Dog Days of Summer
Welcome to the end of Summer
Happy Dog Days of Summer!
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
This issue is always one of our favorites, as the stories and mentions are greatly focused on summer fun and family. With this being our annual children's and pets issue, we're dialed in on children and our furry friends.
Children bring both challenges and rewards. From the moment a child is born, parents and those who love them face numerous trials and tribulations that test their patience, resilience and resourcefulness. But no matter the challenges, the deep, unconditional love that exists creates endless effort to ensure the well-being of children and their happiness.
Not only do children bring us immense joy, but all over our communities we see the significant impact they make. Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest success.
And how about our pets! Whether furry or feathery, pets are a child's and family's most valued companion. This special relationship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. They provide unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and trust.
In the pages of this issue, we hope you will enjoy reading about adults and children alike who are making a difference, the talent woven throughout our community, the generosity of many who are lending a hand to ensure the health and wellness of our youth, and more.
As summer winds down, let's find one more opportunity to be and do together. Enjoy a long-weekend away at a pet-friendly beach, a simple afternoon running through a sprinkler or attending an art event or musical concert.
We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Cheers from our entire team!
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Catherine James | catherine.james@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Abby Ramsey | abby.ramsey@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Rei Kaiser | reikaiser@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Catherine James, Tran Bui, Rei Kaiser
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
LISA THIBAULT, PUBLISHER @EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE
3:5-6
MAKING DREAMS A REALITY
A premier cabinet, counter top and flooring company, passionately transforming and creating perfect kitchens, bathrooms and offices. With decades of experience, our talented team helps ensure unparalleled quality, time efficiency and solid budget management. Commitment to detail, distinctive designs and best-in-class service has led Kitchen Designs to experience monumental growth and success creating opportunity for continued innovation. One thing that has remained constant is the resolve of company founders to never lose focus on what matters most - our clients.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Kelly Boatright of Stretch Zone East Cobb hosted food drive for Wheeler HS Food Pantry 2: Georgia Luxury Pools Owner David Brown dedicated to excellence earns Advanced Pool Builder Professional Certifications. 3: Congratulations! Allstate's Kory Rykman, Lindsey Rykman and team for being named Best In Company. 4: Celebrating Atlanta Braves partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Northwest Metro Atlanta supporting homeowner Quintasha Swanson 5: Announcing SafePath's 21st Annual Gala Hearing Children’s Voices Gala on 8/10/2024 at TruistPark! Email hanalaine.safepath@cobbcounty.org 6: Congratulations! Atlanta Bed Swings celebrates 10 years of creating spaces for our four-legged friends! atlantabedswings.com 7: North Georgia State Fair makes significant contributions to education, nonprofits and Cobb County Government.
BODY’S POTENTIAL.
The conveniences of modern life keeps our bodies from working out to their maximum potential, but BODY20® is here to change that. Our patented, wearable fitness gear activates the body’s muscles deep within to deliver a full-body strength or cardio workout in just 20 minutes.
Key Benefits of BODY20:
+ Tones Muscle.
+ Reduces Fat.
+ Improves Strength + Endurance.
+ Minimal Strain On Joints.
+ Corrects Muscular Imbalances.
+ Optimizes Posture.
+ Relaxes Muscle Tension.
+ Enhances Sports Performance.
+ Maximum Results. Minimal Time.
+ Unleashes Your Potential.
2024 Marietta Square Art Walk
Hosted by Marietta Square restaurants, galleries, museums, venues and boutiques, stroll the Marietta Square Art Walk held first Friday of each month through December. It is a free, self guided tour showcasing local original art and artists. From 5pm to 9pm, enjoy late-night shopping, patio dining, fine art, live music, gallery openings and free admission to Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. Participating venues display an official Art Walk banner in their window. (770) 429-1115 facebook.com/MariettaSquareArtWalk
National Charity League East Cobb Doubles Down!
National Charity League East Cobb hosted its 2nd Annual Impact Day! Over 100 mothers and daughters gathered at St. Ann's Catholic Church. With help from Whole Foods Merchant Walk, Publix Charities, and Costco, volunteers prepared a staggering 1,645 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity. NCLEC doubled numbers from last year and added a food insecurity activity to help members understand while there is plenty of food available, the distribution-accessibility is lacking.
ROSWELL JOHNSON FERRY
East Cobb Park Announces Beautification Project Honoring Sunny Walker
In memory of “Sunny” Walker, inaugural board member and later president of East Cobb Park, a beautiful butterfly park is planned in her name. Sunny was instrumental in identifying, purchasing and converting land on Roswell Road, along Sewell Mill Creek into what’s become one of the most popular parks in Cobb County. Today, the park's 20 acres features trails, playgrounds, recreational space, pavilions and concert area. To learn more and support the effort, visit eastcobbpark.org.
Leadership Cobb Announces It's 2025 Class!
Cobb Chamber’s premier leadership development program selected 60 new participants for 2024-2025 class. Founded in 1983, Leadership Cobb brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. The program accomplishes this through leadership training, teambuilding, and educational experiences highlighting our community’s greatest success stories and most significant ongoing challenges. 2025 Class Co-Chairs Jennifer New and Greg Mize with 2024 Class Co-Chairs Brian Marcos and Betsy Madrerohon. cobbchamber.org
We tend to our steaks with the passion of a winemaker, our master butcher monitors our steaks daily for 21 days in a temperature and humidity-controlled vault, then carves it by hand.
Cobb County Habitat Interfaith Coalition (CIHC) Celebrates 23rd Build!
CIHC and future homeowner Sandra hammered nails and raised walls on the Coalition’s 23rd house located in the City of Marietta. Sandra is the Administrative Assistant in Development Services, City of Marietta. An affordable mortgage did not seem attainable until she was selected through the City of Marietta Public Service program. This year’s faith groups include 15 religious organizations and eight corporate partners. Learn more about the amazing efforts of local affiliate, visit habitatnwma.org.
A FAMILY A"FAIR"
THE NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR BRINGS FAMILY FUN TO COBB!
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE JONES
The blue skies and cotton candy sunsets of summer don't end when school starts back. Georgia weather tends to be at its best during crisp, cool fall afternoons, and there's no better way to spend them than witnessing an eye-popping circus spectacle with cotton candy in hand or screaming as the breeze zips through your hair on a lightning-fast coaster. There's only one place to find that much action, excitement and adventure in metro Atlanta: The North Georgia State Fair!
From September 19 through 29, the North Georgia State Fair returns to Marietta's Jim
R Miller Park for 11 days of delectable fair food, captivating entertainment, thrilling rides and fun for the whole family. The Cobb County Fair Association, a nonprofit of 24 Cobb County residents, and partner Drew Expositions will bring the festivities to life with the theme "Let's Ride" for the fair's 92nd year.
While it's known to draw crowds of over 300,000 people from across the State, that hasn't always been the case. The Cobb County Fair was the first to come to Cobb County in 1924. It was met with great success, and as a result, the Cobb County CONTINUED >
“WE TRY TO CREATE AN EXPERIENCE THAT FAMILIES WILL WANT TO ENJOY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”
- TOD MILLER, FAIR MANAGER
Fair Association was created in 1927. Each year, without fail, the aromas of funnel cakes and flashing neon lights filled the space across from the Glover Machine Shop until World War II abruptly halted the festivities.
But almost a decade later, the fair prevailed. It came back to life in 1950 with a new name: The North Georgia State Fair. Then, it underwent a series of exciting changes: moving to its current 115-acre property in 1966, extending from 6 to 10 days in 1986, and hosting big names in entertainment like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and more starting in 1989.
Today, instead of live music, you and your little ones can find family-friendly entertainment at the Carriage Kia Grandstand Series almost every night. The series features a boutique circus, demolition derby, monster trucks and bull riding. Plus, three top-tier attractions—the Mega Slide, the Georgia Mountain Lift and the Wildcat Roller Coaster—will be back. The North Georgia State Fair has made history as the only fair in the country to offer all three of these iconic, adrenaline-pumping rides, so make sure they're on your itinerary!
Beyond these, Drew Exposition promises all-new rides and ground acts. The lineup includes a thrill ride, three
kid-friendly rides, and a host of new performers, including hypnotists, comedians, puppetry artists, flamethrowers and more.
But the fair is more than just 11 days of yummy food and thrilling rides. Its impact runs deep throughout the Cobb County community all year long. This year, the North Georgia State Fair awarded $5,000 scholarships to seven deserving Cobb County students. These talented individuals, selected from a pool of over 70 other applicants, were honored at a Charitable Donations Dinner hosted by the fair on June 9. In addition, the fair made four $15,000 donations to local charities (10 Women of Hope, Waymark Foster, The Dave Krache Foundation and Marietta Mentoring), a $40,000 donation to the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation, and a $375,000 donation to the Cobb County government for capital improvements at Jim R. Miller Park.
“The Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair takes great pride in giving back to the community it calls home," said fair president Colin Meaders. "It was a tremendous honor to be able to put over $500,000 back into our community. We look forward to building on this tradition for many years to come.”
northgeorgiastatefair.com
The Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair scholarship recipients.
Voted Cobb County’s Best Assisted Living & Retirement Communities 5 Years in a Row!
“We’rehonoredthatSterlingEstatesofEastCobbwasVoted BestAssistedLivingCommunityinMyEastCobbandthat SterlingEstatesCommunitieshavebeenrecognized“Best ofCobb”forRetirement,AssistedLiving,andMemoryCare. We’vebeenservingSeniorsingreaterAtlantaforover25+ yearsnow...Weinviteyoutocomeandexperiencewhatsets usapart.”MarshallGill,COO&Partner,SterlingEstatesSenior Living Communities
“WhatI’velearnedisthatallcommunitiestalkaboutwellness andsocialization...buttheydon’thavethewellnesscenter,green space,programmingandstaffingthatSterlingEstateshas.No onecanmatchwhatSterlingprovidesfortheirresidentsperiod. MyparentsarethrivingatSterlingEstates...betyourswilltoo.” ~ Susan S.
Come See Why So Many Are Choosing To Call Sterling Estates Home
Local Owners and Managers | Unparalleled Wellness & Activities Centers & Programs Award-Winning Food and Spacious Dining |Cottages and Apartments in Neighborhood Settings Certified Parkinson’s Disease Programs | Longevity of Staff
INDEPENDENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
East Cobb: 678-946-4454 (Ask for Shelly) | West Cobb: 770-255-7000 (Ask for Sherry or Lacey)
PETS, PASSION, AND PURPOSE
Celebrating heroes of animal rescue
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI
In nearly every community, there are people working tirelessly to make life better for animals in need. From saving strays to hosting rock concerts for rescues, their passion for pets transforms lives daily.
MOSTLY MUTTS ANIMAL RESCUE: TWO DECADES OF SAVING LIVES
Founded in the backyard of its original founder, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue is now celebrating 20 years of tireless service. What started as a response to the overwhelming crisis of homeless pets has now become a haven for animals across the state.
Kelley Long, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, describes her personal journey, “My dogs changed my life so much for the better. Working at Mostly Mutts is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. I know we are making a difference every day for those who do not have a voice of their own.”
Mostly Mutts is committed to saving pets from euthanasia and homelessness. Even though the organization collaborates with animal control, the mission extends beyond immediate rescue. The long-term vision is to address the root causes of pet overpopulation by opening a low cost spay neuter clinic.
“We are in the process of purchasing the property next to our campus,”
explains Long. “While this opens many exciting opportunities to save lives, it also creates many needs.”
Mostly Mutts thrives on community support. Volunteers, foster homes and financial contributions are essential to the operations. Whether you're looking to donate, volunteer or adopt, visit MostlyMutts.org to learn how you can contribute.
ROCK FOR RESCUES: WHERE MUSIC AND ANIMAL WELFARE MEET
Rock for Rescues was born from Ray Baker’s passion for music and his love for animals. Inspired one night by his sleeping chocolate lab, Duncan, Baker envisioned a platform that combined these two loves. Since its inception in 2018, Rock for Rescues has grown from a “cute little idea” to a major non-profit organization, with events that have drawn thousands.
The foundation's mission is to provide local animal rescues with a voice, stage and platform through music events. By partnering with cities, venues and businesses, Rock for Rescues raises awareness and funds for a variety of animal welfare groups from Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort, Georgia House Rabbit Society, Good Mews, Byrdhouse Ministries, Wags and Wiggles Dog Rescue and One Paw at a Time.
“We have done the research,” says Baker. “We do a deep dive into the operation of each non-profit rescue organization we partner with to make sure their mission aligns with ours and that they truly need our help. When you donate to Rock for Rescues, you can be assured your money, time and effort are appropriately used for the cause.”
Rock for Rescue events have featured everything from up-and-coming bands to ambassador animals, creating memorable experiences that connect rescues and the community.
Businesses and individuals can support Rock for Rescues by attending events, partnering or donating. More information is available at RockForRescues.org
ALL ABOUT CATS RESCUE: A FELINE-FOCUSED MISSION
Kristy Grieco’s journey into cat rescue began with her first cat Coco, a stray tabby who became her constant companion. This deep connection inspired her to start All About Cats Rescue in 2011. The organization focuses on rescuing cats and kittens from high-kill shelters in North Georgia, and providing them with medical care and permanent homes. Each cat or kitten receives medical vetting including spay or neuter surgeries, tests for FIV/FeLV/HW, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping and rabies shots. In 2023, 321 cats and kittens were placed into loving homes.
"So many lives in our community are enriched by a loving cat from All About Cats. One of our most pressing needs, besides donations, is foster homes to temporarily care for our cats or kittens until they are ready for adoption. Without a shelter, the number of cats we can rescue depends on the number of foster homes. We can save more cats and kittens with more foster homes. Our rescue will provide the necessary supplies and medical care. It’s a great way to teach your kids to give back to the community. A little space and love ensures a kitten or cat makes it from a kill shelter into a family's home," says Kristy Grieco.
This Roswell-based rescue operates solely with volunteer support and donations, ensuring that every dollar goes toward the cats' care and well-being. To adopt, volunteer, foster or donate, visit AllAboutCats.org CONTINUED >
THE HOMELESS PET FOUNDATION: HOSTING ADOPTION EVENTS TO PLACE PETS IN FOSTER FAMILIES UNTIL FOREVER HOMES CAN BE FOUND.
The Homeless Pet Foundation is located in Marietta. It was founded by Dr. Michael Good of Town & Country Veterinary Clinic— now Beyond Pets Animal Hospital—when he saw first-hand the need to get adoptable pets out of overcrowded shelters to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Since inception in 1998, they have rescued and adopted over 25,000 dogs and cats!
The organization focuses on three areas: finding adoptive homes through Beyond Pets Animal Hospital, partnering with schools and local businesses to promote pet adoptions through their Homeless Pet Clubs, and transporting pets from the Southeast to other areas of the country where there is greater demand.
HomelessPets.com
Jump in!
• Volunteer: Offer your time to help with daily operations or special events.
• Foster: Provide temporary homes for animals in need until they find their forever families.
• Donate: Financial contributions, supplies, or even hosting fundraisers can significantly support these rescues.
• Adopt: Give a homeless animal a loving home and change their life forever.
COBB COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS LOCAL KIDS AND FAMILIES THRIVE
The Nonprofit that Keeps on Giving
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE JAMES
Mike, Addilyn and Sharon Mason in 2018 at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of CCF's founding.
Sally Rhoden with Mayor Ollie Clemons at the ribbon cutting of the Little Free Library she donated to honor her grandchildren.
I believe that a rising tide lifts all ships. We're rising the tide in Cobb County. - Shari Martin
Cobb Community Foundation's unique structure assists both nonprofits and individuals, paving the way for countless influential stories and palpable changes in the lives of Cobb County kids and families. Its story is one worth telling.
HOW IT STARTED
In the early 1990s, member Jim Rhoden encouraged East Cobb Rotary to create a charitable fund at what is now the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. After establishing the fund, some of Cobb County's most prominent business leaders joined Jim in creating a another charitable fund that encouraged everyone to give in Cobb. In 2005, Cobb Community Foundation became an independent foundation. It's been changing Cobb County for the better ever since.
HOW IT WORKS
Cobb Community Foundation manages to be timely in their outreach while supporting as many local organizations and nonprofits as possible.
All funds fall into two categories: advised or discretionary. Of the Foundation's $30 million in assets, 30% is held for charitable organizations, 60% is held in donor-advised funds, and the remaining 9% makes up a combination of scholarship funds and funds designated for charitable organizations. In each category, donors are responsible for distributing their funds as they see fit. The remaining 1% goes to the Foundation for unrestricted use and discretionary grant making.
Shari Martin, President and CEO, assures "We consider it our job to understand the needs of the community, who is meeting those needs and what gaps still remain."
Cobb Vital Signs, a new initiative, will allow the Foundation to collaborate with Kennesaw State University, government agencies and nonprofits to obtain new and relevant information for better-informed grant making decisions and, hopefully, the
chance to make a bigger impact with fewer dollars. Along with this roll out, the Foundation has big plans to grow the discretionary grant making pool to $5 million by the end of 2028.
In the meantime, Cobb Community Foundation focuses its efforts on childcare and early learning, mental health, poverty reduction, and nonprofit capacity building. It also actively leverages discretionary funds to create awareness among funders and the community. In the last year, helped keep 50% of grant dollars in Cobb County and 71% in metro Atlanta.
SUPPORTING KIDS AND FAMILIES
Along with their support via discretionary grant making, nearly everything Cobb Community Foundation does directly contributes to the betterment of local children and families.
The organization was instrumental in securing Friends for East Cobb Park an ongoing stream of income; it organized the first Cobb Food Fleet during COVID, which continues providing meals to rows of cars with sleeping children in their backseats each week; it's actively subsidizing counseling services through Cumberland Counseling Center; and it gets the word out to local families about how they can support their neighbors in need.
“Thank you for your part in creating a safe place where I can ride my bike, play on a playground and even see a concert,” said Addilyn Mason, a local kid particularly touched by the Foundation's work on East Cobb Park.
"How do we benefit children in East Cobb? We’re supporting organizations that are improving their quality of life," explains Shari Martin. "But beyond that, my greatest hope is that we are instilling in them the knowledge that they CAN they make a difference in their community while also creating in the desire to do so."
Learn more about supporting Cobb Community Foundation, and in turn, how you can support Cobb County's most pertinent causes, at cobbfoundation.org.
Twenty-five years after the establishment of the Cobb Community Fund,
My greatest hope is that we are instilling in them the knowledge that they CAN make a difference in their community while also creating in the desire to do so. “ ”
Larry Nelson and 2024 Scholarship Recipient Joseph Canitano.
four original founders gathered for an update.
The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to expanding music education for students
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE JAMES
The Art of Music
According to Suzanne Tucker, Executive Director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, "Studying music doesn't just make you a better musician, it makes you a better human."
That's why the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) founded the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO) to enhance the quality of music education for children in Cobb County and beyond. Michael Alexander, the director of Cobb Symphony Orchestra until 2015, started the kid-friendly program in 2006. Just as the Cobb Symphony became the Georgia Symphony Orchestra due to its increasing popularity across the State, GYSO was born, drawing students from 17 Georgia counties to be a part of the program's 11 different ensembles.
Today, GYSO is cherished for many reasons. The program doesn't just teach students to hone their musical skills, but gives them the chance to play in a large group setting unlike any other. The ensemble environment requires a different kind of musicianship and, in turn, offers top quality teachers and a strong support system. Each ensemble exposes students to a broad range of music genres and advanced music. For that reason, GYSO programs can and should be supplemented on top of school programs and/or private lessons. For students that are home schooled or only take private lessons, GYSO poses additional benefits thanks to its unique, performance-based setting.
There's no time like the present to learn a new skill, and the earlier students begin their music journey, the more time they'll have to reap the social and educational benefits. For that reason, Dr. Timothy Verville, GSO's Music Director, urges parents to start students in the right place.
"Let your child explore all that is out there from singing to instrumental performances. And if they have an interest, find classes/ensembles either through their school or outside organizations. The first choice isn’t necessarily the one that is right for the student," he advises.
CONTINUED >
“Music has a special power to transform. It shouldn’t be ‘extra’ for children. It should be core—something that everyone has access to. Studying music doesn’t just make you a better musician, it makes you a better human.”
- Suzanne Tucker, Executive Director
For those wondering why music, the statistics speak for themselves. The study of music promotes curiosity, creativity and collaboration. Music students regularly out-perform their peers on standardized tests and are statistically more likely to be elected to school office, have perfect attendance, and attend and graduate college. But the benefits permeate even deeper than intellectual capabilities. Playing and performing music engages every part of the brain, fostering collaboration, harmonization, confidence and broader cultural and artistic horizons.
As GYSO's Artistic Director Nat Parker puts it, "There are many immediate and long-term benefits for children who are involved in music. Perhaps the most significant is that— whether as a profession or a hobby—music offers a vehicle for individual expression that children will be able to engage with throughout their entire lives."
Cobb County students and their families are invited to glimpse the magic at two upcoming GSO performances geared toward families. The GSO will kick off its 74th season with a shortened concert presentation featuring George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue on October 12, perfect for young attention spans. Additionally, on November 9, the orchestra will present two concerts of special interest to young families: a Sensory Friendly concert and Family Concert. Both feature music from epic Marvel movies and an Instrument Petting Zoo for a hands-on music making experience. The Sensory Friendly concert offers reduced volume levels, limited ticket sales to avoid crowding, sensory tools, freedom of movement and access to a quiet room.
For information about these and upcoming concerts, and to learn about GYSO, visit georgiasymphony.org.
The Science of Natural Healing
Offering treatments for patients challenged with a variety of ailments cancer | diabetes | high blood pressure | brain disease | anxiety | stress
Also offering Jongboo Therapy the only available clinic in Georgia. For more information scan the QR code.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Olivia Choi today.
Georgia Composite Medical Board Licensed Acupuncturist Over 12 Years of Proven Experience
Scan to learn more. Join hundreds of clients who have found relief from chronic pain.
& Compounding Pharmacy
Practicing the art and science of compounding customized medication. We can fill all your regular prescriptions and you can consider us a one stop shop for all your health needs.
Hormone Replacement including creams, gels, capsules, and more.
Pediatric Formulations
Veterinarian Medication:
Transdermal and Oral
Pain Management
GI Formulations
Dermatology, Podiatry and Cosmetic Products
Make a splash at these Cobb County splash pads!
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE JAMES
ESCAPE the HEAT
Nothing says back to school quite like sweltering, sticky afternoons under the hot Georgia sun. But don't let the heat drive you back into the AC; get your outdoor hours in with water-soaked fun at these local splash pads and parks around East Cobb.
CITY SPRINGS SPLASH PAD
Located right next to the City Springs green and surrounded by local shops, restaurants and the performing arts center, there's more than one way to play at this central cool down location. The green is dotted with locally-made sculptures from the annual art competition and features a covered stage, so there are plenty of sights and sounds for little ones to take in while splashing around. The interactive fountain is open everyday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
ELIZABETH PORTER PARK SPRAYGROUND
This aquatic oasis has become one of Marietta's most popular kid-friendly pastimes. Housed in Elizabeth Porter Park next to an impressive playground is this summertime paradise for kids! The splash pad is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for the remainder of August. Admission is $2 for Marietta residents and $3 for non-residents.
SWIFT-CANTRELL PARK
Boasting two playgrounds, three picnic pavilions, open turf, walking trails, a dog park, a skate park and of course, a splash pad, there are endless ways to spend the time in between splash sessions at Swift-Cantrell Park. The 3,200-square-foot splash attraction includes fountains, geysers, jet streams, mist and sea silhouettes that operate on motion sensors. It's perfect for a quick cool down in between playground or skate sessions; or pack a lunch and spend the whole day between cool streams and sprays!
SEVEN SPRINGS WATER PARK
To add a little thrill to your next splash session, head to Seven Springs Water Park in Powder Springs. With two water slides, a pool, a lazy river and a splash area, it's the perfect day trip or weekend excursion to keep cool once school starts back. The water park is open Saturdays and Sundays until September 2nd.
THE PERFECT DAY WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND!
TIPS:
• Pack Essentials: Bring a bowl, plenty of fresh water, doggy bags, a leash and pet-friendly sunscreen. Don't forget a towel and a favorite toy!
• Check Local Regulations: Before heading out, research the beach’s pet policies, including leash requirements and restricted areas.
PET FRIENDLY BEACHES CLOSE TO HOME
ARTICLE BY REI KAISER
For many pet owners, a vacation isn’t complete without their four-legged friends! Luckily, an increasing number of beaches are pet-friendly, allowing you to soak up the sun, sand and sea with your beloved pets!
Whether you are planning a day trip or an extended stay, these pet-friendly beaches offer the perfect backdrop for making unforgettable memories and offer lots of benefits for you and your furry companions.
BENEFITS:
• Bonding Time: A day at the beach allows for quality time with your pet, strengthening your bond through fun activities like swimming, playing fetch and exploring the shoreline.
• Exercise: Especially for city pets; a beach is a wonderful escape offering plenty of space to run and play. It's excellent exercise to keep them healthy and happy!
• Socialization: It goes without saying, petfriendly beaches attract other pet owners, giving your furry friend the opportunity to interact and make new friends.
• Watch the Weather: Make sure to visit during cooler parts of the day to avoid overheating. Be sure to pack an umbrella for shade to keep you and your pet comfortable.
• Respect Other Beachgoers: Ensure your pet is well-behaved and doesn’t disturb other beach visitors. Clean up after your pet to keep the beach enjoyable for everyone.
• Keep an Eye on Your Pet: The beach can be an exciting and distracting place. Always supervise your pet, especially when they are near the water or interacting with other dogs.
• Stay Hydrated: Ensure your pet drinks plenty of fresh water and avoids drinking seawater.
PICK YOUR PLEASURE!
GEORGIA’ GOLDEN ISLEJEKYLL ISLAND AND ST. SIMONS ISLAND ISLAND
The dog days of summer never end in Great Dunes Beach Park! The southernmost beach among the Golden Isles offers fido the ability to frolic as long as he's on a leash no more than 16 feet long (most require leashes 6 feet or less).
St. Simons Island also welcomes dogs before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During allowable times and in non-summer months, dogs may be unleashed with handler keeping a watchful eye. While
you're there, look into the hidden gem of Sapelo Island’s Nanny Goat Beach, which is only accessible by ferry in McIntosh County, GA. Be sure to research before planning your trip!
NORTH CAROLINA’S CRYSTAL COAST
Be sure to bring a disc, ball or your furry pal’s favorite toy to play on one of many pet-friendly beaches on the North Carolina coast. Emerald Isle Beach, Salter Path, Indian Beach and Atlantic Beach allow leashed dogs to splash, sun and sniff around. Check the rules, days and times for each beach. You'll find pet-friendly piers, lodgings and restaurants near each shore. Be sure to catch the pet-friendly Island Express Ferry to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, which permits dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet.
SOUTH CAROLINA
CONTINUED >
Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for our fourlegged friends. Burkes Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, Alder Lane Beach and Hunting Island State Park offer great experiences and amenities for your pup, but be sure to check the details before hitting the road.
Just an hour's drive south of Charleston, Edisto Island is a haven for dogs and their humans. Stay in an RV, at a pet-friendly B&B or pitch a tent in Edisto Beach State Park's oceanside campground or near the salt marsh. Water and electrical hook-ups are available. Pets aren't allowed in the park's cabins or cabin areas, but your pooch is welcome year-round on the island's pristine, palmetto-lined beaches. Dogs must be leashed from May 1 through October 31 on the beach and year-round in Edisto Beach State Park.
JUPITER BEACH, CAPE SAN BLAS, FLORIDA
North of West Palm Beach, Jupiter Beach boasts plenty of pet-friendly areas, offering an amazing experience for a day of fun in the sun with your dog. The beach is well-maintained and offers waste disposal stations to help keep it clean.
Cape San Blas, located on the Florida Panhandle, is known for its pet-friendly policies and tranquil atmosphere. Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time. The calm waters are ideal for swimming.
Dr. Taylour Welborn of Providence Veterinary Clinic shares the advantages of taking pets to the beach. The experience provides a break from the daily routine, important physical activity, new sights, sounds and smells provide mental enrichment, a well as offers animals and people socialization and valued time to bond.
A FAIRY TALE BEDROOM
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITERS
Interior Designer Meredith Page
About the room: I wanted the design for our daughter’s nursery to have peaceful energy, so we kept the palette soft and added nature-inspired touches. As she's grown into a more self-expressive toddler phase, we punched up the saturation. We want her to feel creative in her space as she spends more time in it with only her dolls allowed. She snuggles up in a swivel chair that we upholstered in velvet to match a Page House stool and reads to them everyday—it's so sweet!
About Page House: Page House is a full-service interior design studio run with love by local creatives Meredith Page and Liz Livingston. In Spring 2024, the duo expanded into retail. Their curated catalog includes an array of artful objects for the lived-in home, but what really sets them apart from others is the debut of their Collections, signature sets of interior styling staples designed to provide an entire essential layer to any space.
*Showroom by Appointment*
We truly care about our clients and are experts in our field. We are committed to providing an exceptional client experience and offer a warranty unique to the industry providing 100% client satisfaction.
LUXURY DESIGN EXQUISITE FABRICS
Custom packages include installation SHOPPING EXPERIENCES: Virtual | In-Home | Showroom by Appt.
ATLANTA BED SWINGS
670 Magnolia Drive | Blue Ridge
4 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2 Half Bathroom Offered at $$2,550,000
Escape to this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom cabin on Lake Blue Ridge. Featuring an open kitchen and living area with large windows, an expansive deck with panoramic lake views, and a terrace level with a game room and kitchenette. Enjoy a hot tub, private gondola, and two-story boat dock. Located on a private road, it offers seclusion and accessibility, making it an ideal investment or residence with a successful rental history and year-round views.
Furbabies Love
Meet a local chef and his adorable pet
Greg Lipman is the chef and co-owner of Piastra. Located in the heart of downtown Marietta, on the Square, the restaurant has been a local favorite for the last nine years. At Piastra, all dishes and sauces are prepared from scratch daily with only the finest ingredients, sourced from Georgia farms and markets.
Greg’s wife Maggie has always loved Dalmatians. They found Domino just over two years ago; he was up for adoption in Iowa. On Mother's Day, Maggie drove, all the way to Iowa to pick him up. She drove there and back all in the same weekend! Domino loves playing ball and running. His favorite treats are tomatoes, green beans and fried pork rinds!
piastrarestaurant.com
Single vision polycarbonate lenses with anti-glare for select frames*
kids with scheduled eye exam
apply, see an optician for details.