able to raise a box truck filled with food for MUST ministries as well as purchased and filled 98 book bags with school supplies.

PAGE 30

Our Town

You and your dog deserve to be a team!

Thank you from the K-9 coach team IT’S GREAT TO BE BACK HERE WITH YOU ALL!!!!

FIRST… THANK YOU to our customers and to the community we serve. Your support for us over the last several months has been beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

Let’s be honest, you were all staying at home. You were all negatively impacted by this pandemic. You all shared in the uncertainty of the future… YET, so many of you continued to bring your pups for training, camp, grooming. You continued to buy your dog supplies from us - a local small business - instead of our behemoth online competitors. You supported us and of course, that helped keep our doors open to serve you and provide for our employees.

BUT even more importantly, your support kept our hearts filled with gratitude, hope and purpose during uncertain times and we CANNOT thank you enough!

YOU HAVE AMAZED US FOR 20 YEARS!

YOU AND YOUR DOG DESERVE TO BE A TEAM! As always, K-9 Coach is here to help you with any of your dog needs. Whether through the products we offer, training, grooming, camp or lodging, we are always striving to help you develop a lifetime of positive memories with your pup(s).

Thanks everyone. Be safe and wag on!

Amber, Jarrette & the K-9 Coach Team

Our Town

Photo by Jaycee-Xie-TcByXvrlrno-Unsplash

WHY SHOULD NOW BE ANY DIFFERENT? Surely the months ahead will have unforeseen challenges for our communities, but that’s OK. We know that we will get through whatever else is in front of us together. For K-9 Coach, we promise that we will be here to serve you, your family and your dogs! We will continue to help you create a lifetime of memories together because we know that whether we are in a pandemic or not:

PAGE 31

YOUR STORIES ARE OUR STORIES

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Our Town

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Our Town

PAGE 33

Real Estate in OUR TOWN Moving?

By Deborah Ratchford

I’

m here to help and I’ll make sure you don’t forget about these important things.

It’s great to be back since the Pandemic has hit and I’m here to tell you that the Atlanta housing market is still strong. It’s a great time to make a move!

Is your family growing and you need a bigger home? Or maybe it’s time to downsize. No matter your situation, keep these things in mind in order to make the process as smooth as possible.

Tips and recommendations for a smooth move: Get THREE quotes from reliable movers. Consult with your Realtor, get suggestions of reputable movers they have used.

Ask yourself, CAN I DO THE MOVE MYSELF or SHOULD I HIRE AN EXPERT? The answer depends on your lifestyle, household size, budget and amount of time you have to get everything accomplished.

Plan to unpack before you pack. Take photos of each room in your new home BEFORE you arrive with the furniture. Create a design for each room. Label where each and every piece of furniture as well as where your boxes should be placed before packing. Make sure you have the design with you on moving day. Cross off each item as you unpack and place them.

As soon as you know the date you are moving, START PLANNING. You can do a change of address with the post office via the internet.

Schedule your utilities ahead of time at “moving.com”. Start packing early, one room at a time. Instead of waiting until the last minute, pack one closet or drawer every night.

Be proactive. Divide everything you need to do into helpful categories: *Keep this list handy until moving day.

Packing early will keep your stress level down and alleviate your overwhelmed feelings.

Plan to get a sitter, family member or friend to watch your children.

If this is not possible designate an area as a safe place for the children so everyone will remain calm during the move.

• Pack

• Give

to charity

(get a rece

• Donate

• Recycle

•T rash

• Have

ipt for taxe

s)

to a friend

a garage s

ale

Look into doggie day care. Moving is stressful for your pets too. Don’t let your fur babies get lost in the shuffle.

Get plastic Ziplock baggies. Clearly mark and label the baggies for items like screws and washers from furniture pieces that need to be dismantled.

Take photos BEFORE unplugging any wires and label everything. Hooking up TVs, DVDs, home theater systems and computers can be challenging. *I recommend taking these in your own vehicle for the move.

Toxins and cleaning products should be handled and disposed of carefully. Call your city’s waste disposal division to ask what the proper way (hopefully eco-friendly) to dispose of toxins such as paint and detergents. Don’t overstuff boxes with these items. Pack a small box within a large box to assure no leaks. Mark these boxes CLEARLY especially if you have children or pets.

Get full value insurance protection. If hiring a professional mover, it may cost a few dollars more but it will provide you with peace of mind and eliminates problems in case something goes wrong. This type of insurance means any loss or damaged article(s) will be repaired or replaced or a cash settlement will be made at a current market value regardless of age.

Be aware though, minimum coverage will not cover the replacement cost of the more expensive items such as a flat screen TV. Research with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if you are looking for interstate movers or contact the local Better Business Bureau. Don’t forget to ask your Realtor for recommendations on movers they have established good relationships with.

Now is the PERFECT time to buy a home SO START PACKING!!!!!

Please feel free to contact me with any of your Real Estate questions.

Deborah Ratchford 678-570-4779 Debratchford@kw.com

PAGE 34

Our Town

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