In today’s world, strong, inspiring women continue to lead the way— whether in politics, journalism, boardrooms, classrooms, or right here in our own neighborhoods. These women work with heart and determination
to build a better future for us all. Yet for many of us, our first and most enduring example of strength, grace, and resilience came from one place: Mom.
As Mother’s Day approaches on May 11 this year, I find myself especially reflective. I have been deeply shaped, inspired, and unconditionally loved by my own mother—and by the nine grandmothers I’ve had the privilege of knowing. For most of my life, I’ve held a place in a living line of five generations of women who not only nurtured families but also thrived as professionals, leaders, and caregivers.
Here at the EAST COBBER, I’m grateful to work alongside an incredible team of women who embody that same spirit— balancing work, family, and community while bringing this magazine to life with passion and purpose.
To the mothers, grandmothers, and all the powerful women shaping East Cobb: Happy Mother’s Day. Your strength, love, and example continue to inspire us all.
P.O. Box 680455 • Marietta, GA 30068 770-640-7070 • www.eastcobber.com
Send check or money order payable to EAST COBBER of Georgia to the above address.
Laren Brown, Publisher laren@eastcobber.com
Tamara STephenS Graphic Designer
Tiffanie aberneThy Online Promotions
aShley anTonini Digital Editor
Tina harper Community Marketing
amy Valley Community Engagement Coordinator
Q: What is a roll-off dumpster?
A: A roll-off dumpster is a big, opentop trash container that is brought to your home or job site on a special truck. It “rolls off” the truck and onto the ground, so you can easily throw away large amounts of trash, like broken furniture, construction debris, or yard waste. You’ve likely seen these in some of your neighbors’ driveways when they are moving or renovating.
Once you’re done filling it up, the truck comes back, picks it up, and takes all the trash away. It’s super helpful for big cleanup projects, like remodeling a house or cleaning out a garage.
Q. Do you offer any commercial services?
A: Yes, we also work with shopping centers, restaurants and more in the Cobb County area as well. You have likely seen
our trucks picking up at some of your local neighborhood spots. We are the preferred commercial provider of frontend services by local shopping centers, restaurants, warehouses, and small businesses. Our veteran drivers excel at providing weekly services professionally and safely. Our highly skilled industrial Rolloff drivers provide top notch services to contractors, shopping centers, apartments, office buildings, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and entertainment plazas.
Q: Why should I switch to Trash Taxi?
A: Simple—we care. We take pride in keeping our hometown clean, and we make sure our customers feel valued. Our drivers are friendly, our service is reliable, and we’re always just a phone call away when you need us. We accommodate customer needs
with a highly responsive customer service team whose goal is to make it happen.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Yes, As a business rooted in the community, we understand the importance of supporting local suppliers, contractors, and businesses. By contributing to the local economy, we help create a thriving neighborhood that benefits everyone, from residents to small businesses. When you choose Trash Taxi, you are supporting your local economy.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Signing up is easy! Just visit trashtaxiofgeorgia.com or give us a call. We’d love to welcome you to the Trash Taxi family.
Because keeping Marietta and East Cobb clean isn’t just our job—it’s our commitment.
MACFARLAND PARK
In 2024, McFarlane Nature Park registered over 100 specific events on their calendar in addition to daily, casual use. Reservations allow the Park to pursue compatible use of the facilities that are particularly in high demand during spring and fall. This spring will also see several events open to the public.
Painters are always welcome at McFarlane Nature Park, but it is more fun to paint with a group of interested artists. On April 26, artists from the Roswell Arts Alliance gathered at the Park for a Plein Air Painting Day. The 11.2 acre Park allows the painters to spread out and find the scene that peaks their interest. Paintings were also for sale.
On Saturday morning, May 24, David Long, from the Georgia Forestry Commission will present a talk on invasive species followed by hands-on removal of cherry laurels from the Park. Good shoes and gloves are recommended for those participating..
Libby Nabors art is admired by a visitor to the 2023 Plein Air Painting Day.
FRESH FLAVORS AND LIVE MUSIC AT MEZZA LUNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR THIS SPRING
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant & Bar is shaking things up this spring with fine dining, luxury catering and live music events in Marietta. With front-of-house managed by Bella Furfaro and Chef Daniele Furfaro at the kitchen’s helm, Mezza Luna is an authentic, family-owned Italian restaurant. The husband-and-wife owners combine decades of experience, as well as generations of passion and knowledge, in preparing and serving Italian cuisine.
Located at 2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2198, in the Pavilions at Eastlake, Mezza Luna is open daily with separate lunch and dinner service hours.
Taste the flavors of Southern Italy–the Furfaro family’s homeland–right here in East Cobb this spring. The lobster
ravioli is a staff favorite, but Chef Daniele and Bella encourage guests to discover their own. Perhaps it will be the branzinoa tender, perfectly seasoned and delicately cooked fish served with colorful seasonal vegetables and an incredible sauce.
Take advantage of beautiful Georgia weather and enjoy Mezza Luna’s patio all season long. Sit back and relax with an Aperol spritz, imported Italian meats and cheeses, or velvety lobster risotto. Starting in May, Mezza Luna will host live music on the patio every Thursday night. Plan your next family outing or date night, and savor a flavorful symphony of classic Italian cuisine and exciting weekly specials.
Mezza Luna was recently honored with the 2025 Best Italian Restaurant in Marietta award by BusinessRate. Follow Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant & Bar on Facebook and Instagram @mezzamarietta for updates on events and specials.
Mezza Luna’s friendly and professional staff treat customers with top-tier kindness. Led by Bella and Chef Daniele, the team is occasionally assisted by the couple’s three children, all under the age of nine. The family-owned and operated restaurant welcomes reservations for Mother’s Day, Class of 2025 graduates, and newly engaged couples. Mezza Luna is honored to be a part of the East Cobb community and its celebrations.
Planning a wedding or corporate event? Mezza Luna offers custom catering and event services. Clients can plan with ease and confidence, thanks to the restaurant’s commitment to excellent service and quality. Mezza Luna’s gourmet grazing tables, seafood appetizer extravaganzas and elegant pastry presentations are popular with wedding guests.
From tortellini to filet mignon, Mezza Luna serves authentic Italian cuisine with exceptional skill and flavor. Take a journey to Southern Italy, right here in Marietta. The beautiful bar offers an array of fine wines and custom cocktails. For dessert, try one of Chef Daniele’s homemade cannoli.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner date or a corporate lunch meeting, Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant & Bar welcomes East Cobb to the table for the finest in local Italian dining. To make a reservation, order online, or inquire about events and catering, visit mezzalunamarietta.com or call 678-214-5856.
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant & Bar is family-owned and operated by Bella Furfaro, Chef Daniele Furfaro and their three children, all under age 9. Every customer is treated like family, whether visiting for a date night, a family celebration or a private event.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
May
9-10
Family Camping Weekend at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. RV’s and tents welcome. Games, food (dinner, breakfast and S’mores), worship and fun for the whole family. 5pm Friday - noon Saturday. Free; registration required. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2922 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info/ registration: htelcm.org.
May
9-11
56th Annual Mother’s Day Gem, Mineral, Jewelry and Fossil Show presented by the Georgia Mineral Society. Educational exhibits, club displays, mineral and fossil specimens. Friday-Saturday: 10am-6pm; Sunday: 10-5pm. Free. Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. More info: www.gamineral.org.
Catch Tuplet presented by the Atlanta Ballet. An inspiring evening of three innovative works. Friday: 8pm; Saturday: 2pm & 8pm; Sunday: 2pm. Tickets: $30-$145. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info/ tickets: cobbenergycentre.com.
May
9-11 & 15-17
Dunk Hunter Shoots Angel by Mitch Albom presented by CenterStage North. Two bumbling Alabama brothers believe they’ve accidentally shot an angel while out duck hunting. As they try to cover up their divine mishap, the chaos that follows attracts the attention of a cynical tabloid reporter, leading to an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, self-discovery, and some heavenly surprises. Thursday-Saturday: 8pm; Sunday: 2pm. Tickets: $15-$27. CentreStage North at The Art Place-Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info/tickets: 770-331-0079 or www.centerstagenorth.com.
May 10
7th Annual Golf Tournament to support Marietta’s Theatre in the Square. 10am. $150/person; City Club Marietta Golf Course, 510 Powder Springs Street SE, Marietta. More info/ registration: www.mariettatheatresquare.com/donate.
22nd Annual Garden Tour. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County want you to learn and be inspired as you visit our six beautiful and unique gardens selected for the Tour. This year they will showcase we will showcase pollinators and how we can provide for and protect them. The garden tour map is available to download online. 9am-4pm. Tickets: $15; Free/Children 17 and under. Can be purchased at any gardens. More info/tickets: www.cobbmastergardeners.com.
May 10
Aquapalooza. Roswell Water Treatment Plant’s annual open house festival. Games, food, giveaways, tours, and a dunk tank. Participants will get an inside view of how the plant cleans water in Roswell. This is a fun, family event for water drinkers of all ages.10am-1pm. Free. Roswell Water Treatment Plant, 100 Frank Lewis Drive, Roswell. More info: roswell365.com/event/ aquapalooza-2025.
Cobb County Relay for Life. The only Global walk that stands for every cancer. At Relay For Life, you’ll find community members taking turns walking a path or track lined with luminaria bags. You’ll have the opportunity to cheer for local survivors (or participate as a survivor yourself) in our first lap of the day. Caregivers of cancer patients (currently or previously diagnosed) will then be invited to join the Survivors. Local entertainers will keep you energized. As it gets dark, the luminaria bags will be lighted surrounding the track in a memorable luminaria ceremony. There will be opportunities to fundraise & fight back! 5-9pm. Free. East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta/ East Cobb More info: secure.acsevents.org/site/ SPageServer/?pagename=relay_marketing_1
Tamil Storytime. Read books, sing songs, and play games all in the Tamil language. This program is intended for children ages 5-8 and a participating adult. 3-4pm. Free; registration required. Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info/registration: 770-5094988 or www.cobbcounty.org/events/tamil-storytime-8.
May
14
Indie Film Night presented by The Strand and the Cobb International Film Festival. A bite-sized film festival every month through June, serving up an eclectic selection of both short and feature-length independent films from around the country and the world. IFN showcases a diverse selection of films from emerging and established filmmakers hand-picked for their originality, creativity, and thought-provoking themes. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new voices in independent film and experience cinema like never before! $8. 7:30pm, doors open at 6:30pm. Earl and Rachel Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. More info/Tickets: earlsmithstrand.org.
May
15
Alive in Roswell. The festival is held concurrently on Historic Canton Street and the Roswell Antique and Interiors Lot. Free regular trolley service connects the free parking at Roswell City Hall and Woodstock Park to the event. See website for other parking locations. 5-9pm. Free. Historic Canton Street, Roswell. More info: www. roswell365.com/categories/alive-in-roswell.
May 16-18
Marietta Greek Festival. A community celebration of Greek culture and food sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Church of Marietta. Enjoy food, entertainment, dancing, shopping, children’s activities and more. Friday: 4-10:30pm; Saturday: 11am-10:30pm; Sunday: 11am4pm. $5/person; Free/under 12. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta/ East Cobb. More info: 770–924–8080 or www. mariettagreekfestival.com.
May 16-25
Yaarab Shrine Circus, Fair & Rodeo. In addition to the twenty-two circus performances under The Big Top, there are more than forty exciting carnival rides and attractions. Enjoy decadent foods such as hot wings, funnel cakes, cotton candy, fried Oreos, snow cones, elephant ears, and more! Circus, Midway & Rodeo Times and pricing See Website. Circus is May 16-20. Rodeo May 23-25. Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. More info/tickets: www.yaarabshrine.net or shrinecircusatlanta.com.
May 17
Community Yard & Craft Sale. Toys, tools, games, furniture, appliances and more! 10am-3pm. Free. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2922 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info: htelcm.org.
Kennesaw Outdoor Movie Series. Movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen on a large field at the park after sundown. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, and chairs for their own comfort. There will be activities for the kids and vendors on site. 6pm; Movie starts between 8-9pm, check website for movie title. Free. Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw. More info: www. kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation-1/special-events.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
May 17
Pop in for Family Fun. Provides children and their families the opportunity to interact with the Marietta History Center. The theme is Trains. 10am-4pm. Free. Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street, Marietta. More info: www.mariettahistory.org.
May 17
We the People presented by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra with the GSO Chorus. Delve into various perspectives on American life. 7:30pm Tickets: $15-45. Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, 488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw. More info: www.georgiasymphony.org.
May 20
Book Tasting. Looking for something new to read for the summer but don’t know where to start? Join in for a book tasting event and “taste” new titles, authors, and genres curated by East Cobb Library staff. Come hungry for a new book! 6-7pm. Free. East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: www.cobbcounty.org/events/book-tasting.
May 21
Last Day of School for Students in Cobb County Schools.
May 24
Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series presents Bee Taylor, music ranging from New Orleans Funk to Rock to Pop. 7:30pm. Free. Food, beer, wine and Sangria available for purchase. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. More info: 770-641-3705 or www.roswellriversidesounds.com.
Firefighters attending the appreciation lunch at the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team office.
The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team proudly hosted its semi annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon this Wednesday, drawing a heartfelt crowd to honor the dedication and service of local heroes. The event, held from 11am-2pm at the team’s East Cobb office, welcomed police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and other first responders from Cobb County and surrounding areas for a well-deserved barbeque lunch.
This year’s luncheon was a resounding success, with dozens of first responders in attendance. The community showed its gratitude with smiles, handshakes, and warm “thank you’s” throughout the afternoon. Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of barbeque generously provided by Supreme Lending, along with an array of sides and refreshments sponsored by
LUNCH FOR FIRST RESPONDERS & MILITARY
All-Atlanta Ameri Spec, First American Home Warranty, and Arrow Exterminators.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the courage and commitment of our first responders,” said Janice Overbeck. “This luncheon is just a small way for us to say thank you and let them know how much they are appreciated.”
Attendees lined up to grab hotdogs and hamburgers. The event not only offered a hot lunch but also a strong sense of community support and appreciation. Local businesses and citizens were excited to take part in recognizing some of the hardest working men and women in the region.
For more information about upcoming community events hosted by the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, visit www. JaniceOverbeck.com/events.
MARIETTA HISTORY CENTER IS A 2025 BLUE STAR MUSEUM
The Marietta History Center is proud to once again be a Blue Star Museum. This program provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer.
The 2025 program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
Blue Star Museums includes all types of museums, including zoos, and gardens, from all 50 states, District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The current list of participating museums will continue to develop over the summer as organizations are welcome to register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
The Marietta History Center’s mission is to ignite curiosity in Marietta’s history by connecting people through compelling stories and engaging experiences.
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS HELD LOCALLY
Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Here are the Memorial Day events held locally to honor those military men and women who died while serving our country.
ACWORTH MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Saturday, May 24 10 am
Patriots Point in Cauble Park
4425 Beach Street, Acworth 770-917-1234
Ceremony to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country with music, speakers and the recognizing of new bricks to be placed at the memorial.
MARIETTA NATIONAL CEMETERY FLAG PLACEMENT
Saturday, May 24 8 am
Marietta National Cemetery
500 Washington Avenue NE, Marietta 866-236-8159
Assist in placing flags at each grave stone ahead of the Memorial Day Ceremony.
MARIETTA NATIONAL CEMETERY MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 26 12 pm
Marietta National Cemetery
500 Washington Avenue NE, Marietta 866-236-8159
A tribute to our Veterans who valiantly served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The ceremony has patriotic melodies, the presentation of colors, prayers, a gun salute, and speeches. Veterans and the general public are invited to join in honoring our nation’s heroes.
ROSWELL REMEMBERS
Monday, May 26 11 am Roswell City Hall 38 Hill Street, roswell365.com
The Largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia. Featuring a variety of guest speakers, ceremonies and presentations. It takes place on the grounds of Roswell City Hall. BBQ lunch tickets available for purchase at the event.
SMYRNA MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 26 9:30 am 20th Century Veterans Memorial 2800 King Street, Smyrna 770-434-6600
This ceremony honors and appreciates the strength and sacrifice of our veterans.
WOODSTOCK MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 26 10 am The Park at City Center 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-592-6000 x1952
The City of Woodstock along with the American Legion Post 316, Marine Corps League Detachment 1311, and other local Veteran’s groups, honors those who fought and died to keep us free.
MEET DR. RENNIA WINT: A PASSIONATE VETERINARIAN SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
We are excited to introduce Dr. Rennia Wint, the owner and lead veterinarian at Just For Pets Animal Hospital, a newly opened full-service veterinary clinic in ParkAire Plaza on Lower Roswell Road. This small animal hospital is already making a positive impact on our community, and Dr. Wint and her team are eager to offer exceptional care for your furry family members.
Originally from Manchester, Jamaica, Dr. Wint moved to the U.S. to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. After earning her degree from Tuskegee University, she began her career as a Lead Veterinarian, later expanding her expertise by managing multiple veterinary
practices throughout Georgia. Along the way, she published scientific articles and founded and scripted a popular local radio program to help Jamaican farmers. Dr. Wint’s passion for animals is clear, and when asked what she enjoys most about her work, she simply says, “All of it!” From preventative care to surgery and dental education, she finds fulfillment in every aspect of veterinary medicine.
In her words, “Every day I get to make a difference in my patients’ lives by partnering with their pet parents. Whether it’s through surgery, dental care, or providing compassionate support when pets are sick, I love being there for both the pets and their families.” Dr. Wint also enjoys spending time with her loved ones, cooking, and listening to music outside of the clinic.
At Just For Pets Animal Hospital, Dr. Wint’s team is dedicated to providing outstanding care with a warm, friendly, and professional approach. Each team member is not only an animal lover but also deeply committed to building long-lasting relationships with pet parents. The clinic’s goal is to ensure that every pet receives the care they deserve at every stage of life. They offer WellCare packages, in-house lab testing, allergy testing, radiographs, ultrasound, microchipping, vaccinations, spays, neuters, dental care, soft tissue surgeries, and more.
The clinic welcomes both appointments and walk-ins for your cats and dogs. Just For Pets Animal Hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hospital is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Visit Justforpetsanimalhospital.com to learn more about this practice.
Dr. Wint would like to personally invite you to celebrate their Grand Opening on Saturday, May 24th! Bring your furry companions and the whole family to tour their state-of-theart facility, meet the team, and enjoy special giveaways. Plus, there will be exciting appearances by guests from the National Geographic TV show Critter Fixers for photo ops and more!
Dr. Rennia Wint with one happy client after a truly pawsitive experience.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ACUPUNCTURIST
Acupuncture and Injury
1521 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 135 • Marietta 30062 678-247-2115 • www.acupunctureandinjury.com
Providing quality care for chronic pain since 2009. As the practice has evolved, they have focused more on less invasive and pharmaceutical treatments such as Acupuncture and StemWave.
DENTISTS
Cheek Dental
2872 Johnson Ferry Road • Marietta 30062 770-993-3775 • www.cheekdental.com
Mon & Fri: 7am-1pm; Tues-Thurs: 8am-5pm
An all female dental team delivers compassionate, quality, comprehensive dentistry to adults and children with a focus on overall health. CAD/CAM same-day crowns, implant restorations, and beautiful cosmetic veneers, as well as Invisalign, Botox, and Fillers, are all done in a modern, hightech office. Cheek Dental has been caring for their East Cobb friends and neighbors for over 20 years.
DERMATOLOGISTS
Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta 4800 Olde Towne Parkway, Suite 250 • Marietta 30068 770-971-3376 • www.DESSNA.com
Mon-Fri: 7am-4:30pm
Dermatology and Surgery Specialist of North Atlanta PC (DESSNA) is composed of a group of board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants and medical aestheticians. Our clinic has been proudly serving the East Cobb community for over 30 years.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Nia Pediatric Dentistry 1111 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 200 • Marietta 30068 770-479-9999 • www.NiaDentistry.com
Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm; Fri: 8am-4pm; Sat: by appt. 9am-2pm Nia Pediatric Dentistry focuses on preventative care using the latest technology and friendly environment that takes the typical child’s fear of dentistry away.
PERSONAL TRAINERS
Fitness Together
1000 Johnson Ferry Road, Bldg. 400, Ste. 412 • Marietta 30068 770-321-1347 • www.fitnesstogether.com/eastcobb Hours by appointment.
The leader in private, personal training. We help our clients achieve, if not exceed, their lifelong wellness goals in a clean, professional and friendly environment.
SPARKLE SUCCESS STORY
By Ginger Markert-Brusa
Meet Dixie Wedding, age 69, of Roswell. Her goal is to maintain her current weight within a threeto five-pound range. Here’s her story:
I transferred to Atlanta in 2003 from Kansas City for the American Cancer Society as a national fundraising director. In 2007, I married Patrick. We have a large family and two Toy Fox Terriers. I retired in 2017. I work part-time at Jilli’s Boutique.
Growing up, exercise was not a priority. We played badminton or croquet, or took walks. Food was not a focus, either. We ate meat and overcooked vegetables.
Throughout my adult life, I maintained my weight, but did not eat healthy. I never counted calories, and was not concerned with nutrition. If I gained a pound or two, I would cut back. Sometimes I would make a meal of popcorn and Diet Coke or a glass of wine. I dined out a lot.
Following an osteopenia diagnosis in my mid-fifties, I did not want to be frail and risk breaking bones, so I began running. My goal was running as slow and as long as possible. The miles increased. I ran the Peachtree Road Race and seven half marathons. I became aware of nutrition and prepared home-cooked meals.
I have my neighbor, Linda Litton Martin, to thank for sharing Sparkle Wellness. My Sparkle journey began in January. The first meeting topic was inflammation. I had no idea what foods cause inflammation or how bad it can make you feel.
I attended my first fitness class in February. I was amazed and demoralized, realizing how weak I was. But the encouragement I received through Jacynta’s comments, like “girls just wanna have guns,” helped me focus on what I was doing and how getting started made all the difference. My goal is not losing weight, but maintaining. I am dedicated to improving my strength, nutrition, and overall lifestyle.
Joining Sparkle Fitness showed me that running alone is not enough; I need to build strength. I am learning how to use exercise equipment and my own body weight to work out. Being able to work out on Zoom removes excuses.
Another benefit of Sparkle is that I have changed my eating habits. I use healthy oils, cook whole foods with more protein, vegetables, and fruits. Awareness was my first step in this process. I am conscientious about reading food labels, I meal plan weekly, and I track what I eat and drink.
Before March 2015 After March 2025
Each week, I track my steps. I run or walk four to five days a week. I am working up to strength training three times a week, as well as recovery and yoga classes.
Top Tips for Others:
Motivation may get you started, but habits create lasting change. Habits make hard things easier.
Make small, simple choices daily. Sleep well, drink lots of water, strength train, be involved in the community, meal prep, track, and enthusiastically spread the Sparkle!
Aging well is an intentional process of blending physical health, joyful living, and mental resilience. All this is within one’s control. By building balance and muscles, one increases mobility and independence.
Eat real food. Sleep. Be joyful. Be grateful.
My 2025 word is “ignite.” That means focusing on positivity, being intentionally active daily, living powerfully and enthusiastically with a smile.
My 2025 mantra is “If not now, when? And my ‘when’ is now!”
Registration is now open for Summer/Fall. For information on Sparkle Wellness, contact Jacynta Harb at www.sparkleanewyou.com or call 404-242-5062.
SENIORS MILITARY BALL AND GALA
Celebrate veterans with a VIP reception, dinner, dancing, and silent auction, 6pm, Saturday, May 17, at the Marriott Atlanta Northwest at Galleria, 200 Interstate North Parkway SE, Atlanta. Tickets are now available on the website. Proceeds will help build the Cobb Veterans Memorial. For more information, email: cvmfmilitaryballgala@gmail.com.
The Cobb Veterans Memorial is a project planned as a park to honor veterans, teach history, and inspire future generations to live meaningful and purposeful lives of service.
Steps you can take right now to support the project are:
Visit Facebook.com/CobbVetMemorial to “Like” the project on Facebook
Make a donation to help raise the funds to start construction of the Memorial. Every dollar helps!
Want to do even more? If you would like to host a fundraising event, make a corporate/foundation donation, or help some other way, please email contact@cobbvmf.com..
