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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
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER
Jim and Ilde Cook
SheHeWE Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allyson Balzuweit
JRM Management
SMY Book Club
Josh Pitre
Katy Ruth Camp
Heather Meliski OTM Staff PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844
info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com
Dr. Figaro
Cora Crumby, PNP
A Nutrition Adventure with your 40-ish friends Tara and Allyson
Hey friends! Time for another update on Tara’s nutrition adventure. I’m happy to say that things are most definitely underway and Tara has gained momentum! On our most recent check in call she was thrilled to report that she took a chance at wearing jeans that hadn’t fit in quite a long time and she zipped them up with ease. Now THAT’S a win for sure, and it’s those types of things that help keep you focused on the small stuff that needs to happen repeatedly to find that rhythm that feels more like a lifestyle.
One of the advantages that I recognized when we first started working together is that Tara had a solid foundation of what healthy balanced eating “looks” like and the main challenge at hand was the implementation process in the midst of the chaos of work life, family life and just life in general! When Tara checked in with me I could tell that something had finally clicked, and she had started to allocate more mental and physical bandwidth to nutrition and movement, which had gradually fallen to the bottom of her to-do list over the last couple of years.
When she started to prioritize her personal goals, they moved closer up the list and she was able to easily revert back to strategies that she’s used in the past as well as implement some new ones I provided. She started fueling with a more substantial protein packed breakfast, especially on days where work would require long stretches of times without food. She also packed some easy things to take along for when she could grab a snack and made a plan for what she would eat AFTER her long shift instead of just reacting to hunger at the end of a long day. And guess what? Part of that plan included a healthy choice from Chick-fil-a because she realized that grabbing that soon after work instead of waiting to get home (which would normally mean a bit of a pantry raid) would be a more effective strategy.
The lesson in this that I want to extend to all of you is that there are endless ways to tackle your goals and implement tools and strategies to do that. There are no rules!
As we transition to the back to school season, Tara, like many of you (myself included) will be navigating the busy sports and activity schedules for her 3 kids, and one of the hot topics for this coming month is to be prepared with things that she can take to the ball field or wherever it is she’ll find herself so she can have good options that are also easy and will help keep her on track.
Once again, there’s no right way to do this, but here are a few of my go-to ideas for all of you Moms out there that are also sitting on the bleachers and need this too! Some of these ideas are more portable than others, but all are relatively fast to make ahead or throw together on busy evenings.
l Deli sandwiches, wraps or sliders paired with fruit and veggies
l Bento Box or snack plate with uncured meat, cheese, crackers, nuts, fruit, cut up veggies
l Rotisserie chicken added to a salad kit, wraps or quesadillas (all can also be transported)
l Taco meat for tacos, quesadillas, salads or grain and greens bowls
l Pasta salads with meat, cheese and veggies
l Make ahead Crockpot soups, stews or casseroles
l Ground meat or meatballs with marinara and microwavable steamed veggies
The best advice I have for Tara and for all of you is to look ahead at the schedule for the week and come up with a general game plan for what will work best with the timing that particular week. No two weeks will look the same and the key is in the planning.
I can’t wait to check back in with Tara and see which of these ideas she decides to use! -Allyson Balzuweit
Allyson Balzuweit is a Registered Dietitian based in Smyrna and has a private nutrition consulting business. She loves to help people ditch diets and embrace a healthy and realistic approach to eating for optimal health with individualized strategies that considers all aspects of life.
“My
Talkin’ Sports
By Justin Hanover
Sports
Under Those Friday Night Lights!
Where in the world has the time gone? Once again it feels as if I just wrote this article. How has it been a full year? Where did the Summer go? Football time already? Absolutely crazy!
Let’s take a look at some of our Cobb County High School teams, a county which has won four state championships over the past nine years. The last to do so were Marietta and Harrison back in 2019, Allatoona was victorious despite a plethora of injuries in 2015 and Mt. Paran won the Class A Private title in 2014, snapping a 47-year Cobb County drought.
So, who can represent us in going all the way in 2024????
WALTON RAIDERS
It felt like Daniel Brunner’s squad was destined to win the 2023 State Championship with a superstar senior quarterback in Jeremy Hecklinski leading the way. The Raiders pretty much blew out all comers en route to a perfect 14-0 record and a championship berth. They even scored the most points in a season in state history with 717. But it wasn’t meant to be in the end as Walton was upset by a very good Milton team, 31-21, in the state championship.
Brunner, who came to Raider Valley in 2013 and became the head coach four years later, is now a sensational 66-23. He will have his work come out for him, though, thanks to losing 15 of 16 first team All-Region players.
Walton will lean heavily on 5-foot-10 senior running back Lucas Farrington who transferred in from Woodward Academy and quarterback Kaeden Gilstrap, a Wofford College commit for both football and baseball. Farrington went north of 1,000 yards last season and scored 11 touchdowns. He has also received over 25 college offers.
NORTH COBB WARRIORS
Shane Queen’s Warriors will probably be Walton’s main competition for the 6A Region 5 title. Certainly North Paulding and Marietta will not just roll over but conventional wisdom says that the two region favorites are the Raiders and Warriors.
Queen, who boasts a fantastic 132-71 record, is the highest tenured coach in school history and has now been at his post since 2006. His 19 years rank second in 6A, behind only Norcross Blue Devil legend, Keith Maloof.
Superstar running back David Eziomume is off to Clemson but senior quarterback Nick Grimstead, who threw three touchdowns in the spring game, is back for his third season. Junior Brandon Anderson and senior Kamron Collins, a future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket, will lead strong offensive and defensive lines. Anderson, who just transferred in from North Atlanta, is 6-foot-4 and over 300 pounds and boasts offers from the nation’s top college teams including Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
KELL LONGHORNS
Bobby May is coaching his third season in Longhorn country and due to reclassification, Kell now finds itself down to 4A from 6A. They have landed in Region 6 alongside Blessed Trinity, Westminster, Cambridge and Centennial.
This is a team that lost a lot from 2023 including an amazing athlete and baseball player who played quarterback in Bryce Clavon. The new signal caller is Kaleb Narcisse. The righty gun slinger came over from North Cobb and threw a dozen touchdowns as a Warrior in fairly limited action. Sophomore Quinterius “Moonie” Gipson is a high quality running back and the receiving corps is somewhat unproven but also talented.
In the opening win against North Atlanta at the Corkey Kell-Dave Hunter Classic both Narcisse and Gipson flexed their muscles. The quarterback was extremely efficient and accounted for a touchdown with both his arm and his legs. Meanwhile Gipson rumbled for 169 yards on 22 carries and broke the plane twice.
The defense welcomes in a lot of transfer newcomers including Jalen Williams, Collin Davis, Tony Forney, Jr. and Alexander Jean to go along with Brayden Rouse and his team high six tackles and a fumble recovery in the opener.
McEACHERN INDIANS
There may not be a better overall program than McEachern. The problem though has been a lack of championships throughout the years. In fact, the Indians may be the best school ever to not win a football championship.
McEachern appears to be back on the rise after a rare recent down period as head coach Kareem Reid begins his 18th overall season of coaching. Reid said he is “super excited” for this team and the overall trajectory of the program. He expects wide receiver Noah Brown to have a breakout season and when you add in the very recent tight end transfer Nalin Scott (who has an offer from UGA) from Kennesaw Mountain you can see how opposing defensive coordinators may be in for a lack of sleep.
NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN EAGLES
The Eagles went 9-3 and a perfect 6-0 in region a season ago. Matt Jones earned Region Coach of the Year and sophomore quarterback Teddy Jarrard and his massive 2,065 passing yards as a freshman is back. Add in a ton of returning starters on both sides of the ball and one can see the potential of back-to-back region titles in the new look Region 7AA. But shhh, don’t tell last year’s state runner-up in Rockmart, though!
Dr. Chris Shim and The Oakdale Family Dental team is excited to introduce Dr. Jeremiah Cook!
A native of the Smyrna area, Dr. Cook has been in the field of dentistry for over 13 years, first as an assistant, then as a dental hygienist for 8 years. Dr. Cook recently received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from The Dental College of Georgia in 2023. As an associate dentist, Dr. Cook is looking forward to providing excellent and gentle dental care for all our patients at Oakdale Family Dental. He has been married to his wife Kim for 6 years. Dr. Cook enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends, along with fishing and playing soccer.
Uncover your roots. Discover your healing.
FOUNDED IN HOPE
Roots Therapy is a boutique counseling practice that offers a safe space for individuals to explore and understand themselves. The practice believes that therapy involves diving into one’s past and roots to create new paths forward towards healing, self-love, and a sense of belonging. Through evidence-based therapy, Roots Therapy aims to help clients achieve emotional well-being, overcome obstacles, and foster growth towards a more beautiful life.
Founded by Licensed Professional Counselor Nicole Lyon and Caleb Lyon.
The Lyon’s heart behind creating Roots Therapy was to foster an environment that felt warm and welcoming for individuals to discover themselves alongside a supportive community of qualified providers.
When deciding on where to build Roots, it seemed fitting for the Lyons to choose Smyrna since it has been their home for the last seven years. Roots believes that community is a vital part of the healing journey. The Lyons wanted to create a warm, inviting, and safe environment for individuals in the community to come and experience a better version of themselves.
AT ROOTS THERAPY, WE VALUE...
SAFETY COMMUNITY BEAUTY
Therapy is a vulnerable experience, and having a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable enough to let their guards down is crucial. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, true healing can take place. Our commitment to safety ensures that clients feel supported and cared for every step of the way.
Community is vital in the journey towards self-discovery and healing. Clients are encouraged to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, with their therapists to help them gain new insights about themselves. We prioritize being a space where individuals can connect and grow together.
A beautiful therapy experience is crucial for allowing clients to fully engage in the therapy process. Additionally, we encourage clients to strive towards living an elevated life, one that is full of meaning, purpose, and joy. By focusing on the beauty of life, we aim to help our clients find a more fulfilling existence.
WIRED FOR CONNECTION
Whether you are seeking support during challenging times, or simply looking to deepen your connection with others, having access to compassionate and skilled therapists who can walk alongside you on your journey can make a significant difference in your life.
At Roots Therapy, we understand the importance of relationships in promoting emotional and mental well-being. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, connect with others, and develop positive relationships that support your growth and well-being.
2024 SUPERIOR PLUMBING NORTH
TGEORGIA STATE FAIR / SEPT 19-29 /
he Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair is excited to announce a new affordable way to enjoy the fair. New in 2024 is a
$23.95 Pay One Price ride ticket. The ticket is good for any one day of the fair and does not include admission. This is not only a significant savings but will hopefully provide a more efficient experience for fairgoers as well. The ticket is only available to purchase online before opening day, September 19. In addition, the fair will be rolling out new admission specials along with Pay One Price Ride specials every single day of the fair, as follows:
Thursday, September 19th
Free Admission
$25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Friday, September 20th
Free Admission for all Seniors 55+ and older. Free Admission for all Active, Reserve or Retired
Military Personnel, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, First Responders, and Healthcare Workers. (Valid ID Required)
$30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Saturday, September 21st
10 AM – 11 AM Free Admission & Rides
11 AM – 5PM $35 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person – Good Till Close)
Sunday, September 22nd
Receive $1 off Admission w/ Church Bulletin.
School Special – 12:30 – 2 PM Free Admission & Rides for Students (18 & Under – Must have ticket distributed at school)
$30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Monday, September 23rd
$25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
R MILLER PARK
Tuesday, September 24th
Teacher Tues – All teachers & district employees admitted FREE with staff ID
$25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Wednesday, September 25th
$25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Thursday, September 26th
College Night – All college students receive free admission with Valid ID.
$25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Friday, September 27th
Must Ministries Admission Special – Bring 5 Non-Perishable canned goods and receive one free admission. (MUST NOT BE EXPIRED)
$30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
Saturday, September 28th
Must Ministries Admission Special – Bring 5 Non-Perishable canned goods and receive one free admission. (MUST NOT BE EXPIRED)
10 AM – 11 AM Free Admission & Rides
11 AM – 5PM $35 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person – Good Till Close)
Sunday, September 29th
Must Ministries Admission Special – Bring 5 Non-Perishable canned goods and receive one free admission. (MUST NOT BE EXPIRED)
School Special – 12:30 – 2 PM Free Admission & Rides for Students (18 & Under – Must have ticket distributed at school)
LAST BLAST! - $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (Per Person)
**Please visit our website for updated traffic plans**
More Information: missy@northgeorgiastatefair.com | northgeorgiastatefair.com 1220 Al Bishop Drive | Marietta, Ga.30008
Community Spotlight
The Elite Hoyas March On!
There are many feels and smells and visions we get from the newly back to school Fall season. Certainly as you can read in Justin’s “Talkin’ Sports”, football takes center stage for many. But what else comes along and goes hand in hand with the pigskin? Yup, that’s right, the all-important and usually very much underrated school marching band.
One of the main elements of Friday nights at this time of the year, whether you realize it or not, is the school band. Football wouldn’t sound or look the same without them! These young men and women at Harrison High School work just as hard as the football players grinding it out and putting in tons of hours per week honing their craft. Each game, they provide the soundtrack, with songs from the stands to support the team. And, at halftime they entertain the fans with the new Field Show they’ve been working on all summer that incorporates marching drill and complex musical pieces played by the band, and a color guard complete with twirling flags, spinning rifles thrown in the air, and artistic movement. Each year, the marching band goes on the road with their current Field Show several times to compete for awards against other top national high school bands around the country.
Since its inception in 1991, the Harrison High School band program in Kennesaw has established a reputation for musical excellence. While consistently receiving “superior” ratings and top scores in regional and national events, Harrison Band members also demonstrate outstanding scholastic, teamwork and competitive abilities, and develop life-long personal relationships as well as study and life skills important to future success. With over 200 students enrolled in the Harrison academic band programs for 2024-25, they look to continue this success.
As a recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor and a multiple-time Bands of America Grand Nationals Class Champion and Finalist, the Harrison Marching Band is nationally recognized for its excellence in music, performance and student development. Grand Champion Awards have been earned at the Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions, the Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational, the McEachern Marching Invitational and the Lassiter Marching Invitational among many others. Harrison High School has even taken home The Bands of America Grand National Class Champion in 2013 and 2015.
Like they have done now for a whopping 33 years the band has been putting in the hours this summer training new marchers and returners alike. Not only will it be another musically stellar and visually stunning show, but there will be a new assistant director alongside Harrison’s eighteen-year tenured director, Josh Ray.
Before school let out in May, twelve-year assistant director Jonathan Grogan announced his move to full-time music ministry, leading to a nationwide search for another top-notch director. To everyone’s surprise, the perfect fit was right in our own backyard!
Corey Futrell took over the reins as Assistant Director this summer, coming from just a few miles away at Kennesaw Mountain High School. Corey assisted Hall of Fame Drum Corp inductee Carolina Crown while with the Mustangs program. He brings so much expertise and fun to this thriving program and will be amazing alongside Ray.
Putting in more than 12-hour days, braving storms, heat, illness, and each other, 147 marchers took to the band room/band lot in mid-July to learn new drills, be fitted for uniforms, and bring to life the music of Sting, My Chemical Romance, along with some classic Prokofiev peppered in, in their Fall 2024 Field Show “The Scientist.”
Don’t just take our word for it. Come out and catch another masterful Harrison marching arts show not only at one of Harrison’s football games but at one of their Bands of America competitions (Chattanooga, TN-October 5, Orlando, FL-October 26) or Cobb Marching Band Exhibition at McEachern High School on October 7th. You won’t be disappointed!
Get involved and have some fun with the Hoya and the Hare 5K!
The 5K is ging to be family friendly and completely on the high school campus. We’re also looking forward to people bringing their four-legged friends! The entire event is dog friendly, sobring the pooch. Check it out on-line:
SAT 11/9/24
runsignup.com/Race/GA/Kennesaw/HoyaandtheHare
Our booster programs at the school are rolling out a campaign to honor past, present, and future Hoyas by purchasing commemorative bricks that will have their names on them. We will be bricking in the mulched area near the stadium. These bricks cost $250 a piece (or $650 for a square) and serve 3 purposes:
1. Revenue generated is going to replace the back turf.
2. The purchaser can choose a specific sport, club, or organization to buy on behalf of and that entity receives 10% of the sale.
3. We want to genuinely create a space that honors our Hoyas!
We will have a table set up at each home football game to gain additional information or begin the purchase of the bricks. You can also do this online through
“I’m
Gavin Texas A&M
“Walker has taught me from a young age how to analyze situations, how to correctly approach them and how to resolve things.”
Shawn MIT
“Walker has pushed me to be curious, giving me the resources to always ask why while leaving me with more to wonder about.”
THE DALLAS THEATER
Helping others is a MUST MUST Ministries
Giving back is easy. With the click of a button, you can make a difference! There are many specific food and clothing needs for seasonal and year-round programs that MUST Ministries highlights on its Amazon Wish Lists, including Toy Shops, Summer Lunch, Client Services and more. Simply visit mustministries.org for the latest lists, or follow MUST Ministries on social media to see the most urgent and recent needs. Donors can purchase the items from the Wish Lists and those items will be sent directly to the MUST Ministries Donation Center in Marietta.
Other ways to donate: Deliver items to the MUST Ministries Donation Center (1280 Field Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066). Simply drive up, a volunteer will help you unload your car and will provide you with a donation receipt to use for writing the donation off of your taxes
It is no secret that times are tough for many of our neighbors in need. Rent and housing costs have reached unprecedented levels. A trip to the grocery store can cost four times as much for the same grocery list as it did just four years ago. Just one, unexpected health diagnosis or car repair can devastate many people’s bank accounts.
There is not one service that moves people from living in poverty to finding stability in their lives. That’s why, for 53 years, Marietta-based MUST Ministries has believed that its unique model of “wrap-around services” is the strongest way to help those struggling in today’s economic climate. MUST provides housing, food, clothing, workforce development, behavioral and primary care services and so much more to anyone who needs help – completely free of charge.
“When someone is living paycheck to paycheck, even just a few unexpected life events can force a person to become homeless,” said MUST President & CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “I like to say that any one of us are walking on the high wire of life, and MUST is there as a safety net when something knocks them off of that high wire. MUST doesn’t just treat the situation: MUST treats the whole person. We provide them with food, clothing and hygiene kits to alleviate those costs. We guide them out of living in a hotel or in their cars through housing assistance, which gives them a stable place to live and a plan to get back on track with their rent and utility bills. We provide workforce development services such as interview and resume assistance to find them a new or better job. Our partnership with Eastchester Family Services provides free counseling and basic healthcare services that they otherwise would not be able to afford. Our seasonal programs such as Toy Shops at Christmas and Summer Lunch during the summer months when children are out of school fill the gaps for those specific needs. All of these programs work together to make sure our neighbors in need can thrive in the future.”
Bridging the gap out of poverty. Over the past year, MUST has helped nearly 70,000 people in need with its wrap-around services. A recent trend MUST is seeing in the clients it serves is the rise in childhood poverty. More than 50 percent of the clients MUST is currently serving are children, and over 80 percent are women and children. More families than ever are coming to MUST for help. The MUST Hope House shelter in Marietta has 10 family rooms for families experiencing homelessness, yet all of those family rooms continue to stay full. It is MUST’s policy to never turn away a child, so many of these families are put into hotels until space opens at the Hope House or case managers are able to find them a more stable place to live. At the height of the pandemic, MUST was spending nearly $100,000 a month to house families in hotels.
Housing services - MUST Hope House (Emergency Homeless Shelter)- The MUST Hope House provides a safe sanctuary of rest for those who find themselves in distress. Open to men, women, and children, the 136-bed Hope
House provides three meals a day and extensive support services including case management, workforce development, computer lab, recovery meeting, referrals and assessments.
Permanent Supportive Housing - Offering assistance to individuals who are chronically homeless and live with either physical and/or mental disabilities, the Supportive Housing Program provides long-term housing to more than 100 individuals. Through a Housing and Urban Development grant, MUST operates three programs in Cobb -- one exclusively for veterans -- and one in Cherokee. The program supplies a stable living environment with case managers for guidance, helping move clients to greater independence and stability.
TBRA (Tenant-Based Rental Assistance) - A program to provide direct assistance, including a rental subsidy helps make a difference between what a renter can afford and the actual rent. The federal HUD funds assist with rent, utility deposits/costs and security deposits.
Rapid Rehousing - A federally-based funding program that is designed to help individuals and families that don’t need intensive and ongoing support to quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing.
Food services - Food Items in Short Supply The Atlanta metro area has one of the fastest-growing poverty rates in the United States, leaving children and families in our communities going hungry. Because of private donations of food and money, MUST gives away an astounding 4.5 tons of food a day to those in need.
In addition to providing meals at the MUST Hope House and food at its three client services locations in Marietta, Canton and Smyrna, MUST also serves nearly 100 schools through its Neighborhood Pantry program imbedded in local schools. During the Summer months, MUST’s Summer Lunch program provides more than a half a million meals to local children who might otherwise only receive meals through free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school.
MUST’s Senior Food Program offers a monthly shelf-stable supplemental grocery box with some fresh options along with a rotating selection of household essentials to seniors in need.
One of the most unique food delivery services in the metro Atlanta area is the MUST Mobile Pantry. Many people in need do not have transportation and live in areas lacking grocery stores or food resources, so the MUST Mobile Pantry visits apartment complexes, universities, community buildings and churches every month where there is a need and provides free food to the residents of those areas.
Workforce development - MUST’s Workforce Development program provides comprehensive and tailored services designed to enhance the marketable skills of those seeking employment. Resume assistance, developing interviewing skills, computer training and career assessments are provided free of charge to anyone wanting to better their lives and economic conditions.
How can I help? There are so many ways to help MUST fulfill its mission to help our neighbors in need. Consider volunteering at one of MUST’s many locations or programs. Donate items by visiting MUST’s Amazon Wish Lists or delivering them directly to the MUST Donation Center; host a food, clothing or hygiene kit drive; donate funds directly to MUST – 91 cents of every dollar donated to MUST goes directly to those in need. The options are endless!
For more information on how to volunteer or give back, visit mustministries.org
Book Club
Our Scene:
e are back to school here in Cobb County! Did you have a busy summer? Are you ready to get back into your reading routine? We have a wonderful choice for you this month!
Our Book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Laura H. hosted us this month with a delicious meal of tzatziki with crudites, roasted veggies and chicken gyros with Greek salad. Served family-style, this was a beautiful dinner we all enjoyed. We ended our evening with a McEntyre’s cake to celebrate our dear Shannon’s milestone birthday!
Our Synopsis:
This month’s pick is set in a fictitious coastal town in the Pacific Northwest. Marcellus is an extremely smart giant Pacific octopus living in the local aquarium after being rescued from the sea following a life-threatening injury. A bit curmudgeonly, he is more intelligent than the humans he encounters in his daily life in captivity at the aquarium. Tova is employed as the aquarium’s cleaner. Widowed and elderly, with no surviving family to care for her, Tova worries about her future. Cameron is a young man experiencing some characteristics of ‘failure to launch’ syndrome. He’s somewhat angry and is stuck in a place of inaction in his life.
The novel follows these characters as they eventually move to discover the ways in which they are connected. Marcellus becomes the detective who solves the mysteries centric to Tova and Cameron’s lives.
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:
What kind of person do you think Marcellus would be if he were human? What qualities do Marcellus and Tova share that make this remarkable friendship a success?
1 2 6 5 4 7 3
Have you ever encountered an animal of remarkably bright intelligence? Have you felt “seen” by an animal or felt a relationship deepen upon earning their trust?
On page 9, Tova empathizes with the sharks in the large aquarium tank, musing that she “understands what it means to never be able to stop moving, lest you find yourself unable to breathe.” Why do you think she feels so compelled to keep busy? What would happen if she simply stopped?
In contrast to how Tova keeps busy, Cameron emerges as a character who deals with grief by remaining stagnant, refusing to even try to reach his potential, much to the frustration of those who care about him. Why do you think he sabotages himself? Have you ever had someone like this in your life?
Marcellus remarks on page 59 that “fingerprints are like keys, with their specific shape. I remember all the keys, too.” From the house key Tova loses to the ring of keys Marcellus finds at the bottom of the sea, the novel is filled with various types of keys. What do you think keys symbolize in this novel?
In the last few pages of the novel, Tova and Cameron realize how they are truly connected. What do you imagine they are doing a year from the novel’s end?
Who is your dream cast for the recently announced movie adaptation? As we were going to print this month, we read that Sally Field is in talks to star as Tova in an adaptation by Netflix. We think she’ll make a wonderful Tova. Who do you think should voice Marcellus? Our group votes Jim Parsons! For Cameron, we think Noah Schnapp would be a great choice.
Our Key Takeaway:
Major themes in this novel are the unexpected places we can find friendship, the role of community, what it means to be family, and how looking at the past can form one’s future. We enjoyed the exploration of the different characters who are faced with major choices: opening themselves up to something new and taking an unexpected, daring opportunity, or continuing on as they have been. Have you ever faced a moment in your life where a critical choice could change everything? Could you take the leap?
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Our Next Book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager
OCTOBER 15, 2024
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Our Services Include:
l Bath w/Hydro Massage l Ears cleaned Nails Trimmed l Sanitary Trim
l Basic De-matting
l Full Brush & Blow Dry
l Shave downs
l Full cuts
10 Years in North Atlanta!
Mobile Dog Grooming
The waggin’ wagon provides professional mobile dog grooming services to the North Atlanta community. We are currently servicing Buckhead, Brookhaven, Smyrna, Vinings, East Cobb, West & South Marietta, Sandy Springs & Dunwoody extending 3 miles north of I-285.
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
Varenita of West Cobb |
Last-Minute Fall Break Getaways
The kids are (finally!) back in school and hopefully you’re back into a groove after a laid-back summertime schedule. This is your friendly reminder that if you don’t already have your fall break plans booked, now is the time! There are still good options for resorts, flights, and cruises for late September and October travel.
Here are some ideas to get your planning started:
The Mountains Are Calling
If getting back to nature, having a low-key vacation, and enjoying some beautiful vistas is your thing, rent a cabin or stay at a beautiful, rustic resort in North Georgia or the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains. Helen, Ellijay and Blue Ridge have tons of cabins and resort options within a two-hour drive of Atlanta. If you want to travel a little further, Chattanooga and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge offer lots of family-friendly attractions including Rock City, Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, and Dollywood. And in North Carolina there are amazing resorts in Asheville and the Highlands.
Say Hello to Our Southern Neighbor
Florida has so many great vacation options for all types of travelers. Whether it’s a great beach, nightlife, or a family adventure, there is something for everyone. The 30A beaches – including Destin, Seaside, Santa Rosa Beach, and Rosemary Beach – are popular destinations and easily drivable from Atlanta. If you’re looking for something livelier for an adults-only getaway, Miami or Key West are great choices. Both are a short direct flight from Atlanta. And don’t forget the theme parks. Whether it’s Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World, Busch Gardens or Legoland, there are a wide variety of theme parks to choose from. Each one has a different appeal so choose the one that best suits your family.
Bon Voyage
There are tons of cruise lines with sailings of various lengths and itineraries that depart nearby in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are the most popular ports and all are easily reachable by car or plane. Popular cruise destinations include the Bahamas and various islands throughout the Caribbean with cruises ranging from 3-nights and up. Some cruise lines offer great deals in the fall, especially during the time of Cobb County fall break. Since fall break travel dates occur during hurricane season, I strongly advise purchasing travel insurance to ensure that your vacation is properly covered.
Tropical Escapes
Whether you’re looking to stay at an all-inclusive resort, a small boutique hotel, or a villa rental, there are fabulous destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Some of the most popular destinations – most of which have direct flights to and from Atlanta – are Aruba, Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. As with the cruises mentioned above, I highly recommend travel insurance for any Caribbean or Mexico destination.
Remember that popular destinations book up early and some destinations, such as Disney World, require advanced planning so make sure to make your fall break plans as soon as possible. Have a fun fall adventure!
