Most of us do not consider our work in a romantic way. But I believe work as a parent, a teacher, volunteer, or whatever passion we pursue allows us to show our love for others by contributing our talents for a greater good. This
February edition of the EAST COBBER spotlights those people in our East Cobb community fulfilling their part by working from the heart. From Pope students starting a nonprofit after losing a loved one (see page 8) to the members of the Big Chicken Chorus singing Valentine’s Day wishes (see page 10) to the organizers of a wildlife baby shower (see page 17)—all are examples of East Cobbers showing their love through their work. This edition also marks the 22nd anniversary of the special section, “Child Care and Preschool Guide.” This is put together for all new families who may be in search of these services. Not only is there numerous options of childcare and preschools offered right here in our own backyard, but it’s also the high caliber of childcare facilities that play a vital role in the healthy development of our children. The information on pages 18-23 fulfills the EAST COBBER’s mission to provide, you, the reader, with useful information about our community. It is my hope that this issue, like every issue, is a handy reference for East Cobb residents in search of local resources as well as a source of inspiration.
IEast Cobb!
On the Cover
On the cover is Owen Abernethy, 5 months. Owen is a lifetime resident of East Cobb! He is happiest when hanging with his siblings Laina (13), Charlie (10), and Tatum (5), who are absolutely smitten and love cuddling, tickling, and singing to baby Owen. Owen’s parents are East Cobb residents Chase and Tiffanie Abernethy.
Laren Brown, Publisher laren@eastcobber.com
SPRAYBERRY’S STEM ACADEMY STUDENTS WIN BIG AT WORLDWIDE PLANT COMPETITION
By Adam Darby
Placing high in a state or national science competition is no simple task. It takes a dedicated team working closely together with patience and precision. But winning an entire competition on an international level is a completely different story!
Sprayberry High School’s STEM Academy students recently took home first prize at the Plant Mars Challenge, an international competition sponsored by NASA testing young scientists on their ability to grow and sustain crops in Martian soil. The realistic simulation challenges science teams to work as a unit against others from across the globe to see who can successfully grow the best crops. This marks the first time the school’s academy has been honored with this achievement.
“The victory feels amazing! I am so proud of my students and for their accomplishments to be showcased like this is a dream come true,” said Todd Hefflinger, the Assistant STEM Academy Coordinator and the team’s lead coach for the challenge. “I absolutely love Sprayberry and it feels so good to see my kids recognized for their incredible talents.”
Serving as one of the highest-level competitions in which the STEM students participate, the school’s STEM Academy has participated in the Plant Mars Challenge for the last two years. They received financial aid for their research and experimentation through a $10,000 grant from Cobb Tank that they won last November.
From there, the students received a soil simulant package from the University of Central Florida’s CLASS
Exolith Laboratory provided to each team taking part in the comprehensive competition. Teams are responsible for defining their own experiment parameters when developing their growth strategy.
“We submit an initial experimental design at the beginning of the season to NASA that lays out our experimental goals and the parameters in which we plan to grow our crops,” Hefflinger said. “From there, we have to submit two video updates…the final report we submit is a lengthy scientific paper that details our findings and is written in a similar fashion to a scientific journal article.”
Each season, a leadership team oversees the implementation of the experiment while training future team leads for the following season. The students decided to use the unique approach of harvesting beans grown in Mars soil and utilizing those seeds to grow a second generation of crops. This distinct approach of generational crop growth won Sprayberry the Most Innovative Experimental Design Award.
“While the competition itself is quite straightforward, there is a lot of freedom for our students to sharpen a broad range of scientific and engineering skills within its parameters. We also use the challenge as a vehicle to sharpen our students leadership skills,” Hefflinger said. “Our entire community has been so supportive and happy for us. The level of support has been truly overwhelming.”
To learn more about Sprayberry High School’s STEM Scholar Academy and their various achievements, visit their website at www.SprayberrySTEM.com.
Sprayberry STEM team celebrate 1st place in national competition
Royalty Purple Beans: samples of plant growth in Martian soil
WINTER BREAK CAMPS & ACTIVITIES
The Cobb County School District has scheduled a winter break for students from February 20-24. A chilly week at home in the middle of the winter, with nothing to do, is many a paren’t worst nightmare. Keep everyone happy (and sane) by enrolling the kids in one of these entertaining day camps and/or activities in and around East Cobb. Check out the list below for some ideas.
CAMPS: FEBRUARY 20-23
Young Chefs Academy Culinary Camp. Campers experience the flavors of the season through an immersive culinary adventure empowering them to grow in their knowledge of the culinary arts and self-confidence. Ages 7-17. 9am-Noon. $225 for all 4 days. Young Chefs Academy, 2769 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Suite 95, Marietta. More info: 678-540-4806 or mariettaga.youngchefsacademy.com.
CAMPS: FEBRUARY 20-24
YMCA Northeast Cobb Winter Break Camp. Winter Break Camp offers a variety of activities for your child while they are off for the break! Activities will be themed and consist of arts and crafts, cooperative games, sports, and more! Ages 5-13. 7:30am-6pm. $45/day facility member; $55/day program member. Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, 3010 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: 678-569-9622 or ymcaatlanta.org.
ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY 20
Lego Club. Calling all master builders! LEGO Club at Mountain View is for children and families to get together and build fun LEGO designs together. Intended for children in grades K-8. Space is limited; registration required. 5-6pm. Free. Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: 770-509-4964 or www.cobbcounty.org/library/ events/89/lego-club/406/lego-club.
ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY 21
Midwinter Games Day. Come and play board games, card games, and dominoes, or bring your favorite game from home to share with others. This event is open to all adults, teens, and children (with parental supervision). Snacks will be provided. 2-5:30pm. Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: 770-509-4964 or www.cobbcat.org.
ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY 22
Instrument Exploration with Bach to Rock. Intended for grades K-2. Free, but registration required. Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: 770-509-4964 or www.cobbcounty.org/library/events/64/ instrument-exploration-bach-rockr/345/instrument-explorationbach-rockr.
ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY 23
Book Explorers. Each month we will read a picture book together, discuss it, and create a craft or activity based on the book. This program is intended for children in grades K-5. Registration required. 4-5pm. Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: 770509-4964 or www.cobbcounty.org/library/events/300/bookexplorers/1569/book-explorers.
POPE STUDENTS START TUTORING FOR TUMORS
Asimple idea between Pope high school students has sparked the creation of a new non-profit, Tutors For Tumors (TFT). The three founders Mateo Weeks, Sean Yan, and Prakash Mitra met in middle school, became friends, helping each other learn and prepare for exams. “Eventually, we took our love of learning and started explaining a concept to our friends or would help a struggling student with a complex math problem,” says co-founder Prakash Mitra. These interactions would soon lead to full-on tutoring sessions with their peers.
“We initially started to tutor our peers as a way of helping ourselves understand the content better while supporting other confused classmates. It wasn’t long after we concluded that there might be a future with our tutoring. Instead of profiting from this tutoring, we wanted to give back to the community that helped us get where we are today,” says Sean Yan, another co-founder of Tutors For Tumors.
So they created a non-profit organization that would tutor kids in the community while giving 100% of the funds to brain research. Why donate their earnings to brain research? As Mateo explains, “A few years ago, my younger cousin suddenly passed away due to a brain aneurysm at just eleven years old. His death took a toll on his parents and brothers. I began to do more research
and found out brain aneurysms are one of the least studied phenomena in the medical world. In fact, the federal government only spends two dollars per year on research per person afflicted.”
The TFT tutors offer tutoring in Math, English, Reading, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, and SAT to students from elementary to high school juniors. Tutors For Tumors’ tutors are academically-gifted students at Pope High School. TFT tutors must have at least a 3.9 GPA and are hand-selected to best suit the student’s needs. For more information and/or to book a session, email: tutorbeattumor@gmail.com.
Nothing can quite compare to a Mother’s love and we want you to nominate your mom for our annual EAST COBBER Mother of the Year contest. All EAST COBBER readers are encouraged to nominate a mother who either lives or works in East Cobb County to be this year’s EAST COBBER Mother of the Year. In 200 words or less, explain why this woman should receive this honor. The Mother of the Year will appear in the May edition of the EAST COBBER, participate in our annual Parade, and be eligible to receive gifts from local merchants.
Mail your essay along with photo to: EAST COBBER • P.O. Box 680455, Marietta, GA 30068 or E-mail contests@eastcobber.com.
Deadline: April 7, 2023
Tutors pictured from (l-r) Prakash Mitra, Sam Kiser, Bryan Yang, Mateo Weeks, True Rickman, Neal Sharma, Siho Sung, Sean Yan
BIG CHICKEN BARBERSHOP CHORUS
OFFERS SINGING VALENTINES
It’s that time of year again! Do something unique and very memorable for that special someone in your life! The Big Chicken Chorus will be delivering Singing Valentines on Tuesday, February 14. Singing Valentines can also be delivered by phone anywhere in the continental U.S.
A surprise visit from a quartet, dressed in tuxedo’s, will deliver two songs, a live red rose, a card with your personal message, and two sentimental love songs to your significant other at the location of your choice - home, office, school, restaurant, or other public location. These deliveries can also provide a memorable experience at the office as a gift from the staff to the special receptionist, office administrator or the occupant of the “corner office,” or to the staff from management.
Deliveries will be made this year from 9am until 8pm on Tuesday, February 14. The telephone deliveries are $25 and the Skype/Facetime deliveries are $35. Prices begin at $50 for a live delivery within a three-hour time window, arrangements can be made for delivery with a shorter time window at an additional charge.
Orders are already being scheduled and there are a limited number of quartets available. Deliveries are arranged on a first come, first served basis, make your plans early and place an order by visiting www.ordersingingvalentine.com or by phone to the Singing Valentines hotline at 404-482-3006. Inquiries or requests for additional information can also be made by email to SingingValentines@BigChickenChorus.org.
GA
the
Society. The Marietta, GA Chapter of the
Harmony Society is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the United Arts of Cobb County and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. The Big Chicken Chorus rehearses on Monday evenings in the chorus room at 950 Shiloh Road NW, Kennesaw. Rehearsals begin at 7pm and are open to the public. Guests are always welcome, particularly those young men of any age who enjoy singing, to join them in song. No experience or formal musical education is required.
The Big Chicken Chorus is the performing chorus of the Marietta,
Chapter of
Barbershop Harmony
Barbershop
Members of the Big Chicken quartet serenaded both mother Dana Griffin and daughter Aly Griffin for Valentine’s Day. Pictured (l-r) are: Gordon Angles, Maury Morris, Aly Griffin, Dana Griffin, Ray Taylor, Terry Morrison.
THE BENEFITS OF SEEING IN 3-D
Our office has recently integrated cone-beam computerized tomography, or CBCT, as part of our patient care, and everyone LOVES the new technology! Not only does it provide a more accurate picture of the teeth and mouth than a traditional x-ray, but it is easy and comfortable, especially if you are in pain
or have sore teeth and gums and have difficulty biting down on a traditional x-ray sensor.
CBCT scans use radiation just as traditional x-rays do, but the newer CBCTs deliver the same or even less radiation than many of the older x-ray units and provide much higher resolution images. After just a few seconds of scanning, over 150 images are taken and assembled to create a single 3D picture. With all of this information gathered in a single scan, a CBCT scan is a quick and easy way to get a
complete understanding of every part of your mouth.
The images created by a CBCT can show bone, airway, and soft tissue as well as teeth and any dental work you may have. It can be beneficial in obtaining a better overall view of your entire mouth, jaw, nasal, and/or throat areas. CBCT can be helpful in detecting tooth decay, bone loss, facial and tooth fractures, infections, abnormal growths, TMJ and airway issues, the location of nerves, and irregularities. With a 3-D image, things are seen that simply can not be detected on a 2-D x-ray. These images can help spot problems before they become severe issues and so that we can determine how best to treat them.
As with any radiographic technique, it is important to monitor radiation dosage over time. CBCT images should be taken conservatively when needed, but with today’s new and improved CBCTs, you can rest easy knowing that the amount of radiation emitted is fairly low.
CBCT scan taken at Cheek Dental
February COMMUNITY CALENDAR 2023
EVERY SATURDAY
Marietta Square Farmers Market featuring products that are grown and produced in Georgia, including produce, plants, honey, breads, and cheese. 9am-12pm (noon). Free. Historic Marietta Square, 41 Mill Street, Marietta. More info: 770-499-9393 or mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com.
THROUGH MARCH 12
Wayfinding – The Synthesis of poetic and visual language. Wayfinding is a body of conceptual and expressive paintings and poetry by Michael Heffernan, an Irish artist living in the American South. With paintings and poetry often synthesized as allied forms of expression and emotion, this exhibition explores the overlap in visual and written language through mark-making. The narrative-based artwork and poetry in this exhibition lean on the artist’s early Irish memories. February 26: Artist Talk with Michael Hefferman. 2pm. Exhibit Tuesday-Friday: 11am-5pm; Saturday 11am-4pm; Sunday: 1-4pm. $8/Adults; $5/Students & Seniors; $7/Military; Free/Members & Children under 6. Marietta Cobb Museum Art Museum, 30 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta. More info: mariettacobbartmuseum.org.
FEBRUARY 4
GSO Jazz! presents Samba at the Strand. 8pm. Tickets: $13-$37. Earl and Rachel Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. More info/Tickets: www.georgiasymphony.org.
FEBRUARY 5 & MARCH 5
Caffeine & Octane Car Show. Do you have a car enthusiast? Spend the morning at one of the largest monthly car shows. 9am-Noon. Free. Town Center Mall, 400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw. More info: caffeineandoctane.com/about-caffeine-and-octane.
Family Fun Day. Enjoy the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art with free admission on the 1st Sunday of the month. 1-4pm. Free. Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta. More info: mariettacobbartmuseum.org.
FEBRUARY 5
Super Museum Sunday. This is an annual event coordinated by the Georgia Historical Society as part of the Georgia History Festival, commemorating the founding of Georgia. 12-4pm. Free. More info and a list of participating museums: www.georgiahistory.com/ events/2023-super-museum-sunday.
FEBRUARY 7
Karaoke Night. Sing your heart out to a different tune each month, Strut your musical prowess on stage with friends. Karaoke Nights will center around one theme, but all songs are accepted. This recurring event will be held in the Black Box Theater and is intended for adults and teens. The theme for February is: Goldies & Duets (Old school music with a partner). This program will be hosted by special guest and head MC Alexis Thomason. 5-7pm. Free. Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, Black Box Theater, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: cobbcat.org.
FEBRUARY 10-12
Midwinter Dreams. Let Atlanta Ballet take you into a world of dreams with four works that will awaken your soul with joy and passion, sorrow and heartbreak. Friday: 8pm; & Saturday: 2pm & 8pm; Sunday: 2pm. Tickets: $30-$142. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info/tickets: ticketmaster.com or atlantaballet.com.
FEBRUARY 11
Atlanta Black Expo features various Black owned businesses for Black History Month. No matter your ethnicity, if you support Black owned businesses, you are invited to attend this event. This expo will include Product & Service based exhibitors, Speakers, Shopping, Food & Drinks, Demonstrations, Family Activities, Networking, Music, Art, Kids Business Expo, Workshops, Prizes, and much, much more. 11am-7pm. $15-$75. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info: atlblackexpo.com.
Winter Family Night Hike at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Listen for the sounds of winter in the woods and gaze up at the stars, while enjoying the crisp air of the season. A campfire, where you can roast a marshmallow, will be waiting for you as the evening wraps up. Advanced reservations required by the Thursday prior to the event. 7-9pm. $12/non-members; $10/members. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: www.chattnaturecenter.org.
FEBRUARY 12
Greater Atlanta Coin Show. Many dealers in one place where you can browse, buy, sell or trade coins, currency, bullion, and other collectibles. Experienced coin dealers also provide free verbal appraisals for coins, currency and precious metals. 9am-4pm. Free. Hilton Atlanta/ Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, 500 Powder Springs Street Marietta. More info: 770-772-4359 or www.atlcoin.com.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 16-19 & 23-26
Next to Normal presented by Atlanta Lyric Theatre. explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Thursday& Friday: 2 pm & 8pm; Sunday: 2pm. Tickets: $42-$67. The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. More info: 404-377-9948 or atlantalyrictheatre.com.
FEBRUARY 17-19, & 24-26
The Mountaintop presented by Theatre in the Square. There’s a storm brewing at the Lorraine Motel. And the electricity in room 306 may just overpower the lightning outside, as a weary hero receives a smoke and a reality check from a mysterious housekeeper; both of them are roiled by the repercussions. A growing moment of connection, unpredicted and unpredictable. It’s a conversation about racism and justice and holey socks. About the divergent paths of legacy, and how sometimes a great man is also human. A riveting, poetic journey through Martin Luther King Jr.’s missing minutes on April 3, 1968. Fridays: 8pm; Saturday, 2/18: 8pm; Saturday, 2/25 & Sundays: 3pm. Tickets: $15-$35. Theatre on the Square, 11 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta. More info: 770-426-4800 or theatreinthesquare.net.
As you know, tax time is once again upon us. Have your tax return prepared by a CPA with over 20 years experience preparing tax returns. You will receive fast, reliable service at reasonable rates. Your Federal and State returns will be carefully prepared to make sure that you get every deduction to which you are entitled. You will also be advised on how to keep your taxes as low as possible for next year.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 18
Brass Blast is an event designed for brass players of all ages and abilities. This year will feature Dr. Alex Lapins on tuba, and Chelsea McFarland on horn. Each artist will present an engaging class on performance and practice. Additionally, you will get to work with the KSU Brass faculty in a fun, and exciting day of brass ensembles, masterclasses, and recitals. Registration includes lunch, a unique t-shirt, and admission to the end of day concert featuring our guests, our faculty, and all of you in a mass brass ensemble work. Check in: 8:30am; Concert: 4pm. $40; Registration due before February 15. Kennesaw State University, Bailey School of Music, 488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw. More info/Registration: kennesaw.edu/arts/ academics/music/concerts-events/clinics-workshops/ brass-blast.php.
Pop-In for Family Fun at the Marietta Museum of History. Crafts and activities will be provided to create a fun learning environment that explores different topics of history with a local focus. This month’s theme is Black History. 10am-4pm. Free. Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot Street, Marietta. More info: 770-794-5710 or mariettahistory.org.
FEBRUARY 18 & 19
Beauty & The Beast presented by Atlanta Ballet 2. Fall in love with this celebrated fairy tale all over again with a one-hour production designed for our younger audience members, children ages 12 and under. Your family will be mesmerized by this enchanting tale of adventure, unlikely friendships, and the power of true love! 1pm & 5pm. $25-$99. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info/tickets: ticketmaster. com or atlantaballet.com.
FEBRUARY 19
STARLAB. Come learn about the night sky in winter. Learn all the winter constellations. 1pm & 1:30pm. Admission: $15/Adults; $9/Child (3-12); $11/Senior 65+/ Student (Ages 13 -18); Free/Members & children 2 & under. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or www. chattnaturecenter.org.
FEBRUARY 20-24
Cobb County School District Winter Break. All Cobb County schools will be closed.
FEBRUARY 25
Service Day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Come help restore woodlands and wetlands during this morning of service. You will be working to remove invasive plants to encourage native plant restoration. 8:30am-Noon. Ages 13-Adult; Registration required. Free. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or chattnaturecenter.org.
FEBRUARY 25
Special Olympics Georgia Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge is one of Special Olympics Georgia “coolest” and largest fundraising events through the efforts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Program (LETR). All proceeds raised go to help provide 26,620 Special Olympics Georgia athletes free year-round sports training. 9am. $50 (raised pledges) Cauble Park, 425 Beach Street, Acworth. More info/registration: Polarplungega.org.
You shall hear… The GSO Chorus, led by Music Director Bryan Black, will join the orchestra to pay tribute to renowned black composers. 8pm. $13-$45. Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta. More info/Tickets: 770-293-0080 or georgiasymphony.org.
Young Artists’ Concerto Competition. The Samuel Fordis Young Artists’ Concerto Competition features the top competition winners in solo performance with the Georgia Philharmonic orchestra. The first and by far largest in the South, the competition draws the best young soloists in the area to compete head-to-head on virtuosic concertos. 7pm. $10-$50. Lassiter High School Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: georgiaphilharmonic.org.
FEBRUARY 28
Sensory Friendly Afternoons at the Southern Museum. The museum is transformed into a sensory-friendly environment. Welcoming visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing issues or special needs to explore the Museum at their own pace. All ages are welcome. 2-5pm. $10/adults; $8/Seniors (65+); $5/Children (3-17), Active military & students (w/ID); Free/Members and children under 2. Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee St, Kennesaw. More info: southernmuseum.org.
MARCH 5
Purim Carnival. Join the youth department of Congregation Etz Chaim for the annual event. The theme this year is Hawaii, so pull out your grass skirts and festive Hawaiian attire! Festivities include children’s costume contest and prizes, carnival games, balloon artist, raffle, food for purchase and much more! A great multigenerational event for the entire family. 11:45am2:30pm $15 for tickets for children ages 2-18 until Thursday March 2. Tickets will be available at the door for $20. Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta. More info/tickets: etzchaim.net/event/ purimcarnival2023
Age & Gender:______________________________________
Favorite Food:
Favorite Person:
Best Trick:
Turn Ons: Turn Offs:
Favorite Toy:
Last Seen:
What makes your pet so special:
Owner’s Name:
CHATTAHOOCHEE
NATURE CENTER SPONSORS WILDLIFE BABY SHOWER
You’re invited to a wildlife baby shower happening Saturday, February 25, from 10am-3pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from CNC’s wildlife technicians what to do should you find baby birds or other baby animals. Ticketing and member reservations are open.
Come learn all about CNC’s efforts to help injured wildlife as we celebrate a wildlife baby shower. The wildlife team relies heavily on donations to do their work and provide care for the animals. Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators cannot accept payment for their services therefore without the help of the community, CNC will not be able to support all the baby animals who come to us this year. Northside Hospital will match all donations to the Wildlife Department during the month of February, up to $5,000.
Spring brings buds, blooms, and rains, and lots of calls to the Wildlife Department at CNC about baby animals. While CNC is licensed and trained only for raptors, reptiles, and amphibians, the Wildlife Department responds to over 150 requests each month in spring regarding wildlife babies of all species. Almost 300 animals less than one year of age were accepted for care at CNC while the others are referred to rehabbers of those species if necessary. Generally, it costs about 3 times as much to rehab a juvenile than an adult mostly because they eat so much more food. Overall, CNC takes in over 700 injured animals each year.
This day is a great opportunity to meet wildlife technicians and learn about what they do as well as get up close to some amazing animals. Learn from professionals what to do when you find a baby animal. CNC will have unique wildlife walks with specialists dishing all the best stories about our rehabilitated animals, community partners, and fun games for the whole family to learn about their favorite baby animals.
To learn more about Chattahoochee Nature Center, its mission and its programming, visit www. chattnaturecenter.org.
BABY REGISTRY
Chattahoochee Nature Center will happily accept the following gifts:
• Canned mixed vegetables (no salt added)
• Canned cat food (shreds/chunks; no fish flavors)
• Perfume and dye-free laundry detergent
• Gift cards to Amazon, Petsmart, Petco, Publix and Kroger
• Reptibark reptile substrate
• Zoo Med PowerSun or Exo Terra UV bulbs (100W or 125W)
The following pages provide a comprehensive listing of all child care centers, Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) programs, and preschools available to children up to the age of 5 in East Cobb County. This information offers a quick review of the child care and educational programs located right here in our East Cobb community. We have not attempted to “rank” or “rate” any centers. Readers are encouraged to thoroughly evaluate any potential caregiver. The Child Care Licensing Section of the Georgia Department of Human Resources regulates the industry and can be very helpful. In the Pre-K column, an * after the check mark indicates that the preschool offers the Georgia Pre-K program.
*Georgia pre-K offered
3455 Canton Road, Marietta 30066
(130) 571 Holt Road, Marietta 30068
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ACUPUNCTURIST
Acupuncture and Wellness Center
Dr. Li Hua Shu, TCMD – Licensed Acupuncturist 3535 Roswell Road, Suite 37 • Marietta 30062 678-560-7978 • www.drshutcm.com
Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm; Sat: 9am-4pm 25 years experience in traditional Chinese medicine treating pain management, respiratory system, emotional/mental health, nervous system, digestive system, smoking/weight loss, wrinkle reduction, high blood pressure, and much more.
DENTISTS
Cheek Dental
2872 Johnson Ferry Road • Marietta 30062 770-993-3775 • www.cheekdental.com
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
An all female dental team provides quality comprehensive dentistry to adults and children. Our high-tech office provides same day crowns and implant restorations and uses intraoral cameras and digital x-rays. Read our consistently 5-star reviews on our website and see why so many East Cobbers trust us with their smiles!
Waldron + Lee Dentistry is committed to providing caring dental services for you and your family. Their practice has been in operation for over thirty years in East Cobb.
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. Although our name is new, our clinic has been proudly serving the East Cobb community for over 30 years. We remain committed to providing expert dermatologic, surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic services to our loyal patients.
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 appointment 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.
Happy
SPARKLE SUCCESS STORY
Meet Jenny Angel. Jenny is 46, 5’10”, and lives in Marietta. Jenny is married with two middle school boys and is a certified financial planner. She recently joined the staff of her children’s school as a high school economics and Bible teacher. Jenny and her husband will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2023.
Jenny started Sparkle A New You Wellness with Jacynta Harb on January 7, 2022, and reached her goal weight in September 2022. Since then, she has lost an additional 10 pounds, for a total of 57.
How did you come to find Sparkle Wellness?
A dear friend invited me to join Sparkle Wellness. She has had amazing success in the program and wants to see all of her friends embrace a healthy lifestyle. I had lost weight before, the same twenty pounds over and over again, but this time was different. My mindset is different. I haven’t stopped.
What eating habits did you change?
I learned gluten is not my friend. It causes inflammation, both in my joints and in my sinuses. I avoid gluten and I definitely do not eat as much dairy as I once did. I’m not 100% gluten or dairy free, but my intake of both is minimal.
I’ve also learned more about certain oils that cause inflammation in the body, so I strive to avoid those as well. I read labels, I eat real, whole foods and I am particular about what goes into my body.
I eat to fuel my body and I eat to feel good. I focus on getting a certain level of protein daily, at least 100 grams, as well as a good variety of healthy carbs and fats. And yes, I do have an indulgence every once in a while.
What is your exercise routine?
I walk our dog twice a day for two to three miles. For the first five months of my journey, that is pretty much all I did, and you know what? I lost 33 pounds during that time.
What is the biggest challenge you faced on the journey?
Pushing through the plateaus and continuing to believe in myself. Mindset is the key to success in your Sparkle journey. This is not a diet. This is a lifestyle change. I embraced making better choices for me, for my health and longevity.
How you have triumphed along the way on the journey? Resuming a consistent workout routine. Attending group fitness classes twice a week is a win for me.
Your 3 Top Tips for others:
1. Writing down anything and everything that I consume on a daily basis, as well as noting how it makes me feel, gives me so much insight to make the best choices for my health.
2. Join a group: Having the support of a community is so important, no matter what journey you are walking. We were created for community and I am grateful for the Sparkle Wellness Community.
3. Move your body: Some activity is better than no activity. If you need help, get a dog!
How has your life changed?
I do not have aching joints and my gut health is much better. I also feel empowered. I have confidence I can maintain this lifestyle while continuing to grow and learn in my wellness journey. I wish that I had started sooner! If you are making excuses as to why you couldn’t possibly lose weight or get healthier, come join us. You’ll be glad you did! To learn more about Sparkle Wellness, visit sparkleanewyou.com.
BEFORE: Jenny Angel Spring 2020 AFTER: Down 57 pounds
HEALTH & WELLNESS
OPTHALMOLOGIST
Woolfson Eye Institute
2687 Sandy Plains Road • Marietta 30062
1-866-527-3722 • www.woolfsoneye.com
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Woolfson Eye Institute is proud to provide excellence in vision correction with specialties in LASIK, Cataracts, Cornea, ICL/CLE, Glaucoma, Retina, Keratoconus, Dry Eye and Oculoplastic.
Fitness Together
PERSONAL TRAINERS
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.
Signature 30-minute Afterburn workouts combine High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Active Rest Training to produce fun workouts that burn twice the calories in half the time and keep your metabolism running at a higher rate for up to 36 hours post workout. Every Fit Body Boot Camp session is led by a certified coach to ensure that you get the best workout, most fat burn while keeping you safe and injury free!
Vascular Surgical Associates has been treating veins in Marietta and Atlanta since 1986. Our staff provides expert care by successfully diagnosing vein issues, discussing the condition of your veins, and thoroughly explaining all treatment options. The surgeons and staff are committed to improving the health and youthfulness of your legs. Vein procedures are designed to improve the health and quality of your life.
EAST COBB MOM FIGHTS BOREDOM, THEN CANCER WITH COMEDY
By Neeahtima Dowdy
In her mid-40s, Heather Tolley-Bauer’s was raising a son and running her public relations business in Connecticut, when her husband announced he was taking a job in Atlanta.
Suddenly, she was in East Cobb, no job, her son in kindergarten, and her husband busy with his new job.
“Looking back, I had done a lot of pivoting,” she said. “I’d done it when I left the corporate world and started my own business and then did it again when I became a mom, so I knew how to do it. I was just a little mad that I had to.
“At the time everybody had blogs. So, my big idea was to do something new once a week or month—explore this brand-new time in my life in this new city—and blog about it,” Heather said. But the blog never materialized. Her first outing was to take a standup comedy class, and she’s been performing stand-up ever since.
recalled.
The colonoscopy revealed stage 1 cancer, and further testing showed she, indeed, had a gene making her susceptible to many different cancers. To date, she’s been diagnosed six times with four different types of cancer.
“I was one-year into my comedy career and wasn’t sure where to go with it,” she said. “But I realized I have a real opportunity. I can use my comedy to advocate for early colonoscopies, because people think that it’s an old man’s disease and I am a young woman.
“We all know laughter’s the best medicine, but sometimes medicine is the best medicine,” she said. “But humor heels. When we tell our stories it makes a difference—it changes lives.”
Her comedy routine was therapeutic. She was able to talk about the less-rewarding aspects of life as a suburban stay-at-home mom, and it resonated with other women. She says women feel guilty about complaining about being a stay-at-home mom, because they know they are fortunate.
“Forgive me for not being all that excited about my schedule of Zumba, picking up my Xanax prescription, and stopping by the wine shop,” she said. “And then I’m going home to polish the granite. Buzy, buzy, buzy! Yes, I’m very fortunate, but I’m not 100 percent fulfilled by it.”
Women tell her after her shows that it helps take some of the maternal guilt away by being able to laugh about their lives. She says out loud what other women are thinking.
“If we can just laugh at the small stuff, that it gives us the bandwidth for the bigger stuff,” Heather said.
Stuff like Cancer. One year after starting her comedy career, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
She didn’t have symptoms, but a dermatologist looked at her family history and thought she might have a gene that put her at high risk for colon cancer.
“I might have just ignored him, except I was like, ‘you’re so adorable I will get that colonoscopy,” Heather
She’s also made it her mission to help other women in comedy. Her monthly comedy show, Laugh Lines and Stretch Marks at Mad Life Stage and Studios in Woodstock, features a national headliner and local female comics. She says that comedy is still a male dominated field, so she prides herself in providing good-paying stage time for female comics.
Now she’s pivoting again. The past year she’s been customizing comedy routines for corporate meetings. Additionally, she’s partnered with psychologist and burnout expert Dr. Sharon Grossman to offer a “variety show-meets TED talk,” entitled Crack up your Code: Re-engage your way back from burnout.
“Our goal is to be a major component of corporate meetings and professional conferences,” Heather said.
In the meantime, she’s committed to continue producing her monthly comedy show, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary in May. Laugh Lines and Stretch Marks is the only regularly occurring all-female comedy show in all of Atlanta.
You can find Heather at hyphenup.com.
Neeahtima Dowdy is the creator of We’re Not Dead Yet: Women rocking their next chapter, inspiring women over 40, 50, 60 and beyond. Instagram: @yetwerenotdead; Facebook: @womenrockingnextchapter; Web: www.werenotdeadyetwomenover40.com.
Heather Tolley-Bauer
SENIORS
AARP TAX-AIDE OFFERS FREE TAX HELP
AARP is once again helping Cobb County residents file their taxes on time and correct. There is no charge for the service, and all tax preparers are trained by AARP. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal, state and local tax returns for taxpayers who have straightforward tax returns starting February 3 through April 15. Membership in AARP is not required and the service is available to everyone regardless of age. Appointments are not required and electronic filing is available at all locations.
Taxpayers should bring their 2021 return and all 2022 tax documents. Each taxpayer must also present their social security cards or other identification documents for themselves and all dependents.
For direct deposit refunds, taxpayers must have their checkbook and a valid blank or canceled check.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available at the following locations convenient to East Cobb:
ALOHA TO AGING
Dementia-Based Art and Music Exploration Program
February 14-March 7 • Tuesdays 1-3pm Grace Resurrection Methodist Church 1200 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta 30068
Talented area musicians and artists provide a therapeutic and engaging experience for those individuals diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Participants will enjoy live music of varying genres, multiple art forms, all set to a theme to enhance this multi-sensory experience. This 2 hour program is geared for those who are in need of outside stimulation and engagement and aren’t currently enrolled in a day respite program.
Caregivers of participants will be offered 2 educational opportunities while the care recipient is in session. (Aging 101 Hands-on Simulation Class and Informational Caregiver Support Group.)
To sign up, email info@alohatoaging.org your contact information and information on your loved one. There are limited spaces and pre-assessments are required for participation.
♦ Cobb County Senior Service Center Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:30am-2:30pm, 1150 Powder Springs Street. To schedule an appointment, emailccwc. taxaide@gmail.com or call 678-439-7230.
♦ East Cobb Library Tuesdays, from 10am -4pm, 4880 Lower Roswell Road. To schedule an appointment, email eclib.taxaide@gmail.com or call 770-609-9138.
♦ Gritters Library Tuesdays from 10:30am-2:30pm, 880 Shaw Park Road. To schedule an appointment, email gritterstaxes@gmail.com.
♦ Mountain View Library Thursdays, (starting March 9) from 10:30am-2:30pm, 3320 Sandy Plains Road. To schedule an appointment, email taxaide.mtnview@ gmail.com.
♦ Switzer Library Thursdays from 10:30am-2:30pm, 266 Roswell Street. To schedule an appointment, email Switzertaxes@gmail.com.
