Smyrna Vinings, GA January 2021

JA N UA RY 2 02 1

READY, SET, NEW YEAR!

LI F E + C U LTU R E B ECAUSE , YO G A M EE T T H E F REE Z E I N T O T H E U N K N OWN: M EE T J O I S C HWEI T Z ER

Hello

HAPPY NEW YEAR from our family to yours!

MOVING THIS YEAR? The process of moving can be stressful but with planning, things can be made much easier.

1. Find out your moving style. Will you be hiring movers or doing it yourself?

NEW YEAR 2. Gather your supplies! Boxes, tape, scissors, cleaning supplies, and markers!

NEW HOME 3. Figure out your packing style. Pack by room and get rid of excess stuff!

direct: 770-284-1282 Buying a new house or seeling your current office: 770-874-6200 one can be just as stressful. Work with us for a seamless process.

CALL US TODAY!

Conquer your closing with Parast Law. CALL US TODAY! 3621 Vinings Slope | Suite 4330 Atlanta | GA 30339 parastlaw.com | 678.695.6411

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(770)-284-1282

Sheila Parast Gross Owner / Attorney / Smyrna Resident

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Arthur McCoy | arthur.mccoy@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy New Year! Challenge yourself in 2021 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? The New Year is finally here. What are you striving for this year? I'm going to challenge you to start a business, a new relationship or work on the one that you have, go back to college or do something that you've always wanted to do. Make sure to set reachable goals with small steps to get there. You must dream, plan, and take action on the plan without giving up. As the bible says, "faith without works is dead". That faith or belief in something must be accompanied by action. There are no limits to what you can achieve. I am a living witness! Also I challenge you to make sure your inner circle consists of positive people that help

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Whitney Maddux AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karla Stevenson Mastracchio, Ceclia Rowe CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laruche Creative, Jennifer Fennelly/Keikilani Photography, John Maxwell

lift you up. You can achieve anything with the right support around you. This is your year to do something great. Try not to focus on the negatives of last year. You have a fresh start, a clean slate. Whether you are working on your finances or trying to lose weight, be consistent. Nothing happens overnight. I would like to thank you for reading our publication and supporting the businesses in this wonderful community.

Challenge yourself to grow personally, financially, mentally, spiritually, and socially.

This can be the best year ever if you simply make the choice for it to be. Happy New Year, stay safe and may God bless you all.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Arthur McCoy, Publisher

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

ON THE COVER Durran

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Dunn AKA “The Freeze.” Get to know this Smyrna resident in our story on page 24.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARUCHE CREATIVE 4

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

Proverbs 3:5-6 Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Smyrna Vinings area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

To look good is to feel good!

• Let’s start on that good look today! •

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www.haircutsbytravis.com 2697 Spring Rd Se Ste E | Smyrna, GA

Weddings + Couples + Maternity + Newborn Family + Senior + Children + Lifestyle

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5

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021

FEATURES 10 Inner Peace in 2021 What’s in your gym bag? Stellar Power Yoga staff share their favorites.

18 From the Ground Up Joi Schweitzer’s energy and drive inspires us in 2021.

24 Meet The Freeze Durran Dunn of Smyrna graces our pages.

18 24

34 Look Closer Scenes from an abbreviated 2020 travelogue.

10

34

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

10

Local’s Choice

12

Hometown Hero

24 Local Limelight 28 Inspired By 33 Realty Report 34 Artist’s Palette

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AROUND TOWN

COBB SHOWTIME

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Save BIG on appliances,

The Cobb Trade Show is a curated fashion event

furniture, cabinets, lighting and much more!

produced by the Atlanta Apparel Exhibition Group.

Suburbanatlantarestores.org/smyrna-ga-habi-

The show takes place at the world-class Cobb

tat-restore To schedule a free pick up of donated

Galleria Centre offering a convenient location close

items, call the Donation Hotline at 770.962.4200.

to shopping, dining and affordable accommoda-

Follow the ReStore on Facebook.

tions. For over a decade, Cobb Trade Show has been offering a powerful mix of premium, dresswear, footwear, accessories, and the ever-changing streetwear apparel. Cobb Trade Show is located in the Southeast but far-reaching across the USA for retailers and exhibitors alike! January 10 – 11. TicketsCobbTradeShow.com

KEEP SHOPPING Shop Small, Shop Local, & Support Your Community! Booths will be socially distanced to create a safe shopping environment for you and vendors. See y’all at the Winter Market! #smyrnawintermarket #thetablesmyrna. The Table is a community space located in the downtown area of Smyrna, a private event venue and for hosted free public events that build community and unity in our city. At The Table, January 2, 10 am - 2 pm.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

THIS IS YOUR MAGAZINE "Inspired by community." That's our motto here at Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle magazine. Art and Sue are proud to curate a magazine for

Smyrna Arts is building a portfolio of local

your home every month, bringing you stories of

and regional artists. All artists are encouraged to

good people working hard to make Smyrna and

apply and join their portfolio. They will use your

Vinings outstanding communities. Please reach

application to reach you about upcoming oppor-

out to our editor, Sue Collins with your story

tunities. The group's goal is to include a variety

ideas, news and photos. Every month we have

of artists, based on the required media and rele-

a different editorial focus, with stories on busi-

vance for the planned event. Please download

nesses, families. partnerships and initiatives.

and complete the artist application, then submit

Email Sue at SCollins@LifestylePubs.com

to SmyrnaCommunityArt@gmail.com. Smyrna Arts Council believes that learning about art creates excitement about the value of art to our community and builds interest in making art an essential and vibrant part of the environment. As part of their ongoing efforts, they look for opportunities to work with schools and other educational organizations to identify appropriate programs and secure funding. SmyrnaArtsCouncil.com

SUPPORTING HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Working on home renovations? Looking for a way to support Habitat? The Smyrna Habitat for

8

Humanity ReStore Store and Donation Center

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

is located on the corner of South Cobb Drive and

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Concord Road, at 3315 S. Cobb Drive, Suite 150

SmyrnaVinings using the Get In Touch link and let

Smyrna. The store is open from Tuesday through

us know what you think.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE Miriam Frost is the Founder/ Owner of Stellar Power Yoga l

Inner Peace in 2021 WHAT'S IN YOUR GYM BAG? STELLAR POWER YOGA STAFF SHARE THEIR FAVORITES

ARTICLE SMYRNA VININGS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MIRIAM FROST IS FOUNDER/ OWNER OF STELLAR POWER YOGA IN VININGS. She’s a New Yorker who delivers calm, a mother of two boys who exudes inner peace, a peaceful soul in a world full of rage. Miriam sees her studio as an offering of more than just yoga - it’s a community of open-minded, judgment-free, and supportive people. Miriam Frost believes that yoga improves our outlook on life by going inward to learn about ourselves. 3300 Cobb Pkwy Stellar-poweryoga.com

10

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

MIRIAM FROST has her Manduka yoga mat made by Manduka, copper jewelry made by RF Custom Jewelry Design and water bottle make by Hydro Flask | NIA LYNN has her yoga mat made by Gaiam, mala beads from Vibe Jewelry and reusable filtered water bottle made by Brita | RICHARD FUDGE II has his extra-long Manduka yoga mat made by Manduka, 2 cork blocks made by Manduka and crystal jewelry made by RF Custom Jewelry Design | PAIGE HINTON has her Jade yoga mat made by Jade, water bottle made by Keen and incense made by Nag Champa | DANI BOIK has her Jade yoga mat made by Jade, Bela tropical drink made by Bela and sandalwood scents made by Anima Mundi. | SHAYLA BURTON has her Jade yoga mat made by Jade, true clear water made by True Clear and stellar power yoga face mask made by Stellar Power Yoga.

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

11

HOMETOWN HERO

S O N G IN

TH

KEY O C ALM ARTICLE CECILIA ROWE Alexander Bolton is an accomplished student at The Music Studio At Vinings

PHOTOGRAPHY THE MUSIC STUDIO

WHY EVERYONE NEEDS MUSIC LESSONS NOW MORE THAN EVER

12

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

S E F

AS THE NEW YEAR BEGINS IN THE FACE OF OUR “NEW NORMAL,” PARENTS ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND WAYS TO CONTINUE THEIR CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS IN THE FACE OF

CANCELLED

EXTRACURRICULARS,

PHYSICALLY DISTANT EDUCATORS, AND UNPRECEDENTED SCREEN TIME, WHILE JUGGLING THEIR OWN ANXIETIES ABOUT THE FUTURE. Music lessons can help! More than ever, we all need the benefits of music education, and there are many reasons why you should prioritize this essential element into your wellness goals for 2021.

FUN AND COMFORTABLE ROUTINE Weekly music lessons are a comfortable routine and bring a sense of normalcy in these unstable times. When everything is up in the air, having a lesson to prepare for every week gives you or your children a goal to work toward and provides a tangible feeling of accomplishment. And even if you don’t get to practice that week, you are still doing something that is good for you!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

13

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

The smile says success! Gabriella Milligan performs and excels at The Music Studio.

PERSONAL ATTENTION One-on-one or small group lessons provide students with the teacher’s undivided attention, giving them the specialized care and social connection we all crave and hardly any of us are getting enough of right now. At school, your children may not be getting the individualized support from their math or reading teachers, but their music teacher will be able to work closely with them and give them personal attention.

EMOTIONAL OUTLET Learning music provides not only a brain boost, but also emotional benefits such as confidence, a greater feeling of self-worth, and a stimulated sense of creativity. Adults and children alike can express themselves through music to provide an outlet for any feelings of confusion, anxiety, or depression, and find a natural, healthy escape from stress.

LIFELONG WELLNESS Beyond enriching one’s education, music lessons also provide a constructive way to spend free time. Music is an enriching hobby that will rest tired eyes from blue light. When you’re bored, you have music to turn to, and you can enjoy this hobby for your entire lives!

Learning

music

provides

enjoyment,

relaxation, boosted confidence, and stability, resulting in a better YOU! Isn’t this what we all want for ourselves and children in the New Year?

TMSVinings.com

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Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

DO YOU HAVE A

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Keep an

A+ Smile

Voted Best Dentist 4300 Paces Ferry Rd. Suite 405 • Atlanta, GA 30339

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DR. JAHA HOWARD, DDS, MS

DR. NATASHA DIAZ, DDS

Dr. Howard’s

TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW FOR A HEALTHY SMILE 10. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Expensive dental products may help, but proper hygiene techniques and habits are paramount!

9. FOOD CHOICES ARE CRITICAL. Hard or sticky sugary foods are the most common contributors to tooth decay.

8. BIOLOGY MATTERS. Just like any other part of the human body, some of us are genetically more prone to issues like cavities and gum disease.

7. SECRET’S OUT! Plaque is really a mixture of germs, old sugary foods and acidic germ waste.

Yep, germ poo is destroying teeth every day.

6. FLOSS FIRST (AND NOT THE DANCE!).

Nothing can adequately replace actually getting the string between our teeth.

If we floss first, we have a better chance to be more effective in our routine.

5. CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Invest 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes before bed.

4. PREVENTION IS LESS EXPENSIVE. Like most things in life, allowing for problems to persist makes it harder to restore and repair.

It’s true for home repair, relationships, education and….TEETH!

3. ACCESS AND ANGLES. When brushing your teeth or your children’s teeth, we must create better access by moving our lips and cheeks out of way. Then gently brush with the bristles angled along the gum line. This adjustment in technique can be a real smile saver.

2. YES, PROFESSIONAL DENTAL VISITS ARE NECESSARY. Waiting until something hurts usually ends up being a bigger problem.

If you don’t trust your dental team, it’s ok to get second opinions.

1. IT’S COMPLICATED. Fluoride itself is not harmful but if used incorrectly, it could possibly relate to health problems.

When used properly, in can be a great benefit for your teeth. Please supervise brushing to ensure correct spitting and amount of toothpaste through elementary grade years.

BONUS: WHITER IS NOT BETTER. Kids are increasingly dissatisfied with their natural teeth color and are asking for bleaching products.

This is related to trends in adult dentistry and the manufactured images they see on mass media.

Teeth color has joined weight, height, and hair in a long list of body image insecurities.

from the ground up

JOI SCHWEITZER’S ENERGY AND DRIVE INSPIRES US IN 2021 ARTICLE KARLA STEVENSON MASTRACCHIO PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER FENNELLY

18

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

" No one owes you anyt hing.

Success is earned t hrough h ard work and determination."

FROM FLIGHT ATTENDANT TO PILOT

KM: YOU’RE AN AMAZING ROLE

AND FITNESS COACH, JOI SCHWEITZER

MODEL FOR YOUNG BOYS AND

HAS HAD ONE INCREDIBLE CAREER. Not

GIRLS. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE

only is she an accomplished pilot, but she

FOR KIDS OR PARENTS OF A CHILD

is also among an elite group, less than one

INTERESTED IN AVIATION?

percent of Black female pilots in the country.

JS: Thank you! My top piece of advice

Joi also wears many other hats. Outside of

is to start early. I know a couple of young

the cockpit, she makes a difference in the

people who have obtained a private

lives of others as an Atlanta-based health

pilot’s license before receiving their driv-

and fitness coach focusing on developing

er’s license! I also encourage parents to

programs for postpartum mothers. She is

research and apply for aviation programs

also a wife and mother.

started by major airlines such as Delta,

Even with her busy schedule, Joi takes time

United and JetBlue; it’s easier than you

to make a difference at home and within her

think to get your foot in the door. The mili-

community. She volunteers for a Private Pilot

tary is also a great option for pursuing pilot

Program by teaching students what it means

opportunities. Enrolling in college ROTC or

to fly an aircraft. Her goal is to increase the

attending a service academy will put you

number of Black female students that choose

on the right path.

aviation as a career. Recently I had the chance to sit down with Joi and ask her about her

KM: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE

incredible career, ambitions, and what’s next.

GOING FROM A FLIGHT ATTENDANT TO PILOT?

KM: YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH ALREADY. WHAT DRIVES YOU?

JS: The biggest change was the amount of responsibility. As a flight attendant, my

JS: My parents instilled a great work ethic in

most important tasks were ensuring pas-

my siblings and me and taught us the impor-

senger comfort and safety in the event of

tance of setting high standards. My dad would

an evacuation. As a pilot, the training is

often say, “No one owes you anything. Success

more rigorous and teaches you excellent

is earned through hard work and determina-

crew resource management and lead-

tion.” I live my life with this in mind and aspire

ership skills. I still enjoy interacting with

to be successful for my family and to be the

passengers and ensuring they have a

right example for young women behind me

wonderful flying experience. It is a surreal

with dreams of becoming a pilot or achieving

feeling to have made it from the back to

excellence in the career field they choose.

the front of the cabin!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

19

FROM THE GROUND UP (CONTINUED)

KM: THERE ISN’T MUCH DIVERSITY IN THE SKIES. WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CHANGE THAT? JS: Exposure is key to increasing this number. My goal is to use my platform as a woman of color to increase this very small number.

KM: WHAT DOES HEALTHY LIVING MEAN TO YOU? WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND? JS: Fad diets are not the answer. A diet that consists of mostly lean meats, fruits, vegetables and good fats is guaranteed to produce long term results. I believe this is sustainable and along with exercise, you decrease the risk of toxins forming inside the body, creating disease.

As a health coach, I encourage my clients to eliminate fast food from their diet and to incorporate the lifestyle I mentioned above.

Also, be active! Not only does this bolster your physical health, but it strengthens your mental game too.

20

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

T M EE T H E

FR EE ZE DURRAN DUNN ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY LARUCHE CREATIVE

24

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

T

HERE’S A SUPER STAR IN OUR MIDST, BUT YOU MAY NOT

RECOGNIZE HIM. Durran Dunn has been doubling as “The Freeze” since 2018 in the RaceTrac’s “Beat The Freeze” promotion at the Atlanta Braves Baseball games. This summer he opened a gym, securing his commitment to fitness and wellness. We caught up with Durran to chat about his home, family and race to being the best he can be.

“Smyrna-Vinings is accommodating to everyone irrespective of where they are in their life’s journey. ”

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE SMYRNA/ VININGS AREA AND WHY DID YOU MAKE YOUR HOME HERE? I relocated to the Atlanta-area to continue my career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and decided to live in Smyrna-Vinings for several reasons; primarily, the proximity to in-town Atlanta and the airport, access to parks and trails, great restaurants, fun indoor

DURR AN DUNN

and outdoor entertainment, and the growing cultural diversity of people. Now that I have a family, I also now value the strong performing schools and the fact that it’s a great place to raise a family. Years later, I have no regrets – I have really enjoyed “Sminings” and have truly experience the community as a place that you can live, work, shop and play. Smyrna-Vinings is accommodating to everyone irrespective of where they are in their life’s journey. I am excited to be a part of the community and even more excited about the growth and development plans.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, THEY ARE YOUR EVERYTHING! I am native of Kingston, Jamaica which is where most of my extended family currently resides. I am married to my beautiful wife, Marie who is an Atlanta native and an excellent mother. Our two little girls keep us busy and on our toes, while my son, Jace is an honor roll student and CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

25

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED) loves baseball. I am fortunate that my mother and sisters all live in the area. My mother deserves a lot of credit for the strong foundation that has sustained me to this very day. It’s also great that my in-laws are all in Georgia.

WHERE, IN SMYRNA/VININGS DO YOU LIKE TO TAKE A STROLL? AND, WHEN YOU TRAIN? WHERE DOES THAT MAGIC HAPPEN? In the rare times that I am able to take leisure runs and walks, I take advantage of the Silver Comet Trail. I enjoy the trail for its natural feel and quietness; it takes me away from life’s busy schedule and in essence resets and recalibrates me. The magic – my disciplined training program is generally between 5-6 days per week and happens in combination between my Anytime Fitness Gym with the JamFusion Athletic Center, the track, my neighborhood streets, and sometimes nearby parks.

WHERE, IN S/V DO YOU LIKE TO ORDER FOOD/EAT, SHOP FOR GIFTS AND STOP FOR A SMOOTHIE OR COFFEE? I am addicted to First Watch. I can eat almost anything from the menu and have breakfast, lunch and dinner with several healthy options that fits with my palate, but my favorite is the Pesto Chicken and Quinoa Bowl. I really enjoy fruit smoothies so

“If you truly want to live a life with improved and sustained mental health, physical fitness and energy, and a stronger immune system to combat illnesses, then make wellness through consistent exercise a lifestyle and enjoy the benefits.”

26

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

tend to shop quite a bit at Sprouts for their

level and journey, I encourage you to

fresh produce. I prefer tea over coffee; in

start just where you are and continually

fact, I probably drink tea two to three times

challenge yourself. Before you know it,

per day—even in the summer months.

you will begin to experience the change and benefits that are best for you. This

IF THERE WAS ONE WELLNESS TIP

is one of the reason I now own my own

YOU COULD SHARE WITH OUR READ-

gym and have an experienced and

ERS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

skilled team of personal trainers. For

If you truly want to live a life with

more information about a membership

improved and sustained mental health,

or personal at-home training, join me at

physical fitness and energy, and a

AnytimeFitness.com, 678.909-5095

stronger immune system to combat illnesses, then make health and wellness

Smyna Vinings Lifestyle readers who take

through consistent exercise. Regardless

advantage of membership or personal training

of who you are or your current fitness

will have sign-up and enrollment fee waived.

“Regardless of who you are or your current fitness level and journey, I encourage you to start just where you are and continually challenge yourself.”

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

27

INSPIRED BY

C H

YO U A R E T H E C ATA LY S T F O R CHANGE

ARTICLE DR. JOHN C. MAXWELL IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU, “WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?” how would

A

you reply? Would you talk about your job or your family? Would you tell them about a dream you’re chasing or a goal you’re trying to meet?

What we give our lives to says a lot about who we are. For forty years now, I’ve gotten out of bed in the morning with one single focus: adding value to leaders

I’ve spent decades learning what it takes to trans-

who will multiply value to others.

form communities and countries, and with my

Because of that focus, I’ve authored over 80 books

writing partner, Rob Hoskins, have produced a

on relationships, equipping people, attitude, and lead-

book that offers step by step instruction on how

ership, all with the purpose of expanding my reach to

leaders—people who care to make a difference—

add value to leaders.

can produce transformation in their own backyard.

Four decades, dedicated to making better leaders.

It’s a book written for everyone—including you.

But now, as I enter into my fifth decade, my purpose

You are a potential catalyst for change in your

has expanded. I still get of bed with the goal of adding

community, no matter where you live, no matter

value to leaders who will multiply value to others, but

what you do. All it takes is your willingness to

there’s an even greater purpose behind it all.

step up as a leader. Harriet Tubman once said,

Transformation. I want to see our world transformed

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always

into one where every human being is encouraged and

remember, you have within you the strength, the

allowed to live to their full potential. Imagine what it would

patience, and the passion to reach for the stars

be like to live in a world where everyone—men, women,

and change the world.”

children—were equipped and empowered to live a life of deep purpose. We would truly see a transformed world.

28

RENOWNED LEADERSHIP COACH DETAILS HOW CHANGE IN A COMMUNITY CAN START WITH ONE PERSON: YOU

If you dream of changing your community, or city, or country, you must not only dream, you must

That’s the message of my latest book, Change Your

also act. Many things in life just happen, but pos-

World: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference.

itive change isn’t one of them. Changing anything

G

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

in our world requires someone to be the catalyst.

Someone like you.

CONTINUED >

N

N Dr. John C. Maxwell

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

29

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

L

E

A 30

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

D

Leaders like you become catalysts for change when they do three things: pick a problem to address, invite others to join them, and do what they can where they are.

CONTINUED >

1. Pick a Problem to Address A leader can never become a catalyst until he or she first takes ownership of the problem they wish to solve. You cannot rally people to a cause that you aren’t willing to own, especially these days; people know when a leader is being half-hearted, and they don’t respect it. When you pick a problem to solve or a cause to rally around, you must have conviction in order to succeed.

Over the years, I’ve learned that whenever I feel a sense of conviction about an issue, I need to start moving in the direction I believe I should go, even if I’m uncertain. Action creates ownership, and ownership creates credibility with people. And you need that credibility because transformation cannot be done by one person alone—we all need people to join us on the journey.

2. Invite Others to Join You When you’ve settled on the problem you want to tackle you should immediately begin looking for others to join you. In the book, Rob and I recommend starting with friends and family; you already have influence with them, and chances are you’re of like mind in many areas. Go to those family members who frequently ask you for advice or seek your opinion on personal matters, as you likely have greater influence with them.

To move beyond family, however, you’ll need to take a leap of faith and begin sharing your passion for solving the problem with other people. Passion attracts, and when people come to you with interest, don’t be afraid to ask them what they think or invite them to improve your ideas. Empowering people to help you creates a bond, and once that bond is established, you will quickly discover who you can truly work with and invite them to take action with you.

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

31

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

3. Do What You Can Where You Are Action is the final step. It doesn’t have to be big or grand; it doesn’t even have to be guaranteed of success. Nothing happens in life until someone does something, and once you take your first step, the next step will come into focus. Remember that transformation is a process, not an event. It takes time and repeated action to bring about positive change. So focus on purpose, not perfection, and do what you know to do.

These three steps may seem too simple, but I assure you they work. The goal of all transformational movements is making things better however

A

32

T

possible. Incremental change is better than the status quo; and when you’re truly committed to making your community a better place, you know that any improvement is a significant improvement.

C If you’d like to learn more about transformation

No matter what problems or challenges face your

and how to become a leader of transformation, then

community, you are the catalyst for change that can

I encourage you to pick up my book, Change Your

make all the difference. But you must choose to get

World, from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.

involved; transformation won’t choose you—you

If you’re concerned about making the world a better

must choose transformation.

place, then you know that now is the best time for leaders like us to make that dream a reality.

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

For the sake of your community and mine, I sincerely hope you do.

REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD

VININGS

REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Reverie

$570,482.00

$550,000.00

96%

205

3

4

The Registry at Park Avenue

$475,000.00

$467,500.00

98%

13

4

4

Paces Green

$435,000.00

$430,000.00

99%

2

3

3

Sherwood Park

$425,000.00

$420,000.00

99%

8

4

4

Cooper Lake Hills

$389,900.00

$414,000.00

106%

4

3

3

Smyrna Heights

$394,500.00

$391,500.00

99%

22

3

2

Vinings Main

$395,000.00

$390,000.00

99%

71

2

3

Huntwood

$382,000.00

$379,000.00

99%

7

4

3

Bennett Woods

$375,000.00

$375,000.00

100%

48

3

2

Vinings Crossing

$380,000.00

$375,000.00

99%

59

3

3

Vinings Estates

$360,000.00

$365,000.00

101%

4

3

4

Creekview

$367,930.00

$372,545.00

101%

65

3

4

West Haven

$675,000.00

$660,000.00

98%

7

4

4

Smyrna Market Village

$475,000.00

$490,000.00

103%

4

4

3

The Highlands

$420,000.00

$420,000.00

100%

5

3

3

Belmont North

$396,429.00

$384,929.00

97%

117

3

4

Westbury At Vinings

$358,000.00

$358,000.00

100%

16

3

4

Olde Ivy

$475,000.00

$475,000.00

100%

6

4

4

Enclave At Belmont

$414,990.00

$400,000.00

96%

11

3

3

Sutherlin Park

$390,000.00

$390,000.00

100%

43

4

3

Oak Hills

$590,000.00

$576,600.00

98%

86

6

5

Forest Hills

$465,000.00

$465,000.00

100%

5

4

4

The Gates At King Springs

$441,439.00

$441,439.00

100%

141

4

4

Information compiled f rom First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service f rom dates of 11/1/20 to 11/30/20.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

CityLifestyle.com/SmyrnaVinings

33

ARTIST’S PALETTE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS

LO O K C LO S E R SCENES FROM AN ABBREVIATED 2020 TRAVELOGUE

2.

1.

3.

4.

6.

5.

7.

1. Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville, NC | 2. My favorite dessert, at home in Atlanta | 3. Summer garden, Bay View, MI | 4. Flying the spinnaker, Little Traverse Bay, MI | 5. Stone Ashe Vineyards, NC | 6. The Willows Historic Inn, Palm Springs, CA | 7. Fishing at Fires Creek, Nantahala National Forest, Clay County, NC

34

Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle | January 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR from our family to yours!

NEW YEAR NEW HOME

direct: 770-284-1282 office: 770-874-6200

CALL US TODAY!

Conquer your closing with Parast Law. 3621 Vinings Slope | Suite 4330 Atlanta | GA 30339 parastlaw.com | 678.695.6411 Sheila Parast Gross Owner / Attorney / Smyrna Resident

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