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ancers make an IMPACT in Cobb
SHOWTIME!
Performing arts centre an economic engine
A LIVE ONE! Music scene flourishes in Cobb
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
Acworth woman’s dance studio helps youths hone their ...
Giftfor dance By Lindsay Field / lfield@mdjonline.com
fter resigning from teach like Carter or perform professionally. a corporate job “Our mantra is ‘Your future is our business,’” Carter said. “The instructors with a major groreally embrace the future of our cery manufacturer more than here kids.” 20 years ago, an Acworth One of Carter’s programs that could help many students prepare for their resident decided to chase futures is the ballet department, which is after her dream of owning directed by Susan Beebe, a certified in and operating her own dance American Ballet Theater curriculum. “Ballet is the foundation of all dance,” studio with the Carter said. “It’s the most challenging, and not everyfocus on young one is going to become a Our mantra is peoples’ futures. ballerina, but it equips you ‘Your future is to become a better dancer.” Kari Carter, 52, our business.’ Many of her dancers opened Impact Dance of compete year-round to be Atlanta in 1993. The The instruc selected for summer ballet school, which is located tors here real programs that allow stuoff Main Street in ly embrace dents to take summer intenAcworth, offers a variety sives with professional balor classes for students the future of let teachers and/or dancers. ages 2 and up in ballet, our kids. “Our students are up jazz, tap, pointe, hip hop,
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against the world’s best lyrical, contemporary, dancers, and some of these musical theater, tumbling, Kari Carter, founder companies tour internationballroom, voice, acting, of Impact Dance of ally, and (ballet company Pilates and Zumba. Atlanta directors) are looking at the “I wanted to be able to talent and body types and spend more time with my will tell students that they could be prothree small children, at the same time fessional with their companies,” she said. while providing the community with a One student who had the opportunity dance program where the kids’ standards to perform in a national ballet is 11-yearwere just really high class, and where old Anya Hart. they had a wholesome opportunity to “That’s been very exciting, and my explore their talents and their gifts,” daughter has been able to attend the Carter said. American Ballet Theater, and we hope to She originally started the business go back this summer,” said her mother, from a ministry aspect at a local church and now serves about 400 students a year Patty Hart. “It’s very much a pleasure.” Hart, who lives in Marietta, also sends and employs 14 instructors in a 7,000her 9-year-old daughter, Brycen, to the square-foot performing arts center that school. The two young girls began dancopened nearly two years ago. “We’ve grown a lot,” she said, adding ing at Impact a little over six years ago that she has also had the opportunity to See Dance, Page 6DD train around 15 students who either now
Staff/Emily Barnes
Above: Students and teachers of Impact Dance Company pose in the dance studio in Acworth. Below: Rode Krige, 16, of Kennesaw, participates in a ballet class at Impact Dance Company in Acworth.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
NEW
CONCERT HALL IS
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MUSIC TO THEIR EARS
Lassiter High School unveils new, 1,000-seat performing arts center By Geoff Folsom gfolsom@mdjonline.com NORTHEAST COBB — Looking around at the Greek columns surrounding the stage, plush seats and acoustical features of the new performing arts center, Thom Majors said the music program at Lassiter High School has come a long way since he was in the band when the school opened in 1981. “To have a performance in something other than a multipurpose room or a cafetorium, to have it in a true concert hall, is an amazing experience,” said Majors, 46, an Acworth resident. The classic architecture seemed appropriate for a monumental day for the music programs at Lassiter and elsewhere in the Cobb County School District. The school held an open house Sunday for the new Lassiter Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat music venue paid for as part of a $14.9 million SPLOST project. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our community, for our kids to showcase what they can do in a place like this,” Cobb Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said. “It’s fantastic that our district put this together.” The facility will be open to all Cobb schools and others in the community. Hinojosa said its acoustics are designed by the same company that did those in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. “It’s a district-wide facility, but we’re so glad it’s here at Lassiter,” Hinojosa said. “It is very unusual (for a high school), but it is a showpiece.” School board member David Banks said large school concerts were previously held at McEachern High School in Powder Springs or at Kennesaw State University. “We can basically do it all here. We don’t have to go across the county or fight traffic in Kennesaw,” he said. “I just hope it gets well used — that people take advantage of this type of
Staff/Emily Barnes
Above: An open house is conducted for the new Lassiter Concert Hall at Lassiter High School in January. Below: The 1,000-seat, $14.9 million music venue was paid for out of SPLOST funds. facility in east Cobb and we wear it out.” Alfred L. Watkins, who has been the band director at Lassiter since it opened, said the concert hall will serve 500 band, choir and orchestra students, the largest music program in the county. It will also give a permanent home to the Cobb Wind Symphony, which Watkins founded and conducts. “It represents the best of the school,” Watkins said. “The school is strong academically, artistically and athletically. The kids are strong in character, and this is part of that whole mindset.” Watkins conducted the wind symphony during the open house, while hundreds came in to check out the new facility. During intermission, he showed off some of its features. Curtains behind the stage
can be raised and lowered in order to suit what type of music is being played, Watkins said. And the columns are designed to improve the acoustics in the hall, which has 350 seats near the stage, with 650 stadium style seats behind them. “Sound is like an energy ball,” he said. “You have to have something to harness it.” Some will notice that the stage doesn’t have curtains that can be raised and lowered in front of it, like a traditional theater might. But Watkins said that shouldn’t keep the concert hall from hosting dramas and other events. “Shakespeare had a stage similar to this,” he said. “He seemed to have done OK.” Lassiter senior Mark Hopper, a band member,
said he has been waiting for the day he could perform at the concert hall since construction started in March 2010. “We’ve watched it built from the ground up, dodging all the construction,” the 18-year-old said. “I love how it turned out.”
The Cobb Wind Symphony performs at an open house for the new Lassiter Concert Hall at Lassiter High School.
SPSU connects young adults to art museum By Lindsay Field lfield@mdjonline.com MARIETTA - In an effort to reach more people in their 20s and 30s, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta has partnered with Southern Polytechnic State University students to create an online exhibit called “High Without Walls” and a GPS program. Mark Nunes, a professor at SPSU, said the university has been affiliated with the museum for about two years but this summer, he and fellow professor James Werner collaborated on ways to better reach out to people 35 and younger. “We wanted to figure out how can we make it more meaningful to that
‘ ’ ‘They are interested in engaging the museum in a way that allows them to choose what it is that they like, make statements about artworks, instead of this old, archival, ivory tower that museums and galleries have been, where they go and bow down to the 1 percent of artwork that they deem as being the best work that’s out there.’
— James Werner, professor at SPSU
generation,” Nunes said. He and Werner decided to involve students in two of their classes, Nunes’ Media Theory and Practice course and Werner’s Media Arts History class. “Embracing of new media practices is becoming necessary for art museums and galleries,” Werner said. “There is a lot of discussion out there about galleries and museums these
days still practicing the same type of presentation of artwork that they did in the 20th century.” In their research, they said they noticed people in their 20s and 30s have a desire to have more participatory experiences in the gallery, so that they have a voice in what’s being See Museum, Page 10DD
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
Making an
I M PA C T
Staff/Todd Hull
Above: The Strand Theatre's seating and balcony. Right: Strand Executive Director Earl Reese and Friends of the Strand Chair Emeritus Earl Smith.
Future brighter than ever for Strand Theatre By Noreen Cochran/ncochran@mdjonline.com
utside the vintage Earl Smith Strand Theatre, its namesake smiles when Executive Director Earl Reece talks about donation checks.
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After all, when the 800bulb marquee was relit in 2008 after being shuttered in 2002, it was fundraising that put Earl Smith’s name in lights. However, it wasn’t his idea. “I never thought something should be named after a live person,” said Smith, 82. Falling short during a five-year, $6 million capital campaign to renovate the 1930s venue, Smith talked to the founder of development company Post Properties. “John Williams has been successful in stepping up from Day One when it was just a building with pigeons in it,” Smith said. “I needed $1 million. I created a matching situation.” Smith said he challenged the community to match a $500,000 grant from a group of “business friends,” which included Williams and the late
Journal publisher Otis Brumby Jr. “John said ‘OK, but there’s one caveat. We’re going to call it the Earl Smith Strand,’” Smith said. “That’s the reason.” As chair emeritus of the nonprofit theater and the head of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Authority, Smith may seem to be an arts czar, but the former Cobb commission chair said he is all business. “I do these things because of the economic impact. That’s what drives me,” said Smith, who continues to work at another namesake company, E. Smith Heating and Air Conditioning. “All the way through my life, I’ve been like that. If you do these things, you’re going to help people enjoy them and it will support other things around it.” One of the entities that receives support is the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, formerly the Savoyards Light Opera, which left Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center after 17 seasons.
TOP ACTS TO COME
The Vegas Show — March 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 Mo’ Motown — July Fools: A Comic Fable — To be determined Fourth of July — July 4 Tribute band concert series —Summer Kids on Broadway — Summer
TOP ACTS IN 2012
The Odd Couple Great Locomotive Chase The Vegas Show Mo’ Motown Best of Broadway The Princess Bride White Christmas The Jagged Stones Steel Magnolias Kids on Broadway
‘
I do these things because of the economic impact. That’s what drives me. ... If you do these things, you’re going to help people enjoy them and it will support other things around it.
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Strand Chair Emeritus Earl Smith
“The Lyric was wandering around Atlanta wondering where they could call home,” Smith said. “Now that’s our resident company.” Both Earls — 1 and 2, as they nickname themselves — point to the allfemale “Steel Magnolias” cast as a textbook example of their formula for success, using “wellknown and wellrecognizable community leaders” to play dramatic roles. “That was one of our most successful performances ever,” Reece said about the production in January. “After we paid all the expenses, we were able to clear a profit of $30,000 in one weekend. The ticket prices were so moderate. They only charged $25 a ticket. Everyone in town came.” Smith agreed. “‘Steel Magnolias’ turned a pretty good profit,” Smith said. “That was
made up of board members. They’re not actors, but that’s the kind of dedication they have. Some people may be envious of us for our board.” The 25-member board — helmed by president Bob Ash, vice president Kim Gresh, vice chair Steve Imler, secretary Ron Carter and treasurer Ralph Knight — is a blessing, both Earls say. “If we keep this leader-
ship of the board, I’m confident our future is very bright. I’m more confident now than I have ever been,” Smith said. Reece said the board members continually surprised him during the six years he worked with them. “This board has never told me, ‘No.’ I have never experienced the friendship and support I have from the governing
board of this theater. It is really an amazing thing,” he said. Some of that support may be his sure-fire successes such as the three Neil Simon plays leading up to this year’s production of “Fools: A Comic Fable,” classic movie screenings and an inaugural children’s musical revue, “Kids on BroadSee Strand, Page 5DD
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Art mecca
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Marietta Square bursting with color, creativity at Artists Market By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net
he Marietta Square is emerging as hub of activity for artists. The Marietta Square Artists Market is one of many local venues that attract artists and those enticed by art.
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The open-air juried artists market, showcasing the best of local work, takes place the second and fourth Saturday of each month from April through November on Mill Street, adjacent to Glover Park off the Marietta Square. “There are so many opportunities for artists on the Marietta Square,” said Samantha Reeves, Marietta Square Artists Market manager. With Atlanta art districts nearby, Marietta offers something unique. “We have opportunities for artists of all different levels,” she aid. Various artists from different places have the prospect of exhibiting at the market. “There is so little opportunity for artists to get their work out. That’s what’s great about the Artists Market it provides a venue for artists of all levels. It’s drawing artists from all over. That’s what sets us apart because we have the range of price point,” Reeves said. “It’s just a great opportunity for artists and at the same time helps our community thrive. All the money goes back into marketing our community.” Reeves explained that art is at the soul of a community. “Art is what makes a community rich and thrive. It brings joy to people’s lives,” Reeves said. With events like the
Staff/file
Artists hold their art submissions in 2011 for the Marietta Square Artists Market, which is held alongside the Marietta Square Farmers Market.
Above: Artist Rebecca Drummond, right, smiles as she talks to people looking at her acrylic paintings in front of Go Fish Clothing and Jewelry on the Marietta Square during the First Friday Art Walk. Below: The First Friday Art Walk was held on Aug. 3 on the Marietta Square.
Marietta Artists Market and with galleries popping up around the Square, Marietta is on its way to becoming a mecca for artists. Half of Dupre’s Antiques Market (17 Whitlock Ave.) is used for visual arts gallery; behind Dupre’s is the Michael Turner Studio. Artists also have the opportunity to show at Art Walk in Artists Alley behind Dupre’s on Friday evenings. “Most people enjoy art, and the Marietta Square Artists Market gives everyone the opportunity to collect art and to discover what art is all
Staff/Todd Hull
The main lobby of the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta.
Strand Continued from Page 4DD way.” “They know I’m not going to try something unless I’ve researched it and done my due diligence to see if it was something that should work,” said Reece, 63, who treks to New York several times a year to scout suitable Broadway shows. But sometimes the comedy is homemade, like the fourth-floor cocktail party that was longer than expected for one guest. “This was funny,” Reece said. “(Steve) ‘Thunder’ Tumlin, our mayor, got trapped in the elevator. But he’s such a supporter of the Strand, he laughed and said, ‘Earl, you’re just trying to keep me at the Strand.’” Drama could ensue if volunteer ushers step out of line, according to the Frequently Asked Questions page at www.earlsmithstrand.org. “If you’re a meanie
usher, you have to spend the night under the stage with the theatre ghost,” it reads. Reece will not confirm or deny its existence. “We’ve had two paranormal groups spend the night here. They found nothing after two full nights,” he said. “We were in a meeting on the second floor, and all of a sudden the two doors closed all by themselves. It was a draft from another door opening. But it made a great effect.” What else lies ahead? “We’re going to produce a musical revue called ‘The Vegas Show 2013’ in March. It’ll be a fundraiser for the Strand and the Humane Society of Cobb County,” Reece said. “Then we’re also going to do educational performing arts workshops in the summer. We’re going to produce another student musical revue, and this will be our third year we’re going to do a Motown revue, probably in July. It’s the most successful financial thing we do at the Strand.”
about,” Reeves said. Organizers are currently accepting applications for 2013 dates. Download an application at www. artistsmarketmarietta.com.
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
Staff/file
Above: Elisa 'Just a Girl' Limon of Rome, center, makes her way past ‘Torpedo Bay’ during a bout in 2012. Below: The Marietta Derby Darlins, a women's flat-track roller derby league, was founded in April 2011.
Life in the ...
Fast LANE
New era in sports rolls into Marietta By Davia Mosley
F
orget Friday night football — it’s all about some Saturday afternoon skating for the Marietta Derby Darlins. When these women leave their jobs as engineers and business owners, they strap on skates and helmets for a time of athleticism, camaraderie and charity. Karen Davis of east Cobb has been on the team since December 2011. She grew up playing sports and said a Facebook post about roller derby caught her attention. “Wow! Let me check that out,” she recalled thinking. “I took the bull by the horns.” When Acworth resident Shanna Thompson saw a poster advertising the Marietta team in Panera Bread two years ago, she was able to breathe a sigh of relief. She used to rollerblade at Clemson University until it was banned on campus, and the only team she was aware of practiced in Stone Mountain. She and nearly six other women began practicing at Sparkles in Kennesaw. “I think the fun side is being part of a team again,” she said. “There are not that many opportunities for ladies to play a contact sport. Roller derby was a perfect fit to be able to get back some of that activity.” The team is open to women 18 and older. Davis said the sport is not for everybody, but “if you are willing to have a bump and a bruise and play an aggressive sport, there are ways to stay safe.” As with any sport, roller derby has its risks. Both ladies have had minor injuries, and Thompson said broken ankles are the
Dance Continued from Page 2DD and take ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom classes. “It’s been a good experience for us,” Patti bragged. “They are learning very strong technique, and there is a lot of positive reinforcement.” Hart also said she continues to send her children there because “the environment is wholesome,” and the girls have made several friends while dancing there. “I feel that it’s a very safe place for my girls to be, and they love dance,” she said. As a parent, Hart said it does take some commitment to have both girls dancing nearly four days a week but believes that comes with any extracurricular activity. “I feel that the studio supports my parenting and the standards that I set for my kids, and I feel supported in giving them an opportunity to listen to and dance to Christian music,” she said. “It was the first thing we looked at when we went to the studio.” Another student danc-
ble. most common. However, all players go “If you fall in a messy way, you could through a series of assessments, ranging trip other people and put everybody in from tests on rules to physical skills, to danger,” she said. ensure proper form and movements. They The next level, “fresh sign waivers of liability meat,” involves more and also have an opportuadvanced skills such as leannity to get supplemental It’s real ing and working in a pack insurance from USA intense and and learning whips and Roller Sports. pushes. Next, players learn very fastThey are assigned about actual hitting in ranks as they go through paced. ... It’s a more a pack. Davis said, “You the assessment process. lot of fun to need to be able to take that.” “Newbie” players learn An “active league skater” different stops, weaving play, but it’s a is then able to participate in on skates and must pass lot of fun to a scrimmage. Ten players an endurance test of 25 from each team take the watch, too. laps around the rink in floor — four blockers with a five minutes. jammer from each team. “It’s not a real fast Karen Davis, member Points are accrued when the pace, but you’ve got to of the Derby Darlins jammer passes the hips of get a good steady pace,” opposing blockers. Davis said, “They have to The players wear quad skates (no build up to that. You get three chances roller blades), elbow and kneepads, wrist for each skill to demonstrate that you guards, helmets and mouth guards. With have a mastery of that skill to pass on to warm-ups, introductions, entertainment the next level.” and pauses for injuries, Davis said bouts Another part of this assessment is learning how to fall. Thompson said there can last up to two hours. Strategy, as well as penalty boxes, is also part of the comare five to six different falls. For exampetition. ple, the “Rockstar” involves sliding on “It’s real intense and very fast-paced,” two knees, and the “Egg” is when a playDavis said. “It’s a really great spectator er tries to make herself as small as possi-
ing in Carter’s ballet company is 10-year-old Chloe Collins. Loren Collins of Acworth said his daughter began dancing at Impact Dance when she was 3 years old, and seven years she later is taking ballet, hip hop, lyrical, ballroom, tap, tumbling, jazz and pointe. “I have learned more about dance than I ever thought I would have,” he said. “It’s pretty amazing to see how talented they are even at a young age.” Collins said Chloe dances about five days a week, usually Tuesday through Saturday. One thing he believes has kept his daughter dancing was the fact that the studio is “wrapped around” its Christian relationships and that Carter makes that a “big part” of the instruction. “We always feel real comfortable that she’s surrounded by people who not only care for her and want what’s best for her,” he said. “But she’s getting the best possible training and education that she could, and as long as that’s her passion, we try to let her do everything we can to let her pursue it.”
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sport. It’s a lot of fun to play, but it’s a lot of fun to watch, too.” Davis said roller derby also serves as an opportunity for bonding. She said the people they meet, both team members and fans alike, come from all walks of life. If it wasn’t for roller derby, their paths might not have ever crossed. “It’s a female-empowering sport that is so supportive and unlike any other sport I have been involved in,” Davis said. The women also take on unique monikers that not only showcase their individuality but also reduce confusion on the rink. Davis said with multiple Sarahs and Rachels on teams, for example, the nicknames make it easier to communicate during bouts. All are listed in a roller derby name registry. For those wanting to check out the action, there will be four double-header bouts at the Cobb Civic Center this season on April 13, June 8, Aug. 24 and Oct. 19. The Darlins will also hit the road and compete against teams all around the southeast. Check out the bout schedule on www.mariettaderbydarlins.com and follow the Darlins as they travel to Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. For more information on ticket prices and getting involved, visit www.mariettaderbydarlins.com.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Spring BIG SHANTY FESTIVAL — one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the Southeast. There are two entertainment stages, all types of children’s activities and plenty of festival foods. There is also a parade through downtown Kennesaw. The festival takes place in late April on a Saturday and Sunday. SPRING ART FESTIVAL IN ACWORTH — More than 120 colorful artisans line downtown Acworth with their creative artwork and displays. The festival takes place on a Saturday and Sunday in April. A TASTE OF MARIETTA — an annual food festival always held the last Sunday in April that showcases Cobb County restaurants and caterers. It is the largest and longest running food festival in Cobb. SPRING JONQUIL FESTIVAL IN SMYRNA — located in Village Green in downtown Smyrna. The Festival will showcase arts and crafts by more than 150 artists/crafters from across the country. The show takes place on a Saturday and Sunday in late April. There is also a fall Jonquil festival the last weekend in October. THE ARTS WALK — is a free selfguided tour of the Marietta Square’s eclectic art scene. Galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and bou-
tiques host artists within their businesses from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine from April to October. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PROWAKEBOARD TOUR IN ACWORTH — the world’s top professional wakeboarders come to compete on Lake Allatoona while thousands of spectators watch from the shore. The competition is held in late May.
Summer
Fall TASTE OF SMYRNA — food, fun and music all day. There is a Kids Zone with multiple kids attractions and Smyrna’s finest restaurants will have samples. It is held in mid-September on Smyrna’s Village Green. POWDER SPRINGS DAY — there is a parade, entertainment throughout the day, different childrens’ events all in downtown Powder Springs. The event is the first Saturday of every month..
ACWORTH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES — it is at Lake Acworth Cobble Park. Includes two concerts in the summer month and there are different themes for every concert. There are around 10,000 people in attendance every concert.
A TASTE OF ACWORTH — it’s on Main Street in historic downtown and all the restaurants in the street sell samples and attendees can stroll through downtown on the second Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PIGS & PEACHES BBQ FESTIVAL — is the Georgia State Championship BBQ cook-off in Kennesaw. Cash and prizes are awarded to winners in professional and backyard BBQ categories. The festival features barbecued meats as well as desserts and entertainment. It is the last Friday in August.
MUST MINISTRIES THANKSGIVING RACE — the Gobble Jog is a Thanksgiving Day event featuring a 10K run/walk, 5K, a 1K, and the Tot Trot (for kids 5 and under). The race starts and ends on The Square.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION — is first weekend in August to celebrate the birth of Smyrna. Attendees can enjoy lots of food vendors, bands, a giant birthday cake and fireworks in downtown Smyrna.
Winter
SANTA COMES TO TOWN — for children on the first Friday in December in Acworth — the city sponsors lighting a Christmas Tree on Main Street in historic downtown. Kids can take a picture with Santa and the mayor reads The Night Before Christmas.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Rises occasion to the
Venue fills niche market as its geographic reach grows By Noreen Cochran ncochran@mdjonline.com
f the 420,000square-foot, $145 million Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre hasn’t expanded physically since it opened in September 2007, it may be because it was born fully grown.
many genres to be able to appear in the region that in the past might have had to skip Atlanta due to lack of a facility that fit their needs.” A-list attractions in the past year include chart-topper Bonnie Raitt, one of 237 acts selling a combined 221,000 tickets. It’s a figure that was as robust in 2012 as it was in 2007. “We have been fortunate that our number of shows and ticket sales have Its 2,750-seat John A. remained steady over the Williams Theatre and five years,” 10,000-squareTaormina said. foot Kessel D. Those five Center’s Stelling Jr. years included ballroom have economic appearances by risen to the impact /9DD actor-comedian occasion from Billy Crystal, the very beginfilm director ning, according Tyler Perry, shock-rocker to Managing Director Alice Cooper, Broadway Michael Taormina. star Kristin Chenoweth, pop “We experienced overwhelming success,” he said. stars Daughtry and Justin Bieber, jazz and soul greats “We consistently attract Al Jarreau, Ramsey Lewis large audiences to a variety and Chaka Khan, plus of events that include conblack-tie events like the certs, ballet, opera, educaSoul Train Awards and the tional performances, family Georgia Music Hall of shows and comedy.” Fame inductions. Taormina attributes that The Georgia High success to its niche market School Musical Theater — in between the 1,700 seats at Symphony Hall and Awards, formerly named the Shuler Hensley Awards the 4,700 at the Fox Theafter a Broadway star from atre, both in Midtown Marietta, are also handed Atlanta. out at the venue. The cere“The center’s 2,750-seat mony has grown in stature size is a ‘sweet spot’ in the over the years, earning a market and filled a need in nomination in 2011 for a the region,” he said. “It Southeast Emmy Award. enabled performances from
I
Staff/file
The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center has seen its geographic reach grow, attracting tourists from across the state as well as Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. They come under the umbrella of the venue’s school program called ArtsBridge, which has also expanded from field trips to master classes and other activities. Resident companies remain the Gas South Broadway Series, the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera, which grew its audience to sell out all of its “Porgy and Bess” performances in 2011. “That’s huge,” Taormina said. The center’s geographic reach has grown, attracting tourists from across the state as well as Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. And, after downsizing in 2008, the venue is back to its full complement of 41 full- and part-time employees.
TOP 2012 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ACTS Show Attendance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The Princess and the Goblin
9,708
The Atlanta Opera’s Carmen
9,469
West Side Story
6,229
Chicago
5,381
Fresh Beat Band
2,730
Bonnie Raitt
2,690
Kristin Chenoweth 2,678 Legend of Zelda
2,670
Sinbad
2,612
The Shins
2,597
Mezzo-soprano Maria Jose Montiel sings the role of Carmen in the Atlanta Opera's 2012 production of Bizet's Carmen at the Cobb Energy Centre.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Ripple effects Above: The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Left: An audience watches a show at the Cobb Energy center in 2008. Holly Bass, CEO of Cobb Travel and Tourism, said the venue’s estimated total economic impact over its five years is about $3 billion.
Staff/file
Cobb Energy center boosts profits of restaurants, hotels and shops By Noreen Cochran ncochran@mdjonline.com The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre has an economic impact on its surroundings that goes beyond the number of tickets sold, parking fees collected or salaries paid. Its rising tide lifts the boats of neighboring restaurants, hotels and shops. “Theater has economic ripple effects,” Managing Director Michael Taormina said. “It has been good for the area.” The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, the venue’s parent, said it generated $14 million in spending in Cobb County and another $5 million throughout the state in fiscal year 2012, which ended Sept. 30. The venue collected $243,000 last year
in local option sales, liquor by the drink and hotel/motel taxes for the county, and another $769,000 in state sales and use, personal and corporate income taxes. Its 2012 operating revenue topped $7.7 million, netting a profit of more than $765,000. Holly Bass, CEO of Cobb Travel and Tourism, said the venue’s estimated total economic impact over its five years is about $3 billion. “They are an incredible asset Michael to our community, for many difTaormina ferent reasons — the entertainment perspective, their involvement in the community and their impact on restaurants, shopping and hotels,” she said. Bass said the venue’s foundation, which oversees an educational program called
ArtsBridge, has made a difference with field trips, master classes and other participation. “They have a lot of involvement with the school systems. That’s really significant in exposing children to the arts,” she said. “It’s exposing increasing the likelihood in the future that they will be patrons.” Authority chair Earl E. Smith said hopes were high before its opening night of Sept. 15, 2007. “We expected it would bring hundreds of thousands of people to our region every year, creating jobs and generating additional tax revenue for Cobb County and the state,” he said. “Such lofty expectations have been fulfilled and exceeded.”
by the numbers $14 million Spending generated by Cobb Energy Center in Cobb in 2012
$5 million Spending generated through rest of Georgia in 2012.
$765,000 Profit in 2012
$3 billion Total economic import over five years
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Stadium at KSU joins myriad of area venues
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
HUNGRY FOR entertainment?
By Geoff Folsom gfolsom@mdjonline.com
hile Cobb County has been known for venues like the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, a familiar sports facility is making its name in the world of music.
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Fifth Third Bank Stadium — formerly Kennesaw State University Stadium — held its first concert in fall 2012, an electronica show by the band Life in Color. A concert by 2012 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips is scheduled for March 24, with an electronica festival planned for April 20. Staff/special Marty Elliott, executive direcThe recently renamed Fifth Third Bank Stadium boasts 8,600-seats, but for concerts — where people can watch from the field — tor of KSU’s sports and recrecapacity is increased to 16,000. Kennesaw State University has decided to focus more on bringing in music since the Atlanta Beat ation park, said the Atlanta Beat women’s soccer team ran the sta- women’s soccer team folded last year. dium’s events when the venue “We have 26,000 students opened in 2010. But when the who are hungry for entertainBeat’s league folded last year, ment, and clearly they are an KSU decided to focus more on audience we want to appeal to,” bringing in music, along with Elliott said. “But even with an college soccer and a possible artist with a great appeal to that future lacrosse team. demographic, 70 percent of the The stadium has 8,600 fixed audience is going to be from the seats, but for concerts, where general public.” people can watch from the field, The stadium features a builtcapacity is increased to 16,000. Yet Elliott said the venue’s secret in stage and sound equipment, along with covers for the grass weapon could be its ability to soccer field that keep music fans host festivals, where several stages could be set up around the from damaging it during shows. After the concert last year, 88-acre sports park, allowing for Elliott said the grounds between 30,000 crew was able to and 40,000 have the cover up people to after the Friday attend. night event, and get “That is the the field ready for a thing in our Sunday soccer marketplace match. that we have the “It’s a quick turnability to niche around, and it will in on,” she said. Wild Wing Cafe allow us to be more But the sta Dixie Tavern multipurpose,” she dium isn’t limit 120 Tavern and said. ed to large Spectators fill the seats of the stadium at KSU during a soccer game in 2010. KSU has had sucMusic Hall shows. Elliott cess with music at said another one Electric Cowboy phony Brass Quintet. Texas. Elizabeth Weaver, direche asked if he could play on the Dr. Bobbie Baiof its strong “It’s a really great opportunitor of the Cobb County parks stage, and it grew from there.” Henry’s ley & Family Perfor- ty we can provide not only for suits is its abilisystems’ cultural affairs division, Sandoval said her bar is Louisiana Grill mance Center, a ty to have its the campus, but for the commusaid the rental facility hosted 50 among the better small venues in 624-seat venue that capacity adjust Darwin’s Burger nity,” Daly said. events between May and Novem- Cobb because it offers a stage opened on campus ed for different The most successful music ber in 2012, and has several jazz that can accommodate a full and Blues in 2007. While caliber acts. venue in Cobb County in recent concerts and festivals booked for band. Red Sky Tapas & David Daly, the Elliott startyears has been the Cobb Energy this year. Wild Wing Café is located at Bar facility’s director, ed at KSU in Performing Arts Center, located Other facilities that host con2145 Roswell Road and Dixie said the overwhelmFebruary 2012 Hemingways at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. certs include the Strand Theatre Tavern is at 2319 Windy Hill ing majority of perafter 11 years The 2,750-seat theater near on the Marietta Square and the Road. managing formances there are the Cobb Galleria Centre has Cobb Civic Center. Other bars and restaurants that venues at Clemson University. by students and faculty, it does hosted acts including Justin And if large crowds aren’t offer music include the 120 TavShe is now reaching out to conhost the Premiere Series at the Bieber, Lady Antebellum and your thing, you can catch a ern and Music Hall, 1440 cert promoters in an effort to Bailey Center. David Byrne. It also has three show at one of Cobb’s bars and Roswell Road; Electric Cowboy, increase the number of concerts Daly said the series allows resident companies: the Atlanta restaurants that offer music, and 1750 Old Roberts Road in Kenat the stadium, with a trip to Los musicians to set up residency at Ballet, Gas South Broadway possibly see a star of tomorrow. nesaw; Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Angeles planned for this month. KSU for a few days, where they Series and the Atlanta Opera. They include Wild Wing Café 4835 N. Main St. in Acworth; With KSU’s students nearby, can work with students and also After a lull in 2011, the Mable and Dixie Tavern, both of which Darwin’s Burger and Blues, 1598 booking artists that appeal to a go visit schools in the area. House Barnes Amphitheatre, were early venues for the Gram- Roswell Road in Marietta; Red younger demographic will be Artists to participate in the pro5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, my winning Zac Brown Band. Sky Tapas & Bar, 1255 Johnson important, Elliott said. But not all gram include violinist James hosted a series of country con“Zac was a patron here years Ferry Road in east Cobb; and shows will be aimed at the colEhnes, opera singer Jennifer certs last year, featuring artists ago,” said Dixie Tavern bar man- Hemingway’s on the Marietta lege crowd. Larmore and the Chicago Symlike Lorrie Morgan and Little ager Emily Sandoval. “One day Square.
Eateries and bars with music
Museum Continued from Page 3DD shown. “They are interested in engaging the museum in a way that allows them to choose what it is that they like, make statements about artworks, instead of this old, archival, ivory tower that museums and galleries have been, where they go and bow down to the 1 percent of artwork that they deem as being the best work that’s out there,” Werner said. With the help of about 30 students, Nunes said they came up with several ideas but narrowed it down to two as a way to help the museum draw in the new generation of attendees. “We wanted to develop something that would live on someone’s smartphone and be a vital part of how someone will experience their time in the High and also make connections with others,” he said. Werner said students conducted two test projects, “Choices and Voices” and “the GPS Project.” “The Trover website is an app that allowed the students to conduct the Choices and Voices project,” Werner said.
“It gives people a venue to take photographs of what they consider viable works of art out in the public and post them to a place that would be associated to the High.” People can take photos of a piece and tag “HighWithoutWalls” and it would show up on the student’s Trover page. The second project involved GPS data mapping. Werner said it allows people to see themselves walking through the museum and choosing pieces they do or do not like. “The underlying idea is that people could use the device to track themselves on a map of the High on their device around the museum and be able to see a trail of their and everybody else’s path,” he said. “People at home would be able to see the tracks of people moving around in the gallery.” The projects were showcased at the museum Nov. 10. “It shows that the students are really forward-thinking in this subject and that they are able to utilize the information that they are learning in their classes in real-work projects and really take ownership of what new media can do and what it can be in the arts and something that could transition into their professional
career,” he said. The night of the event, they took the top 20 images from Choices and Voices that had received the most likes or dislikes and projected them onto a wall, next to a replica of the GPS program. Almost 1,000 images have been uploaded from people all over the world, including from Russia and Uzbekistan. Casey Graebner, one of Werner’s students, helped coordinate the projects. “It was challenging. We wanted to find something that connected with people our age in the 20s and 30s, to find their interest in artwork and what kind of voice they had, see if they wanted to make a choice between the different pieces at the High,” he said. “It was really important to us to make that connection.” The 31-year-old from Acworth said he’s thrilled with how the projects turned out. “It’s really exciting that we can work with the High in that kind of manner,” he said. “And this is a fantastic opportunity that we can strive to do even more, hopefully, in the future with them.” Graebner is on track to graduate with a degree in new media arts this spring.
MOVIE THEATERS BARRETT COMMONS 24 THEATRE 2600 Cobb Place Lane NW, Kennesaw (888) 262-4386 Prices: $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children MERCHANT’S WALK 1301 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta (678) 560-1111 Prices: $7.50 for kids and seniors, $10 for adults NCG ACWORTH CINEMAS 4421 Cinema Drive, Acworth (678) 384-5717 Prices: $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children NCG MARIETTA CINEMAS 1050 Powder Springs St. (678) 303-4845 Prices: $9 for adults, $8 for students and military, $7 for seniors and children PARK 12 COBB 2925 Frank W. Gordy Parkway, Marietta
(770) 971-1200 Prices: $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and children PARKWAY POINTE 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings (888) 262-4386: Prices: $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children PICTURE SHOW AT MERCHANTS EXCHANGE 4400 Roswell Road, Marietta (770) 977-2977 Prices: $1.75 all ages, $1 on Tuesdays, $2 for 3-D surcharge REGAL 22 AUSTELL 2480 E/W Connector, Austell (770) 439-9336: Prices: $11 for adults, $8 for children TOWN CENTER 16 2795 Town Center Drive, Kennesaw (770) 426-5400 Prices: $8 for seniors and children, $11.50 for adults (Friday and Saturday), $11 (Sunday through Thursday)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Good Notes Georgia Symphony Orchestra adds vibrancy with shows, youth programs By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net
T
he Georgia Symphony Orchestra continues to define itself as a community orchestra through groundbreaking musical opportunities.
“We are really working to redefine what it means to be a regional community orchestra. We are trying to integrate ourselves completely into the community,” said Michael Alexander, conductor and music director of GSO. Rather than use its yearly budget solely toward a limited number of concerts, GSO offers avenues for people in the community to make music. “GSO is unusual as to the people making music with the orchestra. We have close to 1,000 people who make music with us as part of the organization,” Alexander said. Included in its $500,000 budget is a 400-person youth orchestra program that involves fourth grade to high Special school students, a professionThe Georgia Symphony Orchestra performs during a recent concert, above and al as well as youth jazz below. ‘We are trying to integrate ourselves completely into the community,” said ensemble, youth chorus and Michael Alexander, conductor and music director of GSO. adult chorus. “We have all these things that are not common for an organization with a $500,000 budget,” he said. GSO contributes to quality of life in Cobb County. “It’s incumbent on the arts groups to create programming and programs that make people feel that what we are doing is essential to having a vibrant place to live,” Alexander said. In addition to the variety of programs, GSO performs an engaging and creative repertoire to draw in the audience and make local ties. Last year, the GSO opened its season at Zion Baptist Church (off the Marietta Square) with whom they won a Creating Community Award for their collabora-
Among the highlights of tion. The concert showcased the year is the upcoming three world premiere pieces GSO performance of two written by two local compieces, Mahler’s Titanic posers and one from MassaFirst Symphony for cantor chusetts. and orchestra and Bloch’s The concert included the Sacred Service on March 9 premiere of “Ogeechee,” at 8 p.m. at the Bailey Ceninspired by the Ogeechee ter of Kennesaw State UniRiver in Savannah, by versity. Atlanta composer Nicole Steven Weiss, a cantor Randall Chamberlain. GSO from Boston associate conand formerly ductor’s from Cobb “Orchestral County, will Suite” also sing. premiered “The Mahler along with Concert is real“Extreme ly unique. The Spirituals” by piece is very Erik Lindunique and the gram. only piece I “Extreme Meet bass know that is Spirituals” baritone Oral (for cantor and featured internationally Moses / 14DD orchestra). It’s a very beautiful known bass setting,” baritone Oral Alexander said. Moses who is professor of The works of Mahler and voice and music literature at Bloch provide an evening of Kennesaw State University. contrast. “If we’re doing this on “One of the most interestthe budget we have, imagine if we had a budget twice this ing things about Mahler is that he incorporated his Jewsize what we would accomish roots into his music. He plish,” Alexander said. always had to struggle with “The arts a question of how good do you want your the fact that he was living in community to be, how many a very anti-Semitic time and place. He struggled with his opportunities do you want, faith and religion all his life how engaged do you want and it really shows up in his people in conversation and thinking about these kind of music,” he said. “It’s an amazing juxtapothings. It’s more and more relevant as we move into the sition to hear these two pieces by one composer 21st century, not less, (Bloch) who is very sure because we (GSO) are and one who is unsure remarkably different. We are somewhat disruptive and (Mahler) about faith and religion, but both who use that’s a good thing. We creJewish themes in different ate conversation. We create ways,” Alexander said. dialogue. We get people to Tickets can be purchased come together. That’s a at www.georgia pretty important thing to symphony.org. do,” Alexander said.
Want to go? WHAT: Mahler’s Titanic First Symphony WHERE: The Bobbie Bailey Center at KSU WHEN: March 9 at 8 p.m. INFO: Tickets can be purchased at www.georgiasymphony.org.
In the moment
Hensley reflects on career, awards and the future By Davia Mosley “Do you feel like a star?” With a Tony Award decorating his mantle next to a Laurence Olivier Award, Shuler Hensley quickly shrugs this off. He has rubbed shoulders with Hollywood celebrities, has been honored on Broadway and featured on the big screen. For the actor who recently returned to his Marietta childhood home in January, scripts, directors, sheet music and such is the norm. “I was raised on the stage,” he said. “I’ve always been around theater and theater people.” In 1992, Hensley received theater’s highest honor when he won the Tony Award for best actor as “Jud” in the revival of “Oklahoma. Hensley never denies the success he has attained, but said he went through a time when he grappled with his career. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks changed that. He was performing as “Javert” in “Les Miserables” that fall and witnessed some of the events of that day. Broadway was shut down temporarily. The show opened again on Sept. 13, 2001. Two hundred people came to a 1,500-seat theater to watch it. “I was really having an issue
‘’
am and they know the success with why I was doing this — I’ve had, but within five minuntil after the show,” Hensley utes, they are my said. “Every colleagues,” he single person who “I think that’s extremely said. “I think was in the important, especially in the that’s extremely important, espeaudience arts, to know that we are cially in the arts, came to the all family. No matter what to know that we stage door. part of your career you’re are all family. No Literally in, this kind of experience matter what part they said, is going to make sure they of your career ‘Thank you will always have arts in you’re in, this for giving kind of experience us three their lives.” is going to make hours to get away.’ I Shuler Hensley, actor and Tony sure they will thought, Award winner always have arts in their lives.” ‘That’s it. It He said theater’s just gives you presence in pop culture has a chance to get away.’ That can be inspiring, comedic or whatev- given outsiders an insight into er the project is. I said, ‘That’s the performance world as well as enough for me. That validates provide inspiration for young everything. That single experiactors. For the awards show, he ence was probably the most See Hensley, Page 14DD informative and rewarding in terms of what I do.’” Every April for the past four years, students who share the same love of performing are honored at the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards, formerly the Shuler Hensley Awards. Students from more than 40 high schools across the state are highlighted at this event which also features ensemble performances and more. Hensley also takes the stage with a group of students. “(The students) know who I
Above: Shuler Hensley in ‘Oklahoma.’ Left: The cast of ‘Hairspray’ from Pebblebrook High School performed in 2012 at the Shuler Hensley Awards, now renamed the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. Staff/file
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
CIVIC CENTER Staff/file
Fine artist and muralist Stewart Huntington of Marietta spent four days painting the Mediterranean patio murals on canvas for the game room in the east Cobb home of John and Gail Campi. Huntington has been painting murals in the family's home since 2008.
Optical ILLUSION
Artist turns plain spaces into one-of-a-kind masterpieces By Sally Litchfield/sallylit@bellsouth.net
ecorative artist Stewart Huntington uses creative techniques and mediums to transform plain space into something unique.
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Huntington specializes in techniques including faux finishes, stenciling, wood graining (painting a surface to look like wood), marbling (painting wood to look like marble, stone, travertine or the like) and murals. He also creates oil paintings on canvas to sharpen his skills. “I love (decorative arts). I can go in and change a space or area. It’s very creative,” he said. Huntington has served the metro Atlanta area for 20 years but also has clients in Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida and North Carolina. Although there are similar elements to each job, Huntington customizes his hand-painted product for each individual See Optical, Page 15DD
The Dallas Theater & Civic Center is a unique rental space. We offer a fully restored, art-deco styled theater dating from the 1940’s and an adjacent civic center with a modern, sleek style. Each venue can be rented separately or you can rent both spaces for your event. You are free to bring any vendors you choose. We will do all that we can to ensure that your event is successful. We always enjoy speaking with you about your event and giving tours of our beautiful venue. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule a tour. • Weddings
• Bridal Showers
• Sports Banquets
• Wedding Receptions
• Baby Showers
• Concerts
• Reunions
• Graduation Parties
• Fundraisers
• Corporate Meetings
• Club Meetings
• Holiday Events
• Awards Ceremonies
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RENTAL RATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
OR CALL US AT:
770.445.5180
DALLAS THEATER - CIVIC CENTER 208 MAIN STREET - DALLAS, GA
Huntington works on a painted stone interior to achieve the look of an antique bar area in an east Cobb home.
OUR CIVIC CENTER IS LOCATED AT 121 EAST GRIFFIN STREET (DALLAS, GA) ADJACENT TO THE DALLAS THEATER.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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CURTAIN rises for
MARIETTA PUPPETEER Actor, singer entertains audiences in science-filled children’s performance By Kathy Goldsberry kgoldsberry@mdjonline.com Allison Murphy has the audience buzzing as she sings “I’m Buggy ‘Bout You,” onstage at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. The Marietta resident plays Morpha Butterfly in the center’s performance of “Mighty Bug,” playing through March 17. Laughs, gasps and cries of “Ewwwww!” from children fill the theater during the comic-book style action/adventure story about a superhero insect who watches over and protects the residents of Bugville. “This show looks like a comic book. That’s the whole feel of the show is kind of this action-adventure plotline,” Murphy said. “The kids are just having a great time — cheering for Mighty Bug, booing the evil villain. It’s got such an action component to it.” As Mighty Bug visits and helps the residents of Bugville, children in the audience learn about insect habitats, environments, insect anatomy and abilities. Scorpiana, an evil arachnid, enlists the help of a bear, a bird, a bat and an anteater to attack the town. Mighty Bug springs into action with the help of Murphy’s character. Morpha Butterfly is a body puppet — or a costumed character — but Murphy also works behind a large screen with four other puppeteers to create shadow puppets and projections. “Everybody’s busy the entire show. Of course Mighty Bug is the star, but all five of us are very busy the entire time,” Murphy said. “We’re pretty much an ensemble.” The costumed characters interact with puppets projected onto a screen from backstage, creating a lively and unique experience for children and adults. After the performance, the actors and pup-
Special
Above: Allison Murphy sings and acts as Morpha Butterfly during a scene in ‘Mighty Bug’ at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Inset: Murphy. The show plays now through March 17. peteers explain how the show is created with lights, shadow scenery and the screen. Murphy owns a studio in Marietta called Atlanta Voice and Stage, located at her home between Austell Road and Powder Springs Road. She helps performers polish their voice, acting and speech. “I work with a lot of teens who are trying to audition for theater, musical theater or bands,” she said. “And then I also work with adults that have to make a lot of presentations, business-wise. So I help them kind of clean up their speech — if they have accents or if they have some fears of public speaking.” Murphy has entertained in Marietta at the now-defunct Theatre on the Square in “How I Became A Pirate,” and Stage Door with “Hot n’ Cole” and “Master Class.” She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Stephens College in Missouri and a Master of Music in musical theater from Boston Conservatory. Murphy came to Atlanta from Boston after she landed a gig at the Center for Puppetry Arts in “The Velveteen Rabbit,” in 2006. She has called Marietta home since 2008. While the talented actor and puppeteer has entertained spectators of all ages, children are her favorite.
“It’s definitely great to perform for adults, too. But kids — they put it all out there. If they don’t like it, you’ll know it. … They’re cheering for Mighty Bug every time he comes onstage. Sometimes, I almost have to stifle a laugh,” Murphy said. “I like the kids. They’re the best audience you can ask for. …. It’s really fun to hear their reactions.” The science-filled show appeals to a wide audience of children and even has a few jokes thrown in for adults. “I would have liked this show as a kid,” Murphy said. “There’s singing and dancing and romance and action/adventure. So there’s something for pretty much everyone.” “Mighty Bug” is recommended for children ages 4 and older. Showtimes are Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets @puppet.org or at the center. Call (404) 873-3391 for more information. For voice and acting lessons with Murphy, email lessons@atlantavoice andstage.com or call (770) 485-6486. Lessons are available for those 10 and older.
Want to go? WHAT: Mighty Bug WHERE: Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta
WHEN: Tuesday through
Friday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; now through March 17 INFO: Tickets can be purchased online at tickets @puppet.org or at the center. Call (404) 873-3391 for more information.
Want lessons? Email lessons@atlanta voiceandstage.com or call (770) 485-6486. Voice and acting lessons are available for those 10 and older.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
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(The Negro Spiritual) is the voice of my people during an era of enslavement. They show what was the condition of their lives as they faced the struggle while fighting for freedom. ... I love this kind of music. — Oral Moses, former professor of voice and music literature at KSU
A
Spirit for
music
Bass-baritone Oral Moses sings the praises of black spirituals, composers By Sally Litchfield / sallylit@bellsouth.net
orld-renowned bass-baritone Oral Moses loves to sing and to teach. The recently retired Kennesaw State University professor of voice and music literature celebrates Negro Spirituals and Art Song repertoire by African-American composers.
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“I grew up singing. It was natural and easy,” said Oral Moses who, after serving in the military, attended Fisk University where he majored in voice. Following his undergraduate work, the South Carolina native received masters and doctorate degrees from University of Michigan. “In music, I studied the great European composers. I never really studied composers of color,” said Moses whose operatic achievements include major roles in “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Regina,” “la Boheme,” “Albert Herring,” “Tremonisha,” “Rigoletto,” and “The Magic Flute.” While at the University of Michigan, Moses studied voice under bass Willis Patterson who assembled a book of classical songs by black composers. At the same time Patterson formed a group of singers including Moses to showcase these musicians. “(Patterson) started my interest in African-American composers. I found out there was a whole large body of music I knew nothing about,” said Moses, who has performed with symphonies
across the U.S. He has also studied and toured throughout Europe. “I fell in love with the poetry, the music (by AfricanAmerican composers). That led me back to discover the Negro spiritual. I had sung spirituals but not really put any emphasis on them. I loved this music. I loved singing and performing it. And there’s an audience for it,” the Smyrna resident said. Spirituals are important because of their heritage. “(The Negro Spiritual) is the voice of my people during an era of enslavement. They show what was the condition of their lives as they faced the struggle while fighting for freedom,” he said. “I love this kind of music. I love the melodies. I love the rhythms of (the Negro spirituals),” said Moses, 1986 recipient of a National Endowment for Humanities Grant who coauthored a book, “Feel The Spirit-Studies in Nineteenth Century Afro-American Music” published by Greenwood Press. He is a contributing author in the third edition of, “Notable Black American Women,” and the second edi-
Staff/Emily Barnes
Oral Moses sits in the pews at Old Zion Baptist Church Heritage Museum. Moses recently retired from Kennesaw State University as professor of voice and music literature.
Moses sings, at Old Zion Baptist Church Heritage Museum. tion of “Notable Black American Men,” published by Gale Press. “More so than anything else I love the texts (of the Negro spirituals) which gives me the history. It gives me a
PLAYHOUSES CHILDREN’S GARDEN THEATER Children's Garden Theater was created to provide an educational and artistic environment to teach children of all ages and experience about theater. The theater specializes in custom written musicals created specifically for the children involved in the productions. Children involved in a CGT production are given the opportunity to work with professional choreographers, dance instructors, and vocal coaches. Address: 3380 Canton Road, Marietta 30066 Website: www.childrensgardentheater.com CENTERSTAGE NORTH Cobb County’s oldest community theater. The Art Place - Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Website: www.centerstagenorth.org Box office: (770) 331-0079 POLK STREET PLAYERS A community theater group, sponsored by St. James’ Episcopal Church. Players from the entire Marietta area are welcome, whether church members or not. Address: The Stellar Cellar at St. James’ Episcopal Church at 161 Church St., Marietta GA 30060 Website: https://stjames-marietta.episcopalatlanta.org/Content/Polk_Street_Pl ayers.asp Box office: (770) 218-9669. ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE Professional musical theater company, formed in 1980 by Tedi and Robert Langdon and Sally Knap as the Southeastern Savoyards, a repertory theater company dedicated to presenting the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Address: The Atlanta Lyric Theatre is housed at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre at 117 North Park Square, Marietta, 30060 Website: www.atlantalyrictheatre.com Box office: (404) 377-9948
THE EARL SMITH STRAND THEATRE The 1935 Art Deco theatre was renovated and reopened in 2009 after sitting empty for 30 years. With seating for over 500 in the auditorium, two event rooms, and a roof top terrace that turns into a bar with live music during the summer months, The Strand hosts a variety of different events. Hours: Monday through Friday 9-12 p.m., 1–4 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday Address: 117 North Park Square, Marietta 30060 Website: www.earlsmithstrand.org Box office: (770) 293-0080 COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE The Cobb Energy Centre is a premier venue for Broadway shows, ballet, opera, concerts, comedy, educational shows, family performances, corporate meetings, wedding receptions, galas and events. Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday closed. Address: 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 30339 Website: www.cobbenergycentre.com Box office: (770) 916-2800 MABLE HOUSE BARNES AMPHITHEATRE The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre is an outdoor concert venue. Located in the same complex as the historic Mable House and Mable House Cultural Arts Center in the South Cobb / Mableton area of Cobb County, it features a state-of-the-art facility. The amphitheater can accommodate approximately 2,400 people per show. Box office hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 to 6 pm. Also open on ticketed show days. Address: 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton Box office: (770) 819-7765 Website: www.mablehouse.org/ amphitheatre.html
sociological understanding about what life was like. It gives a broad spectrum of the lives of Africans in this country in the early days of enslavement,” said Moses, 66. Spirituals also provide
understanding. “(The Negro spiritual) speaks to lives and times to what African Americans were feeling and what they were expressing in terms of their lives,” Moses said. Moses moved to Cobb County in 1984 after graduate school to take a teaching position with KSU. He developed his own course at KSU on black composers after studying (at Harvard one summer with foremost scholar at the time Eileen Southern) music of 19th-century blacks such as Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins Bethune of Georgia. “I love to engage the minds of young folk,” he said. “I’ll always be teaching. … I don’t ever want to go to a place and just sit down. Retirement just opens the door to take wings and fly in different directions,” Moses said. To learn more visit www.oralmoses.com.
full-on performers.” When asked about his legacy, Hensley said, “If there’s anything that I’d like to leave Continued from Page 11DD these kids, it’s how important they are, not only for the peosaid, “It’s sort of been like the ple involved but just for sociperfect storm in terms of when it started with the popularity of ety and the community. There’s never a day that goes things like “Glee” and high by ever that I don’t meet someschool musical thebody who will talk ater in general. about what the arts Statistics have If there’s anyto them. shown that it’s thing that I’d like meant That connection one of the fastestto leave these that arts have with growing parts of kids, it’s how people connects high schools, secthem with human ond only to Friday important they beings. What I night football, and are, not only for would want to it’s supposed to the people impart on these surpass that at involved but just kids is no matter some point.” what you do, for society and Hensley not you’ll never lose only grew up on the community. that. The arts are the stage, but also on the field as an Shuler Hensley, actor such a part of your athlete. “I sort of and Tony Award winner life in that respect.” didn’t know there He said the was a difference,” rewards in his career are the he said. “I sort of enjoyed all ability to inspire other perof them.” formers and be real: “The only The awards might bear his way to really do that is to be in name, but Hensley said the the moment.” night is for the students. Hensley’s family may view “I’ve been lucky to be able him as a husband and father. to use my success in the business to promote it, but it’s real- His two small curly-haired dogs, Mae West and Montana, ly for them,” he said. “I get see him as the guy who rubs more out of it more than anytheir bellies. body. It sort of re-energizes To the world, he’s a star. my idea of theater. I can But he still shrugs it off remember exactly when I was humbly. their age and the excitement “When you meet people, and thrill of being in theater. they’re just people,” he said. That’s really the spark behind “In London (doing) “Oklaall of it.” homa,” I met a guy who no The self-professed eternal 10th-grader said he lives vicar- one knew named Hugh Jackiously through the “kids” — as man. He was just out of Australia. I’ve grown up with peohe affectionately call them — ple like that. Being in the busibecause he didn’t have anyness long enough, no matter thing like this when he was what star moniker people have, their age. He describes their they are pretty much nice peodegree of talent as “staggerple. I just hope I’m nice.” ing,” saying, “These kids are
Hensley
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Sacre Voci resurrects the ....
Sounds of antiquity Area choral group sings forgotten compositions from Renaissance era acre Voci, a 16voice chamber choir, makes beautiful music through gems from the past.
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“We specialize in Renaissance music,” said Ed Schneider, founding artistic director of Sacre Voci (Sacred Voices). Schneider also serves as director of music at First Presbyterian Church of Marietta where the group was founded. “I like finding gems from the past that are undiscovered,” said Schneider, who uses the Internet to find works that have never been performed. Sacre Voci has premiered several overlooked pieces. One such piece is a mass written in 1550 by 16th century Spanish composer Rodrigo de Ceballos, discovered in the Cathedral of Guatemala. “I found the work (by de Ceballos). It was put on the Internet, and no one had ever done anything with it,” he said. “The music is special because we are digging up these gems from the past that have not been heard probably since they were written hundreds of years ago,” the Kennesaw resident said. Though Sacre Voci started as part of the FPC, with the church’s permission in 2007 the group obtained 501 (c) 3 status as an independent nonprofit chamber choir. The group continues to rehearse at FPC.
By Sally Litchfield / sallylit@bellsouth.net The group, made of professional Membership in Sacre Voci is by and amateur singers audition. with strong musical “Sacre Voci is not backgrounds, pergoing to be for every It’s music forms throughout the singer. It is for those realMarietta area, includ- that reaches ly interested in chamber ing FPC where they works of the Renaissance into your soul often perform in the and contemporary works and makes you historic sanctuary. for chamber choir,” “(The old sanctu- look at life in a Schneider said. ary) makes the per“We sing highly spirituvery different fect setting for al music. By listening to pieces of antiquity,” way. this music myself I become said Schneider, a a better person. It’s music Ed Schneider, that reaches into your soul native of Los Angefounding artistic and makes you look at life les, who moved to director of Sacre Voci in a very different way,” Marietta in 2003 for employment after Schneider said. receiving his doctorate To learn more, visit www. at University of Cincinnati in choral sacrevoci.com. Contact Schneider at conducting. edschneider@fpcmarietta.org.
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Staff/file
Most of the Emerson Drummers play the djembe, a traditional African drum made from stretched animal skins and a hardwood shell, tuned with rope.
Keeping in rhythm Emerson Drummers bring African music to Marietta By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net
Staff/file
First Presbyterian of Marietta Musical Director Ed Schneider directs his adult choir group Sacre Voci during a dress rehearsal for the group's 2012 Christmas performance, top and above.
Emerson Drummers, a community percussion choir of amateur drummers, unite to celebrate West African culture through music. “We play traditional West African drumming music and singing,” said Chuck Cogliandro, a professional musician who has been the group’s musical director since its inception in 1996. For 20 years, Cogliandro has taught African drumming in Atlanta including at Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter College, various youth organizations and hundreds of schools from pre- Chuck Cogliandro K to high school levels. The fulltime musician and energy healer who performs spiritual healing and guidance for people said, “(Drumming) is a very safe way for people to come together and do something creative and positive and high energy in a group.” Drumming represents a deep, rich culture. “(The drumming) is not really for entertainment. It’s about bringing people together in a spirit of community and cooperation,” Cogliandro said. The music is traditionally played to support the emotional and spiritual life of a village and community for all kinds of occasions such as a
birth, wedding, work, agricultural ceremonies, and passage of youth into adulthood. West African drumming centered on community is not a commodity sold as entertainment or diversion. “The whole community moves together, evolves together and stays strong through rhythm and dance and drumming. It keeps them connected to each other. It keeps them connected to the cycles of the Earth. It keeps them connected to their ancestors that came before them,” he said. Drumming is a group effort. “It’s not competitive at all. It’s actually highly cooperative because there are different rhythms being played together at the same time in the ensemble,” said the Decatur resident. “Anyone can join. We are always open and welcome to anybody who comes through the door,” Cogliandro said. Emerson Drummers practice at Emerson Unitarian Congregation at 2799 Holly Springs Road in Marietta every Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cogliandro leads another group at Atlanta Unity North Church on Sandy Plains Road in Marietta on Thursday nights. To learn more, visit www.kumandi. com or email chuck@kumandi.com.
MUSEUMS The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square 18 Whitlock Ave., Marietta, 30064 Phone: (770) 794-5576 Website: www.gwtwmarietta.com Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students; $5 for groups of 15 or more Description: “Gone With The Wind” premiered in Atlanta in 1939. The museum features memorabilia from Staff/file the film based on the book by PulitizFine artist and muralist Stewart Huntington of Marietta er Prize-winning author Margaret has painted several guest bathrooms, which includes Mitchell. Guests can view scripts, books, props, movie posters — even painted stones and textured faux in the east Cobb the original bengaline honeymoon home of John and Gail Campi. gown worn by Vivien Leigh, who played Scarlett O’Hara. they’d call me.” Huntington developed a Marietta Museum of History large referral base from 1 Depot St., Marietta, GA 30060 Phone: (770) 794-5710 Continued from Page 12DD decorators who worked with builders. The other Website: www.mariettahistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to part of his business came customer. He said, “Every Saturday. Closed Sundays, Easter, word of mouth. single job has something Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor To the eye, Huntingdifferent in it that makes it unique. I try to make every ton’s decorative work pre- Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas (Dec. 24-26), New Year’s Day. sents a perfect enhancejob unique to the customer Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for stument to a plain room. But by listening to their ideas he contends that in order to dents and seniors (55 and older), free and working with them.” for active military with ID and children be a good faux finisher, Formerly a store manyounger than 5 “You have to be consisager for Office Depot, Description: The museum is located Huntington left the compa- tently inconsistent.” Imperfections make the on the second floor of the 1845 Kenny to pursue a more creative career. He first began perfect picture. He said, “If nesaw House. Museumgoers can view artifacts ranging from 19th- and you are a person that is stenciling and painting 20th-century clothing to Civil War very worried about every faux finishes for Stencil single swoop being exactly weapons and ammunition. The hisArtisans League Internatorical scope includes the developthe same or every angle tional, now known as ment of Marietta and Cobb County, having to be exactly the International Decorative Native Americans, early inventions same, then your art will Artisans League. and Native Americans. not look very natural. “(SALI) was a ladies’ You’re never really strivgroup basically. I started Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art going to some of the meet- ing for absolute perfection 30 Atlanta St., Marietta 30060 because then it won’t look ings to help them with Phone: (770) 528-1444 natural.” For more infortheir jobs,” he said. “A lot Website: of the ladies needed murals mation or to contact Hunt- www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org ington, visit and faux finishes done on Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday www.muralsfauxu2.blogsp through Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Satthe walls of their client’s ot.com or email sthunting- urday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed homes and they didn’t ton@gmail.com. know how to do it, so Mondays.
Optical
Admission: $8 for adults, $5 students (6 to 18 or with ID) and seniors (65 and older); free for members and children younger than 6 Description: The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is metropolitan Atlanta’s only museum dedicated to American art. Housed in Marietta’s first U.S. Post Office, the museum hosts a full schedule of exhibitions and boasts a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art, from Warhol to Wyeth.
Old Zion Baptist Church Heritage Museum 165 Lemon St., Marietta 30060 Phone: (770) 427-8749, ext. 114 Hours: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; by appointment Cost: Admission is free; donations are accepted. Description: Located at the corner of Lemon & Haynes streets, this Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history, art and culture of the black community in Cobb County.
Marietta Fire Museum 112 Haynes St., Marietta 30060 Phone: (770) 794-5491 Website: www.mariettaga.gov /city/fire/museum Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. evenings and weekends by appointment Admission: Free Description: The Marietta Fire Department was officially formed in 1854 following a fire, which destroyed most of the Marietta Square. This museum provides information on firefighting techniques and equipment from the 1800s to the present. The highlight of the collection is the Silsby Steamer purchased by the city in 1879. It served Marietta until 1921 and was restored in 1992.
Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, 30144 Phone: (770) 427-2117 Website: www.southernmuseum.org Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors older than 60, $5.50 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children younger than 3. Description: A special gallery will feature traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service as well as other sources and will be changed every few months. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits, including a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers during the Civil War, a reproduction of a turn-of-the-century locomotive factory, and a depiction of the Great Locomotive Chase.
The Root House Museum 145 Denmead St., Marietta, 30060 Phone: (770) 426-4982 Website: www.cobblandmarks .com/root-house.php Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $7 for adults, $6 for students seniors, $5 for children, free for kids 5 and younger Description: Built in 1845 by Hannah and William Root, the Root House Museum offers a glimpse of the home life of a middle-class merchant and his family. Owned and operated by the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society, it is one of the oldest surviving frame houses in Marietta.
Seven Springs Museum 3901 Brownsville Road, Powder Springs, 30127 Phone: (678) 567-5611 Hours: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Description: The museum houses a unique collection of artifacts and photographs chronicling the history of the area. Volunteers from the Seven Springs Historical Society operate the museum.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
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NEW PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR BRINGS EXPERIENCE TO VITAL ROLE Smyrna names new city police chief
CITIES & COUNTY
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
PHILANTHROPIC
ENDEAVOR Cobb Community Foundation handles money matters for area charities By John Gillooly / jgillooly@mdjonline.com MARIETTA — The Cobb Community Foundation has given more than $4 million in grants during the past five years. Today the foundation manages 56 funds and foundations that touch every part of the Cobb community from MUST Ministries to Cobb Landmarks, said executive director Tommy Allegood, who also serves as the mayor of Acworth. The CCF handles the financial legwork of a charity’s dollars, so the charity can focus on its mission, Allegood said. “We’re managing the money, we’re investing the money, we’re facilitating the giving, we’re managing the back office, and then we’re filing the tax returns, so we just literally take all We’re managing the money, we’re the back office stuff away, and they have the ability to investing the money, we’re facilitating just ask and request that to the giving, we’re managing the back be gifted to themselves,” office, and then we’re filing the tax Allegood said. In summer 2012, CCF returns, so we just literally take all the moved from its home in back office stuff away, and they have the Jim Rhoden’s Futren Corability to just ask and request that to be poration off Windy Hill gifted to themselves. Road to the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. “Now we’ve got a bigTommy Allegood, Cobb Community Foundation ger space, and one of the executive director and Acworth mayor big advantages for us is now we have access to the (chamber’s) community part of the educational and so we increase our overall room because we really do charitable giving resource capacity to touch every a lot of events, we do a lot by calling Nancy Collier at part of the community,” he of education, and now we the Cobb Community said. have this big space to be Foundation at (770) 859Allegood expressed his able to really get the job appreciation to the commu- 2329. done,” Allegood said. “It is interesting to me Allegood called 2012 an nity partners who have because it’s all about buildmade CCF a success. extraordinary year for the ing partnerships and rela“It is our Partners in CCF as its capacity for tionships and helping peoPhilanthropy support from charitable giving grew by ple,” Allegood said. community business lead20 percent. “We’re touching a lot of ers that has catapulted the Last year, CCF began lives, we’re making a big success of our charitable partnering with the Cobb difference and continuing giving mission,” he said. School Foundation to Allegood invites anyone to do that. It’s very inspirincrease its teacher impact ing.” to join him in becoming grants in Cobb, which are grants given to teachers who have innovative ideas for educating children. The foundation also expanded its charitable giving resources through five highly effective The foundation expanded its charitable giving resources through five highly educaeffective educational workshops to educate and promote philanthropy. Above: tional Members of nonprofit organizations listen to a consultant who specializes in workstrategic planning and fundraising during a Strategic Planning 101 course. shops to educate and promote philanthropy. The success of its mission was rewarded and recognized by the Home Depot Foundation’s Community Networking Award. Board Chairman Rick Hamilton, a principal with Gross Collins, closed out 2012 with a sponsorship of the Chamber’s December breakfast, where CCF partner and MUST Ministries Director Dr. Ike Reighard delivered a popular lecture on “How to Fill Your Bucket.” Dear Citizens of Cobb County This year the board is chaired by David Fisher, founding partner with SigAcworth has something for everyone! Our historic downtown offers natureFD. award winning restaurants, an assortment of boutiques, spas and “We continue to expand galleries. Highway 41 is also home for every national retailer and our fund base and giving capacity as we continue our restaurant. Acworth flourishes with economic growth and is a great commitments to educate location for a variety of businesses within the Northern Growth and strengthen our donor Corridor. Picturesque beachfronts and parks for recreational activpartners,” Allegood said. ities make Acworth a great place to visit. Last year the CCF added 11 new funds. We thank our citizens and visitors for ACWORTH “Those are different types of funds for different making Acworth home! type of giving. We want to continue to add the number Mayor Tommy and the Board of Aldermen of funds and fund dollars
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Acworth…
Staff/Laura Moon
Above: Cobb Community Foundation 2013 Chairman David Fisher, left, and Executive Director Tommy Allegood. Left: Allegood stands in front of a list of the organization’s Partners in Philanthropy. ‘It is our Partners in Philanthropy support from community business leaders that has catapulted the success of our charitable giving mission,’ Allegood said.
AUSTELL
There's No Place Like Home!
the friendly city, is growing with Cobb. Joe Jerkins, Mayor Council Members: Kirsten Anderson, Trudie Causey, Virginia Reagan, Martin Standard, Scott Thomas, Suzanne Thomason
www.austell.org • 770-944-4300 2716 Broad Street, Austell, Georgia 30106
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
CITIES & COUNTY
2013
PAGE 3EE
G EORGIA L EGISLATURE
C O B B S E N AT E P R O F I L E S SENATE DISTRICT 6
SENATE DISTRICT 37
Sen. Hunter Hill
Sen. Lindsey Tippins
Age: 35 Occupation: Business development for SecurAmerica Family: Wife, Shannan Reese Hill; children, Hunter Jr. and Annie Christine Hill, Phone: 770-855-2454 Email: hunter@voteHunterHill.com Elected: 2012
Occupation: Pipeline contractor Family: Wife, Ann Phone: 404-657-0406 Email: lindsey.tippins@senate .ga.gov Elected: 2010
(R-Smyrna)
(R-West Cobb)
SENATE DISTRICT 14 Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R-north Cobb)
COBB’S
Occupation: Business owner Spouse: Wife, Desiree, children: Michael, Christiana and Travis Phone: 404-656-0034 Email: barry@barryloudermilk.com Elected: 2010
STATE SENATE DISTRICTS
SENATE DISTRICT 32
SENATE DISTRICT 33
SENATE DISTRICT 38
Sen. Judson Hill
Sen. Steve Thompson
Sen. Horacena Tate
Age: 53 Occupation: Attorney Family: Wife, Shelly; three children, ages 22, 15 and 14. Phone: 404-656-0150 Email: judson@judsonhill.com Elected: 2004
Age: 62 Occupation: Business Services co-owner Family: Wife, Karen; daughter, Amy; seven grandchildren Phone: 404-656-0083 Email: steve.thompson@senate.ga.gov Elected: 1990
Occupation: Businesswoman/training Phone: 404-463-8053 Email: horacena.tate@senate .ga.gov Elected:1998
(D-Marietta)
(R-east Cobb)
(D-south Cobb)
COBB HOUSE PROFILES HOUSE DISTRICT 34
HOUSE DISTRICT 44
Rep. Charles Gregory
Rep. Don Parsons
Age: 34 Occupation: Information technology & services Family: Wife, Samantha; three children Phone: 678-383-7002 Email: Charles@charlesgregory.com Elected: 2012
Occupation: Telecom Consultant Family: Wife, Jo Lynn, two daughters, six grandchildren. Phone: 404-656-9198 Email: repdon@donparsons .org Elected: 1994
(R-Kennesaw)
(R-northeast Cobb)
HOUSE DISTRICT 35 Ed Setzler (R-Acworth)
COBB’S STATE HOUSE
Age: 42 Occupation: Architecture/engineering Family: Wife, Tracie; four children: David, Caleb, Sarah and Susannah Phone: 404-656-0178 Email: Ed.setzler@house.ga.gov Elected: 2004
DISTRICTS
HOUSE DISTRICT 36
HOUSE DISTRICT 40
HOUSE DISTRICT 45
Rep. Earl Ehrhart
Rep. Rich Golick
Rep. Matt Dollar
Age: 53 Occupation: Business consultant Family: Single, two sons: Earl and John Phone: 404-463-2247 Email: earl.ehrhart@house.ga.gov Elected: 1988
Age: 46 Occupation: Attorney Family: Wife, Maria, two sons, ages 11 and 9. Phone: 404-656-5943 Email: Rich.Golick@house.ga.gov Elected: 1998
Age: 35 Occupation: Commercial real estate broker Family: Single Phone: 404-656-0254 Email: matt.dollar@house.ga.gov Elected: 2002
HOUSE DISTRICT 37
HOUSE DISTRICT 41
HOUSE DISTRICT 46
Sam Teasley
Rep. Michael Smith
Rep. John Carson
Occupation: Realtor Family: Wife, Michelle Phone: 404-656-0177 Email: sam.teasley@house.ga.gov Elected: 2010
Phone: 404-652-9227 Email: michaelandresmith @yahoo.com Elected: 2012
Age: 41 Occupation: CPA, banking Family: Wife, Beverly; children, Elizabeth, Jack Phone: 404-656-0287 Email: John.Carson@house.ga.gov Elected: 2011
HOUSE DISTRICT 38
HOUSE DISTRICT 42
HOUSE DISTRICT 53
David Wilkerson
Rep. Stacey Evans
Rep. Sheila Jones
Age: 44 Occupation: CPA Family: Wife, Penny; two children Phone: 404-656-0116 Email: david.wilkerson@house.ga.gov Elected: 2010
Age: 34 Occupation: Attorney Family: Husband, Andrew; daughter, Ashley, 10 months Phone: 770-410-4087 Email: stacey@staceyevans.org Elected: 2010
Occupation: Lockheed Martin Company Phone: 404-656-0323 Email: sheila.jones@house.ga.gov Elected: 2004
HOUSE DISTRICT 39
HOUSE DISTRICT 43
HOUSE DISTRICT 61
Rep. Alisha Morgan
Sharon Cooper
Rep. Roger Bruce
Age: 34 Occupation: Nonprofit program director, small business owner Family: Husband, David; two children Phone: 404-656-0109 Email: alisha@alishamorgan.com Elected: 2002
Occupation: Medical administrator/R.N M.S.N Family: Husband, Tom Phone: 404-656-5069 E-mail: Sharon.Cooper@house.ga.gov Elected: 1996
Age: 59 Occupation: President/CEO of SOS PreTrial Intervention, LLC Family: Wife, Angela; three children Phone: 404-656-0314 Email: roger.bruce@house.ga.gov Elected: 2002
(R-west Cobb)
(R-Marietta)
(D-Austell)
(D-Austell)
(R-Smyrna)
(D-Marietta)
(D-Smyrna)
(R-Marietta)
(R-east Cobb)
(R-northeast Cobb)
(D-south Cobb)
(D-south Cobb)
CITIES & COUNTY
PAGE 4EE
Room to grow
Staff/Emily Barnes
New Cobb County public safety director Jack Forsythe has a background working for the federal government, but says he missed working on the local level. ‘I learned a lot in the federal government, but I missed the camaraderie you have at the local level,’ he said. ‘I feel you can get more done at the county level.’
New public safety director looking for ways to improve department By Geoff Folsom / gfolsom@mdjonline.com
ust 10 days after he took over as Cobb County’s fourth full-time public safety director in January, the bookshelves in Jack Forsythe’s corner office in the county administration building were still largely empty. But his schedule has been full.
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some time. Since coming from “I learned a lot in the Currituck, N.C., where he had worked as a pub- federal government, but I missed the camaraderie lic safety consultant for you more than have at a year, Forsythe THE FORSYTHE FILE the local said he TITLE: Cobb County public level,” regularly safety director he said. meets “I feel with other AGE: 60 you county FAMILY: Wife, Susan; One can get officials adult son more as well as HOME: Living in a hotel done at groups until he finds a house the like the county Cobb level.” Chamber of Commerce, Cobb’s management NAACP and firefighters structure and ability to associations. As the top official in county police, weather the recent recession appealed to fire, 911 and animal Forsythe when he was control, he oversees looking for a county to 2,000 employees. join. Forsythe was one “I’m looking at how of 206 applicants for the we can be more effiposition, with 66 of cient, how we can make them considered eligible. improvements,” he said. Fire Chief Sam Heaton “Whether it’s short term had filled the position on improvements or long an interim basis since term organizational shortly after Mickey improvements.” Lloyd resigned in 2010 Forsythe served with amid allegations that the federal government Lloyd embellished his for a decade, handling military career. security issues with the Forsythe toured the Federal Communications Cobb Safety Village, Commission, the Federal where second- and Emergency Management fourth-graders learn fire Agency and NASA, where he oversaw securi- safety, shortly after takty for eight years, the last ing office. He was pleased with the facility, three at the agency’s Washington headquarters. even comparing County Manager David HankerBefore joining the son to Walt Disney for federal government in his vision in developing 2000, Forsythe was involved in public safety the project. But he feels it hasn’t been used to its in Prince George’s full potential. County, Md., as a uni“That’s probably one formed police officer for of my biggest surprises,” 23 years, then three Forsythe said. “I have years as public safety never been exposed to communications directhat public safety village tor. aspect. I would like to He said he has wanttake that and make a ed to get back into model for the entire county government for
I think you’re going to see some good enhancements and some surprising enhancements in public safety in the future.
United States.” While the late Bob Hightower, Cobb’s first public safety director, poked fun at Hankerson’s love of motorcycles, don’t expect that kind of treatment from Forsythe. The new director is an avid motorcyclist himself, and he looks forward to trips to Asheville, N.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn. “I feel right at home,” Forsythe said. “I think you’re going to see some good enhancements and some surprising enhancements in public safety in the future.”
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
CITIES & COUNTY
Familiar Face New Smyrna police chief has long history in Cobb
orous interview process, his credentials included a gfolsom@mdjonline.com home-team advantage — managing Marietta’s prisSMYRNA — After oners, some of whom were being approved 7-0 by the housed at the Smyrna jail. Smyrna City Council on “The bonus is he knows Jan. 22, David Lee took Cobb County and Smyrna over as the city’s new already as deputy chief of police chief Feb. 4. a neighboring jurisdicLee, 54, who had served tion,” Fennel said. “It’s an as Marietta Deputy Chief advantage in the context of of Police, was the sole what’s next, what you finalist for the job of want to do with the departpolice chief. He beat out ment and what things you 55 other applicants, some count on in your leadership from out of state. The posi- style.” tion became available Lee said he looks forwhen former Chief Stan ward to working on more Hook, the city’s top cop community policing, for 22 years, retired. including town halls where Lee was hired at residents can ask law $100,000 a year, the same enforcement questions and salary as Hook. the use of technology such City Councilman Ron as Comp-Stat, a crimeFennel, chairman of the mapping program. city’s public safety com“Community policing is mittee, said he expected a departmentthe unaniwide phimous conlosophy. THE LEE FILE firmation. I’ll have to Fennel be working TITLE: Smyrna Police chief said the toward AGE: 54 Georgia changing FAMILY: Wife, two adult Associathe departchildren, four grandchildren mental cultion of Chiefs of EDUCATION: North Cobb ture,” he Police High School, Columbia said. helped Southern University The Smyrna challenge, HOME: Cartersville find a canLee said, didate who will be worksatisfied the city’s criteria ing with 93 officers — superior communication through the change and and technology skills, getting them all on board. hands-on experience as a He offered no timeline. police officer and a vision “I don’t know how for the future. long it will take. There are “We wanted someone so many different variwith a training regimen so ables. You need to buy we have a succession plan in,” he said. “It won’t be and leadership developmy project. It will be our ment plan, so if any situaproject.” tion demanded leadership, Lee said he has looked we had everyone trained to into the open internal that responsibility,” Fennel investigations concerning said. Cpl. Cleveland McDuffie, While Lee passed a rig- who resigned Dec. 21 after
By Geoff Folsom
his missing files were traced to Polk County, and Officer Darryl Whitfield, who was arrested Nov. 24 on a domestic violence charge. “I briefly looked at how their process was on internal affairs,” Lee said about the Smyrna police. “It’s done a little bit differently than how I would like it, so I know we’ll be changing that.” A former U.S. Army military police officer, Lee joined the Marietta police in 1981 and was promoted to deputy chief in 2008. The North Cobb High School graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a master of business administration degree with a concentration in public administration, both online, from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala. He lives in Cartersville with his wife, has four adult children and two grandchildren.
Helping you get from Point A to Point B
Promoting Accessibility and Mobility in the Town Center Area
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Isakson selected for key post on Senate finance committee By John Gillooly / jgillooly@mdjonline.com said, include, “His influMARIETTA — U.S. ence on hopefully getting Sen. Johnny Isakson was the country’s spending recently appointed to the back in check. His conSenate Committee on servative leadership in Finance, a key posting that provides oversight on that regard, I think, will be helpful. And second of a number of programs related to federal funding. all, having his staff aware of the intricacies of the Cobb Countians hailed the appointment as committee and funding opportunities that might a positive step for the be to an advansenator. tage of Cobb ForCounty.” mer Dr. Roger Cobb My No. 1 priority Tutterow, GOP in the Senate is to professor of Chairrein in federal economics at man Mercer UniScott spending and versity, said Johnrestore fiscal he wasn’t son, an soundness to our sure the execucountry so that our appointment tive in directly transthe children’s and lates into finangrandchildren’s political cial ser- futures are bright advantage for vices and prosperous. Georgia citiinduszens. “But I try, said Sen. Johnny Isakson think what it Isakson shows is the is high regard someone with which Sen. Isakson who lives in the real is held in the Senate both world, a senator who has in terms of being a seabuilt a company, made a soned businessman who payroll and understands that Americans can’t con- understands the nature of finance, but also his reputinue to borrow more tation for being a coalition than future generations builder and someone that can pay for. is not afraid to reach “I have no doubt that across the aisle in efforts Johnny’s exceptional to advance policy that is ability to communicate in the best interest of the his Georgia business country,” Tutterow said. experiences will cut Isakson, who has 30-plus through the political years as a small businessrhetoric during policy man, will bring those making on the Senate skills to bear on the comFinance Committee. And that is good for all of us,” mittee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy that Johnson said. County Chairman Tim Lee called affects all American famithe appointment a signifi- lies and small businesses. The Finance Commitcant benefit for Cobb tee also oversees trade County and the country. policy, Social Security The political advantages and health programs such of having Isakson on as Medicare, Medicaid such a committee, Lee
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and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as well as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. “I am absolutely thrilled to serve on the Senate Finance Committee, and I thank Leader Mitch McConnell for allowing me the opportunity,” Isakson said in a press release. “My No. 1 priority in the Senate is to rein in federal spending and restore fiscal soundness to our country so that our children’s and grandchildren’s futures are bright and prosperous. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am committed to finding meaningful solutions and working with anyone who will sit down at the table to turn our country’s course to reduce our debt and deficits.” Isakson said he was also committed to reforming Social Security and Medicare in order to save the programs for future generations who have worked to pay into the system. “I will also work to ensure that America’s trade policies optimize the potential of American business and that our trading partners play by fair rules,” he said. Isakson also will continue to serve on the Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; and Select Committee on Ethics. “I also am thrilled that these committee assignments will allow me to continue working on issues that are so important in Georgia, especially education, pensions and veterans,” he said.
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
U.S. HOUSE PROFILES GA. DISTRICT 6
GA. DISTRICT 11
GA. DISTRICT 13
Rep. Tom Price
Rep. Phil Gingrey
Rep. David Scott
Republican
Republican
Democrat
Contact Info: 3730 Roswell Road, Suite 50 Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 565-4990 www.tomprice.house.gov/ contact-me
Contact Info: 219 Roswell St. Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 429-1776 gingrey.ga@mail.house. gov
Contact Info: 888 Concord Road, Suite 100 Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 432-5405 www.davidscott.house.gov
COBB’S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS
U.S. SENATE PROFILES Sen. Saxby Chambliss
Sen. Johnny Isakson
Republican
Republican
Contact Info: 416 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 205101004 (202) 224-3521
Contact Info: 131 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-1005
100 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1340 Atlanta, GA 30339 770-763-9090 www.chambliss.senate.gov/public/index .cfm/email
One Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30339 www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/ email-me
CITIES & COUNTY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
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Police Chief Flynn celebrates 40 years in law enforcement By Geoff Folsom gfolsom@mdjonline.com
MARIETTA — It was 40 years ago this month when Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn decided to take a trip that would change his life. Wanting a break from the cold New York winter, he followed a friend to Florida while his friend was interviewing for a job in February 1973 with the Dade County police. While waiting on his friend to take the entrance test, Flynn decided to go ahead and apply for the police force himself. “He failed it, I passed it and they offered me the job,” Flynn said. What Flynn thought would be a “few month” trial as a police officer ended up as a 27-year career with what became the Miami-Dade Police Department, in which he rose to the rank of major, overseeing 170 law enforcement officers in SWAT, aviation, canine and other units. In 2000, he became the chief of police in Savannah. Three years later, he took over as chief of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police
Department, leading the consolidation of city and county law enforcement. In 2007, Flynn took over in Marietta. Since then, it has been an awardwinning ride, with Flynn taking home honors such as the 2011-12 Georgia Police Chief of the Year and induction to the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame in 2010. “It’s just a great place to work,” Flynn said. “I like the people of Marietta. It’s a great police department. The city leaders are welcoming.” Among Flynn’s priorities has been cleaning up the Franklin Road area, where thousands live in aging apartment complexes. He used a crime-free housing program, taken from Mesa, Ariz., to screen potential tenants of the area’s apartments and conduct traffic checkpoints. Police also testified against the nearby Salon Q, leading to the revocation of the nightclub’s business and liquor licenses. “We focused on cleaning that place up and eventually put it out of business,” Flynn said. “That caused crime to go down a lot. Now it’s hardly worse
than any other area in the city.” MPD still uses the MSTAR, or Marietta Strategically Targeted Area with Resources program, which concentrates on locations with high criminal activity and resident complaints. “We’re a suburban community,” he said. “There’s a great threat of incursion of the urban crime from the core Atlanta area finding its way out into the suburbs. We tend to be fighting that back quite a bit.” Since he began his law enforcement career, Flynn said a major change has been the rise of Internetbased crimes, including financial fraud, identity theft and people discussing crimes they are involved with on social media. To deal with it, the department created a police cyber specialist position as part of last year’s strategic plan. Abby Lucas, a Kennesaw State University criminal justice student, was named to the position in November. The job is funded for two years by the Edward Byrne Criminal Justice Grant. “Her job is to just help
us organize and get our arms around all these cyber resources and social media issues and every thing cyber,” Flynn said. MPD also serves as the police department for Marietta City Schools, which means it has dealt with concerns over recent school shootings. “Parents everywhere are now asking, ‘Are my kids safe at school?’ We want to answer that in an articulate way,” he said. Flynn said police use a process called “target hardening” to try to make schools safer. That means taking the potential targets for criminals and putting as many obstacles to that target as possible in the perpetrator’s way. For schools, Flynn said that can mean camera, alarm and lighting systems, as well as internal security plans. “If you put up a fence at your house, you’ve hardened,” he said. “If you have locks on your doors, you’ve hardened. If you have lights outside, you’ve hardened … Every layer of security you put in hardens that target more. So the same principle applies to schools.”
THE FLYNN FILE Title: Marietta Police chief Years in law enforcement: 40 Age: 61 Family: Married, two adult children Education: B.A. in public administration, Saint Thomas University; M.A. in public administration, Florida International University; graduate certificate in executive leadership, University of Miami; graduate certificate in personnel management in labor relations, Florida International University; graduated from FBI National Academy Awards: 1991, Outstanding Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year and Exceptional Service Award, Miami-Dade; 1999, Employee Excellence Award, Miami-Dade; 2010, inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame and Georgia Chief of the Year, Georgia Association of the Chiefs of Police
IMPORTANT NUMBERS GEORGIA DRIVER’S LICENSE A Georgia driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident. When: Tuesday-Saturday Where: 2800 Canton Road, Piedmont Village Shopping Center, Marietta, 30066 How: You’ll need several items to obtain your new license that include a valid out-of-state license (must be less than two years old); your Social Security number; proof of Georgia residency (a bank statement, utility bill, or employment verification); proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, immigration card, or military identification) More info: www.dds.ga.gov or (770) 528-5400
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE New residents have 30 days to register their vehicle. When: Weekdays Where: Cobb County Tag Office, 700 South Cobb Drive, Marietta 30060 How: You must bring original documents to the tag office, including a valid Georgia driver’s license; a bill of sale/ title for your vehicle; a Georgia emissions certificate; the current odometer reading; proof of insurance in Georgia; and proof of your Cobb County residency. More info: www.cobbtax.org
REGISTER TO VOTE You must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by voting day, and a legal resident of Georgia and the county you register in. How: Mail in an application to register to vote. You can also download an application at www.sos.georgia.gov/elec tions/vrinfo.htm More info: Call Cobb Elections at (770) 5282581 or visit www.elections.cobbcount yga.gov
UTILITIES AND WATER Austell Water System (770) 944-4300 Cobb Water System (770) 423-1000 Marietta Power and Water (770) 794-5150
Powder Springs Water System (770) 9438000 Smyrna Utility Services (678) 631-5338
ELECTRIC Acworth Power (770) 917-8903 Cobb EMC (770) 4292100 Georgia Power (888) 660-5890 GreyStone Power (770) 942-6576 Marietta Power and Water (770) 794-5100
GAS Austell is the only city in Cobb that supplies natural gas to residents via Austell Gas System, (770) 948-1841. Other county residents may contract with a private marketer. Among the largest are: SCANA Energy (877) 467-2262 Georgia Natural Gas (770) 850-6200 Gas South 1 (866) 762-6427 A complete list of all gas providers is at www.psc.state.ga.us
CABLE All Cobb residents contract with individual companies. Major providers are: AT&T (877) 658-6096, Comcast (800) COMCAST, DirectTV (888) 7772454, Dish (888) 926-5458.
TRASH AND RECYCLING Unincorporated Cobb residents must contract with a private hauler. Acworth Trash pickup twice weekly by Acworth Sanitation. No curbside recycling. (770) 917-8903 Austell Trash pickup each Monday by the city of Austell, (770) 944-4336. Recycling pickup each Wednesday through Republic Services. (770) 426-8132 Kennesaw Trash and recycling pickup weekly by the city of Kennesaw. (770) 4218582 Marietta Trash and recycling pickup weekly by the city of Marietta. (770) 7945581 Powder Springs Trash and recycling pickup weekly by the city of Powder Springs.
(770) 943-8010 Smyrna Trash and recycling pickup weekly by the city of Smyrna. (770) 4312850
COBB LIBRARIES Acworth Library 4569 Dallas St., Acworth, 30101 (770) 917-5165 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday: Closed Central Library 266 Roswell St., Marietta, 30060 (770) 528-2320 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed East Cobb Library 4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Suite 510-B, Marietta, 30068 (770) 509-2730 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed East Marietta Library 2051 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, 30068 (770) 509-2711 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Gritters Library 880 Shaw Park Rd., Marietta, 30066 (770) 528-2524 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Kemp Memorial Library 4029 Due West Road NW, Marietta, 30064 (770) 528-2527 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Kennesaw Library 2250 Lewis St., Kennesaw, 30144 (770) 528-2529 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Lewis A. Ray Library 4500 Oakdale Rd., Smyrna, 30080 (770) 801-5335 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday: Closed Mountain View Regional Library 3320 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta, 30066 (770) 509-2725
Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Powder Springs Library 4181 Atlanta Street, Bldg. 1, Powder Springs, 30127 (770) 439-3600 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Sibley Library 1539 South Cobb Dr., Marietta, 30060 (770) 528-2520 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday: Closed South Cobb Regional Library 805 Clay Rd., Mableton, 30126 (678) 398-5828 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Stratton Library 1100 Powder Springs Rd., Marietta, 30064 (770) 528-2522 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Sweetwater Valley Library 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Rd., Suite 123, Austell, 30106 (770) 819-3290 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday: Closed Vinings Library 4290 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, 30339 (770) 801-5330 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed West Cobb Regional Library 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, 30152 (770) 528-4699 Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed Smyrna Public Library *This library is not part of the Cobb County system. 100 Village Green Circle, Smyrna, 30080-3478 770-431-2860 Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
ERSONAL
touc h
Staff/Emily Barnes
Personal trainer Marcia DeHaven of Marietta, right, guides Julie Walker of Marietta through a workout at Midtown Athletic Club near the Galleria.
Personal trainers design specific workouts to best help clients
5 REASONS IT HELPS 1.
IMPROVE YOUR OVERALL FITNESS. IDEA surveys show the primary reason people hire personal trainers is to get professional assistance to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, endurance, posture, balance and coordination. A personal trainer will monitor your progress and fine-tune your program as you go, helping you work your way off plateaus.
2.
REACH OR MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT. Body fat reduction, weight reduction or management, body shaping and toning can all be achieved with the aid of a qualified personal trainer, who can help you set realistic goals and determine safe strategies, all while providing the encouragement you need.
3.
Staff/Laura Moon
Personal trainer Steve Rich, owner of Me and My Trainer gym, works with Shannon Browning on a leg press machine. Browning has been working regularly with Rich twice a week.
By Geoff Folsom / gfolsom@mdjonline.com
F
or those who need a bit of help getting motivated for workouts, a number of Cobb health clubs offer personal trainers. And they say that “personal” is the key word.
Marcia DeHaven, who trains members at the Midtown Athletic Club near the Galleria, said the workout routine she sets up depends on the individual. Some want to build speed or agility, which can mean more cardiovascular work, while others may want to use weights to build strength. “It depends on the goals my client has,” she said. DeHaven’s typical session, which costs between $30 and $80 on top of membership fees, lasts an hour, though she will cut back to 30 minutes for clients who aren’t ready for the full workout. She said she gets all kinds of clients. “People think, ‘I’m overweight, I need to lose weight,’” she said. “But there are people who are not overweight, but they come to the gym and don’t know how to use the equipment …Or it may be somebody who wants to get better on the tennis court or somebody who wants to run better.” Steve Rich, owner of Me & My Trainer near the Marietta Square, agrees that workouts should vary in time and intensity depending on the individual. His gym offers only personal training. “It’s sort of like, would you learn martial arts on your own, or would you learn it from a black belt?” he said. “You need the expert guidance.” Rich said he teaches weight training not based on how much a person can lift but on getting the most out of what they lift. And lessons beyond workouts, such as drinking water and eating the right foods, can be just as important. “People don’t get into really bad shape just because they don’t work out,” he said. “It’s other things in their lives that they need to modify.” Rich charges between $30 and $90 per session, depending on the length of the session and how many
sessions the client buys. He charges less per individual when couples or other small groups are trained. Tim Palmer, an exercise specialist and personal trainer at WellStar Health Place near Kennestone Hospital, recommends that anyone coming in to workout at least talk to a personal trainer before starting a workout program. “If you have a set plan and you have that trainer with you, they would be able to take control of that with you, and teach you how to make that lifestyle change,” he said. Health Place rates start at $50 for
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It’s sort of like, would you learn martial arts on your own, or would you learn it from a black belt? You need the expert guidance.
a one-hour session, though clients can get a discount if they buy in bulk, Palmer said. The facility is different from other gyms because all exercise staff is required to have a degree in exercise science or kinesiology and be a certified personal trainer. In addition, clients over certain ages are required to have medical assessments in order to help them determine a workout plan. “We will decide what to do, what to stay away from, whereas in a typical gym, I don’t feel you get that kind of service,” he said.
LEARN TO STICK TO IT. Sticking with well-intentioned plans is one of the biggest challenges exercisers face. Qualified personal trainers can provide motivation for developing a lifestyle that places a high priority on health and activity. A personal trainer can help you brainstorm ways to overcome your biggest obstacles to exercise.
4.
FOCUS ON YOUR UNIQUE HEALTH CONCERNS. IDEA surveys show that 50 percent of personal trainers’ clients have special medical needs, such as arthritis, diabetes or obesity. A personal trainer can help you with these or other issues, including low-back pain, rehabilitation from injury and pre/postnatal training. Your personal trainer can work with your physician, physical therapist or other health care provider to plan a safe, efficient program that will speed your recovery or enable you to reach your health goals.
5.
FIND THE RIGHT WAY TO WORK OUT. You will learn the correct way to use equipment, and appropriate form and technique for cardiovascular work and free-weight training. Source: IDA Health & Fitness Association
HEALTH & FITNESS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
ELITE
G Y M COBB S
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LA Fitness is offering a free one-week trial for new patrons. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, whirlpool spa and stateof-the-art equipment, as well as a juice bar and full locker rooms. Additionally, fitness classes, such as yoga, kickboxing and water aerobics, are offered throughout the day at no added charge. The gym is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week and is located at 1185 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Kennesaw, 30144. Membership fees vary. For more information, call (678) 202-5503
WellStar Health Place The amenities offered at WellStar Health Place include a whirlpool and sauna, personal weights and cardio training, as well as yoga and Pilates instruction. There is also a Proshop, where healthy snacks and drinks are offered and a Planet Smoothie, where patrons can have a protein smoothie or meal replacement. From Monday through Friday, the gym is open from 4:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gym is located at 330 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta 30060. Membership fees vary. For more information, call (770) 793-7300.
East Cobb YMCA The McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA offers a fitness center and common area; a playground, teen center, and nursery; a basketball court, racquetball court, and aerobics studio, as well as an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. The gym is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 1055 East Piedmont Road, Marietta, 30062. Membership fees vary. For more information, call (770) 977-5991.
Northwest Cobb YMCA The Northwest Cobb YMCA offers a rockclimbing wall, fitness center, aerobics studio, indoor pool, cycling studio and basketball court, as well as child care and a teen center. It is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw, 30152. Membership fees vary. For more information, call (770) 423-9622.
It’s actually not in midtown, but it’s uptown among health facilites in Metro Atlanta By Geoff Folsom
OTHER TOP GYMS
LA Fitness
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gfolsom@mdjonline.com
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he first thing to know about Midtown Athletic Club is it has nothing to do with Midtown Atlanta. The name comes from the Chicago-based company that owns the facility. The next thing to know is that it’s huge. The three-story, 100,000-square-foot health club off Windy Hill Road has 1,800 members, and is the largest in Cobb, at least as far as general manager Karen Foley knows. The club, formerly known as Sporting Club, features nine tennis courts, four of which are covered by a dome in the cooler months; social pool; and 50-foot rock climbing wall — and that’s just what’s outside the building. Indoors are an eightlane lap pool, two full basketball courts, a ninth of a mile running and walking track, Pilates studio, 65 cardiovascular machines and 50 weight pieces.
And the men’s and women’s locker rooms each have their own hot tubs and saunas. It even offers squash, a variation on racquetball. “This is for people who are looking for an all in one club,” Foley said. “This is a great club for families who like to engage in all types of activities.” Personal trainer Marcia DeHaven said that despite the club’s size, it maintains a personal feel. “I really enjoy the feeling of the group we have here,” she said. “It’s so social.” Julie Walker of east Cobb said that after she moved to the area five years ago, she was able to meet many new friends at Midtown Athletic Club. “It’s like ‘Cheers,’ where everybody knows your name,” Walker said. “It’s a camaraderie. It gave me an instant social life and a healthy life.” To help with the family atmosphere, the club plays host to events like a wine and chocolate night. Midtown Athletic Club also has a spa with massage therapists and its own café. See Uptown, Page 7FF
Staff/Emily Barnes
Julie Walker of Marietta trains at the Midtown Athletic Club.
HEALTH & FITNESS
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Brooke Schembri, director of WellStar Corporate & Community Health
FITNESS
JOB
Mableton company benefits from ‘healthy’ knowledge By Geoff Folsom gfolsom@mdjonline.com
ustin Walker said he is grateful for the corporate fitness program at his company, Inglett & Stubbs LLC. The program, done in conjunction with WellStar Corporate & Community Health, brings experts in to the business on Riverview Road in Mableton, and allows employees to have access to onsite flu vaccination clinics and health screenings.
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Last year, “There’s Williams said always good There’s Inglett & information always good Stubbs employfor myself ees learned and the information about how group,” said for myself and much sugar and Walker, the fat are in variInglett & the group. ous foods. Stubbs conThere’s always “When you troller. see that glass of “There’s something I sweet tea, it’s always someget a benefit got a cup of thing I get a sugar in it,” benefit out out of. Williams said of.” he learned. “So Inglett & Justin Walker, you say, ‘Do I Stubbs began Inglett & Stubbs really need that its corporate LLC glass of sweet fitness protea?’” gram four The 80 employyears ago, Chief ees in the office, many of Financial Officer Chris whom are in their late 40s Williams said. Among the and early 50s, are now health-related activities the focusing on weight issues, company conducts are Williams said. They meet screenings every three monthly in an accountabilimonths, in which blood is ty group to try to help them drawn to test for high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and deal with issues like whether obesity is part of a other conditions. Employfamily metabolism probees also meet with dietilem. cians to help create a plan Employees’ metabolism to deal with health issues. is tested. Williams said this “The thought is not to allows them to either stop just do it once, but to do it using it as an excuse or, if it periodically so you can see is proven to be a legitimate which way you are movreason for a weight probing,” he said. lem, take that information The company also has “lunch and learn” events, in to a doctor for guidance. The program has led to which an expert from Wellone employee finding out Star comes in and teaches about a type 2 diabetes about medical issues such issue, while another was as heart health and how diagnosed with a heart beneficial wine, chocolate and aspirin are, which was the topic of a recent lunch. See ‘Healthy’, Page 7FF
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Staff/Todd Hull
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
HEALTH & FITNESS
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
WellStar rebrands
Marietta campus now known as WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center From staff reports
SAVVY
SENIORS
MARIETTA — Visitors may notice new exterior signage at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. In an effort to reflect its full array of health services and geographical draw, Wellstar has rebranded the Marietta campus to WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. WellStar Kennestone Hospital remains the anchor of the 56-acre campus bordered by Tower Road on
the north, Cherokee Street on the east, Lacy Street on the south and North Avenue on the west. Candice Saunders, WellStar executive vice president and president of WellStar Kennestone Hospital, said, “As we looked at the Kennestone campus and had conversations with our community and advisors, we have grown to include a lot of other health services See WellStar, Page 7FF
Amia Freeman of Austell leads a Zumba Gold class at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center.
Keeping healthy more important than ever
5
By Geoff Folsom
SENIOR TIPS
Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Find out if any health conditions or medications you take affect what exercise you should choose.
1.
Start slow. If you are new to exercise, a few minutes a day puts you well on the way toward building a healthy habit. Slowly increase the time and intensity to avoid injury.
2.
Walking is a wonderful way to start exercising. Exercise doesn’t have to mean strenuous activity or time at the gym. In fact, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit. Best of all, it doesn’t require any equipment or experience and you can do it anywhere.
3.
Load up on high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your whole digestive system is slower, so fiber is very important. Consume fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables. They will help you feel more energetic and give you fuel to keep going.
4.
Watch out for dehydration. Because of physical changes, older adults are more prone to dehydration. So make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re not getting enough water, you’re not going to be as sharp and your energy will suffer.
5.
Source: helpguide.org
Staff/Emily Barnes
Above: Genevieve Jordan of Powder Springs works out in the Zumba Gold class at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center. Below: Barbara Mont-Ros of Smyrna goes through the dance-like moves.
gfolsom@mdjonline.com
A
s people grow older, the need for keeping healthy becomes more important than ever. “Obesity is a big problem,” said Dr. Allen Hoffman, WellStar Health System’s director of community health care, who oversees three community health clinics, including one in the recently opened Cobb Senior Wellness Center. “As you age, your metabolic requirements go down and you don’t need as many calories a day.” Hoffman said seniors face many of the same health challenges the rest of the population does, such as a lack of activity and poor diet choices. But choosing a way to approach them can depend on a number of factors, including whether or not the senior is dealing with injuries. In general, Hoffman recommends light weightlifting, walking and swimming. “Swimming is probably the best exercise if you have access to a pool and aren’t afraid of the water,” he said. It also is important for seniors to be educated on what foods are good, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and what can be unhealthy, like many types of fast food, Hoffman said. “How do you teach people to eat right and teach people to exercise when pop culture doesn’t support it?” he said. “When you see fast food advertised every time you turn your head?” The new Senior Wellness Center is one way the county is looking to give people another alternative. Sandee Panichi, the Wellness Center’s program coordinator, said it offers numerous exercise and cooking classes, as well as a café with healthy food options. Among the exercise classes offered for Diabetic Foot Care • Bunion Correction • Hammertoe Correction seniors are Zumba, Pilates, tai chi and even Lazer Treatment for Toenail Fungus • Sports Performance line dancing. Panichi said that around the end Sports/Recreational Injury • Ingrown Toenail Repair of February, the faciliPlantar Fascitis • Aesthetic Podiatry • Sterile Spa Pedicures ty’s operations expect to open its workout studio, with equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. The 42,000-squarefoot wellness center, located at 1150 Powder Springs St., has 22,000 square feet dedicated to art and physical fitness. One goal of senior Board Certified fitness is to keep people Podiatric Surgeon out of nursing homes or extended living care for as long as possible, she said. 147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 4230 “I think it benefits society as a whole,” Marietta, Georgia 30068 Panichi said. “The more we can keep people healthy, the more it PodiatryGroupofGeorgia.com benefits our social service system.”
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Dr. Tammy K. Gephart
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
HEALTH & FITNESS
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‘Healthy’
WellStar
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problem. Williams said others have learned about the need to deal with high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. While Inglett & Stubbs doesn’t have onsite fitness equipment, employees are encouraged to work out. Williams said the company pays for half of employee dues to local gyms. Walker said the company also gives workers an extra hour break twice during the week in order to give them more time to work out. “It definitely has made people more conscientious,” he said. WellStar offers corporate health services to businesses in its coverage area, which includes Cobb, Douglas, Cherokee and Paulding counties, said Brooke Schembri, director of WellStar Corporate & Community Health. The health system provides health screenings, seminars, nutrition consultations and other programs. Schembri said as more companies realize the benefits of promoting employee health, they are looking to WellStar to provide comprehensive wellness programming. “It’s exciting to see so many companies engaged in their employees’ health,” she said.
… in order to recognize that and communicate that, it was time to rebrand.” Saunders said Wellstar’s inpatient and outpatient health services and proximity to the interstate bring patients from the entire northwest region of Georgia, in addition to the fivecounty metro area. “Not only are we the community’s hospital, at the same time, we have grown and have now become a regional center,” she said. “The need for tertiary services is there, and we are very convenient.” She said Wellstar has placed a greater emphasis on working in partnership with the regional hospitals, the EMC providers and the doctors to better meet specialized health care needs. “It makes sense to bring those services here and work collaboratively on how we get those patients here,” Saunders said. The rebranding was done in concert with two additional system-wide events — the opening of the $48 million, 108-bed Blue Tower West in January and the logistical reorganization to “destination unit” patient care throughout the hospital, which groups patients by illness and health care needs. Saunders said by having all pulmonary, cardiac, cancer and other patients grouped into 20-plus units, it allows the patient to have specialized team members
Staff/Todd Hull
Exercise specialist Kyle Brown and Brooke Schembri, director of WellStar Corporate & Community Health, stand in the Health Place gym at the WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Schembri says that as more companies realize the benefits of promoting employee health, they are looking to WellStar to provide comprehensive wellness programming.
Uptown Contined from 3FF
The restaurant offers a variety of salad, sandwiches, smoothies and even beer and Mimosas.
Walker said the club pays extra attention to cleanliness, with a housekeeping company on premises, ready to clean at any time when the gym is open. “We are constantly cleaning the equipment,
bathrooms and shower areas,” she said. They even call it an urban country club, without the golf. “We try to offer everything for our members to have a great experience,” DeHaven said. “We want
everybody to have a smile on their face.” The extra amenities cost a bit more than a typical gym, with memberships starting at $100 a month, Foley said. For the money, she feels members get more than a
workout. “It’s kind of a home away from home,” she said. The Cobb facility is one of 10 Midtown Athletic Clubs in the United States and Canada, the only one in the Deep South.
and care. “We know if you have a team focus on the needs of that population, we will strengthen those outcomes,” she said. Ana-Elis Perry, the hospital’s operations manager, said each floor is now staffed by doctors and nurses who work in a particular field. “Everyone is kind of right here in the area where they can talk about it in one setting,” she said. Dr. Michael Andrews, Kennestone’s chief cancer officer, said with the reorganization, the new patient rooms in the new tower allow all inpatient and outpatient cancer services to be located close together. “We are trying to get the right patients in the right places with the right nurses who are specialized in what the patient has,” he said. In addition to the hospital, the campus includes Kennestone Outpatient Pavilion, Kennestone Physicians Center, WellStar Kennestone Cancer Center, Atherton Place Senior Living Community WellStar Health Place, WellStar Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and WellStar Outpatient Imaging Center. Wellstar does not provide organ transplant, inpatient pediatrics, burn unit or behavioral health services on the Marietta campus, and Saunders says plans do not call for the addition of those services in the near future. The opening of the new tower did not add patient rooms, but created more private rooms in the older towers. Of the hospital’s 633 rooms, only 51 remain semi-private. Saunders says Wellstar’s leadership team’s master planning process looks five to 10 years in the future. “More and more, we are looking at how we manage the continuum of care,” she said. “We will continue to evaluate what we do.”
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
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‘New A residents PERFECT MATCH’ tout Cobb’s quality of living STEPPING UP PRUDENTIAL REALTY FIRM USES TECHNOLOGY TO GAIN EDGE IN DYNAMIC MARKET
WENDY BUNCH CITES ‘PASSION’ FOR HER SUCCESS
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REAL ESTATE
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
L O
S
Staff/Emily Barnes
From left, Prudential Georgia Realty executive vice president Toni McGowan, agent Jill Petersen, agent Diane Cook, agent Fred Cook, broker Todd Tucker, and agent Dan Petersen meet at a home for sale in Vinings.
T
Agents with Prudential Realty say they moved to the head of the pack with better use of ...
ECHNOLOGY
gfolsom@mdjonline.com
gents with Prudential Georgia Realty say using technology has helped them move toward the head of the pack in local real estate companies. “We create tools and technology that will help our agents make more money,” said Todd Tucker, managing broker with Prudential Georgia’s East Cobb Team.
A
Agent Jill Petersen shows a house to potential buyer Jeff Huebner A year ago, homeowners could expect their homes to stay on the market for more than six months once they put it up for sale. Now Tucker said that number is down to four months. Homeowners can also expect to get more for their house. The average selling price for a home has risen from $169,000 in December 2011 to $222,000 in December 2012. Home prices have been aided by a lack of new construction and a decrease in
MOVE YOUR HOME 1.
PRICING: Being
properly priced is critical in the market. Pricing a home properly from the beginning will shorten the time on the market.
2.
Agents: Future looking bright By Geoff Folsom
By Geoff Folsom / gfolsom@mdjonline.com
The agency uses advanced databases and property-marketing systems that help it pinpoint what properties to sell to which customers, Tucker said. “We look for tools that can make our agents stronger so they are better salespeople,” he said. In 2012, Prudential Georgia estimates sales of more than $130 million in Cobb County. The agency has more than 20 offices in the Atlanta area with three in Cobb. Along with the office at Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads, they have locations in northeast Cobb at Highway 92 at Sandy Plains Road, with managing broker Scott Simpson, and on Dallas Highway in northwest Cobb, with managing broker Steve Allen. Of Prudential Georgia’s 1,000 agents, 130 work in Cobb, Tucker said. Tucker said the real estate market is improving in Cobb. In December 2011, the county had 3,445 homes listed on the market. In December 2012, that number had dropped to 1,986. While the number of actual homes sold remains rather steady, demand is increasing. “What we’re starting to see is multiple offers on our listings,” Tucker said. “The days on the market has drastically decreased.”
‘ ’ We’ve passed the low, and it’s coming back.
foreclosures. “We’re seeing more of a seller’s market, just because of the inventory levels,” he said. Tucker said he isn’t too concerned about a possible second wave of foreclosures. “Even if the bank starts releasing more foreclosures, we feel the market will easily absorb those,” he said.
VININGS – After several years of slow sales, agents with Prudential Georgia Realty say the future looks bright for their business. “We’re excited about 2013 and the opportunities that will be presented,” Executive Vice President Toni McGowan said. Low inventory in Cobb is resulting in a seller’s market, managing broker Todd Tucker said. While interest rates remain at historic lows, he said they are beginning to creep up. “The excitement is back,” he said. “We’re getting tracks on our listings, which means we’re getting more and more showings.” McGowan said those looking to buy at the lowest price might have already missed the boat. “We’ve passed the low, and it’s coming back,” she said. “Every house that is in good condition and is priced well, we have multiple offers.” Tucker said Prudential
See Future, Page 7GG
See Technology, Page 7GG
Prudential Georgia Realty agents’ top five tips for selling homes $250,000 and above:
CONDITION: The
perfect home would be clean, neat and staged for potential buyers. Make the home inviting, and make it easy to see the prominent features of the home. In some cases, it may be important to update kitchens and/or baths. Also, minor repairs should be complete.
3.
RICH MEDIA AND HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY: It’s important for online marketing that the home’s picture reflects the best quality and truly showcases the home.
4.
INTRODUCTION TO THE MARKET:
It makes a good impression to introduce the listing to agents who are actually selling homes in the area. It is also important to promote to the community and possible buyers in the area with open houses and/or strong web presence.
5.
FULL-TIME AGENT: It’s impor-
tant to have a full-time Realtor working on your behalf — someone who is current on market trends and contract knowledge. It could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
REAL ESTATE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
DOWN HOME
TOWNHOME
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Great news!
Cobb foreclosures take another big drop The March numbers are the second to be reported in 2013. So far this year, Cobb has seen 1,365 foreclosures, down 32.9 percent from the 2,035 homes set for foreMARIETTA – Cobb saw another sign closure in the first two months of 2012 and that it may be coming out of the foreclo45.8 percent from the 2,518 reported in the sure crisis it has been in for several years. first two months of 2011. The March 2012 foreclosure auction Part of the reason for the decline in offered a three-year-low for the number foreclosures is due to banks of homes on the auction being more willing to work block. But next month’s aucwith delinquent homeowners tion will offer a third fewer to help them get their payhomes than that one. ments back on track, rather A total of 605 foreclosures than foreclosing, Bunch said. were reported for the upcomWith maintenance, homeowning March auction. That numers’ association fees, taxes ber is down 33.4 percent from and other costs related to the 908 homes that were set owning foreclosed homes, she for foreclosure in March said some banks want to 2012, which at the time was avoid the foreclosure process the lowest number for an aucNumber of foreclowhen possible. tion since 2009. sures up for auction “I think they’re at a point “We had a ton last year in March of 2012 now where they see what they compared to what we have can do to help people stay in now,” said Wendy Bunch their homes,” Bunch said. with RE/MAX Pure in MariWhile foreclosures are etta, the president of the Cobb down, so is overall inventory Association of Realtors. Number of foreclofor homes, Bunch said. That, The March total isn’t sures up for auction along with a lack of forecloquite as low as the 592 next month sures and short sales dragging reported in December 2012, prices down, is starting to which was the lowest since drive up prices of existing homes in Cobb. before the recession began in 2008. This comes after nearly five years of Foreclosure notices are required to run falling prices. in the Marietta Daily Journal for four conAlthough she said people cannot expect secutive Fridays leading up to the auction to sell their homes for what they cost when on the first Tuesday of the month. The the market peaked in 2006, Bunch said low March auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. interest rates make it a good time to enter March 5 on the steps of the Cobb Justice the market. Center, 32 Waddell St. in Marietta.
By Geoff Folsom
gfolsom@mdjonline.com
908
605
Feel of outdoors, walking distance to Square ... everything they want ed — sans maintenance
Traton opens development near lakes From staff reports
By Sally Litchfield / MDJ Features Editor Editor/sallylit@bellsouth.net
W
hen Jane Manning and John Hornyak moved from an older home on Kennesaw Avenue in the city limits to a townhome within walking distance of the Marietta Square, they made a lifestyle change without giving up the things they loved.
The couple kept the Marietta loca- Drew Abbe. tion when they purchased their new “We have lots of hangout space,” home. said Manning, noting that two of the “We enjoy being within walking children live at home, but at any given distance of the (Marietta) Square. We time they could all be at the house. still had the Marietta “When everyone location but the living is home we have was different,” Jane enough space where Manning stated. The everyone can be major benefit gained together or be apart. in townhome living is These units are so that outside maintebig, we have plenty nance of the gated of space,” said Mancommunity is taken ning, an Assistant care of by the homeCobb County Soliciowners association. tor who has lived in “We were soon to Marietta since 1985. be empty nesters and She moved to wanted something Atlanta from Michiwith less maintegan to attend Emory nance,” she said. Law School. “When I went Staff/Todd Hull Hornyak grew up in home to the other Jane Manning, John Hornyak Wisconsin and came house every day and their son Alex, 17, enjoy to Marietta via for work. after work, there living in their five-story town- Texas He is a senior was something to be home in Marietta. business manager done. This one you for AT&T. come in, kick off your shoes and just The rooftop terraces off the sunroom enjoy it,” Manning said. The couple was attracted to the lay- on the fifth floor are a favorite part of the home. One rooftop terrace has a out of the five-floor townhome in the view of downtown during the winter neighborhood established in 2004. and the other side has a view of the They purchased the model home in National Cemetery. During summer January 2011. The 4,000-plus square months, trees shade the upper floors. foot home with its four bedrooms, 4½ The couple enjoys outdoor living baths and two rooftop terraces offers entertaining on the terraces with a fire ample domestic and private space for pit and grill. Hornyak, who has a the blended family that includes their green thumb, maintains vegetation on seven children, Will and Marielle the rooftop terraces including herbs, Manning and Alex, Benjamin and Grace Hornyak and Ryan Abbe and tomatoes, a peach tree and lemon tree.
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ATLANTA — Nestled near the shores of lakes Allatoona and Acworth, and situated amongst the historic charm of Cobb County, home buyers will find Traton Homes’ newest single-family home community, Great Oaks Estates. The community opened for sales earlier this month and is located off of Old Stilesboro Road in Acworth. This enclave community features 22 homes priced from the low $300,000s. Great Oaks Estates’ prime Acworth location provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy shopping and dining at nearby Town Center Mall and The Avenue
at West Cobb. Residents looking to enjoy outdoor activities can have boating, fishing, camping and more at lakes Allatoona and Acworth as well as hiking at Kennesaw Mountain. Children at Great Oaks Estates Frey Elementary, Durham Middle and Allatoona high schools. To visit this community, take I-75 North to Barrett Parkway (Exit 269). Turn left onto Barrett Parkway and travel approximately 3.4 miles. Turn right onto Stilesboro Road and go 4.3 miles. Turn right onto Acworth Due West Road and go .8 miles. Turn left onto Old Stilesboro Road and Great Oaks is on the right.
REAL ESTATE
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
LEAP of FAITH Staff/Emily Barnes
#1 Group at Keller Williams West Cobb Office
2008-2012 Cobb Association of Realtors Top 10 Group
2008-2012 THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bailey Koenig attended in Florida ended after the eighth grade. Well aware of their daughter’s passionate faith and desire to become a Presbyterian minister, Mike and Melody Koenig began looking for another Christian school. They found the school, Whitefield Academy, and a new home in Vinings. It is, the couple says, where God wanted them. ‘Cobb County is terrific,’ says Mike Koenig. Story, more photos / 6GG
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
REAL ESTATE
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SUPER
SELLER WENDY
BUNCH
Staff/Emily Barnes
Agent strives to reach top in sales for Cobb By Geoff Folsom / gfolsom@mdjonline.com
n 2011, the Cobb Association of Realtors named Wendy Bunch the second highest selling individual real estate agent in Cobb County. While 2012 rankings haven’t been released yet, Burch said she performed even better than last year.
I
While she sold around $12 million worth of homes in 2011, Burch estimates the final number for 2012 at between $17-19 million. Still, she doesn’t say that necessarily means she will take the top spot. “Everyone in the industry has done better,” she said. “There are lots of great Realtors in Cobb, so I predict they will do better, too.” Burch, who is the 2013 president of the Cobb Association of Realtors, made a big move this year. While staying with RE/MAX, she went from
RE/MAX Around Atlanta to her own group, RE/MAX PURE. “We’re pure and simple,” Burch said. “We do it the right way.” Burch set up shop with the smaller agency, which has nine employees, on the Marietta Square. She said the new digs fit in well with the area, resembling an art gallery. So far, she is enjoying it. “I think the Marietta merchants on the Square are super-embracing,” she said. “They’ve been very welcoming. They taught me
about life on the Square.” Burch said being on the Square allows for more foot traffic than a typical office. “We wanted a place where people could just walk in if they have questions,” she said. At the same time, it was important to stay with RE/MAX. “I think a brand is so important when you’re selling a property,” she said. “The RE/MAX brand works with me.” With the economy still recovering, it might seem like a risky time to open a real estate business, but
Burch sees the industry moving in a positive direction. In fact, she said 2012 was the second best year of her 16-year career. “I’m passionate about what I do,” she said. “I love meeting new people and building new relationships.” During the lean years, Burch went out and learned new skills, taking courses with the National Association of Realtors. The classes helped her learn about how to deal with the new realities of the market, such as short sales and how to better position sellers.
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Trends show Cobb real estate moving in a positive direction By Geoff Folsom gfolsom@mdjonline.com
Trends show that real estate in Cobb is beginning to move in a positive direction. The county’s quarterly real estate report shows that the average price per square foot for a home reached $80 between October and December 2012, which is the highest amount in two years. While it still has a ways to go to reach the more than $110 per square foot that the average home cost in 2007, it is one of a number of trends moving in a positive direction for the real estate business. Meanwhile, the average number of homes for sale in Cobb has declined, a possible sign that the foreclosure crisis could be weakening. Between October and December 2012, 603 homes were reported for sale in Cobb,
P
eople move to Cobb for a number of reasons, whether it is a job, schools or the suburban feel. The Koenigs came to Cobb in July 2012 because it is where God wanted them. Mike Koenig said his daughter Bailey, 14, had been called to become a pastor in the Presbyterian Church since she was 7. While they liked the school she attended in Florida, it stopped at the eighth grade. After searching all over for a new school where she could attend high school, they found the place they were looking for in Whitefield Academy in Mableton. “We felt she might trade it in for ballerina slippers, but she hasn’t,” Mike Koenig said of his daughter’s passion for the church. “It has been ingrained in her.” Bailey’s mother, Melody Koenig, said they decided to move a year earlier than they needed to, so Bailey could attend Whitefield in the eighth grade. They were very impressed with the school. “We had looked at other schools that said they were Christian schools, but they didn’t have Bible classes or a chapel,” Melody Koenig said. “Whitefield really was the right match for our needs.” After taking what he calls a “leap of faith,” Mike Koenig now runs his Daytona Beach-based business remotely, heading down to its headquarters every few weeks to check things out. While he admits it was tough pulling up stakes after 18 years, they love their new location. He said they moved into a home in the Vinings Estates area, within walking distance of the school. “I could hit it with a golf ball from my back porch,” Mike Koenig said. “And if you’ve ever seen me golf, you know its pretty close for me to be able to do that.” Their 11-year-old son, Connor Koenig, is starting his second season
A CALL Faith guides family to new home, school Story / Geoff Folsom Photos / Emily Barnes of Little League Baseball in Smyrna. While he admits that moving from DeLand, Fla., to the Atlanta suburbs was a bit of a culture shock, Mike Koenig said his family loves its new home. “Cobb County is terrific,” Mike Koenig said. “The quality of living
around that area is spectacular.” Melody Koenig said they are still getting used to the weather in Cobb. “We miss the sunshine,” she said. “We’re getting used to the cold.” But other than that, she said the county is a great. “It’s really been a perfect match,” she said. “It’s very family oriented. The neighborhood we’re in is just a blessing.”
Tracking Your
all year long online at
HIGHEST PRICED HOMES SOLD IN COBB IN 2012 LOCATION
SCHOOL
SALE PRICE
LIST PRICE
1. East Cobb: Gramercy Drive Walton 2. East Cobb: Dickerson Road Walton 3. West Cobb: Burnt Hickory Road Harrison 4. East Cobb: Green River Court Walton 5. East Cobb: Atl. Country Club Dr. Walton 6. East Cobb: Rolling Rock Road Walton 7. East Cobb: Gramercy Drive Walton 8. East Cobb: Heathermoor Hill Dr. Walton 9. East Cobb: Rivercliff Trace Walton 10. West Cobb: Mountain Park Dr. KMHS
$2.1 million $1.8 million $1.6 million $1.6 million $1.6 million $1.5 million $1.4 million $1.4 million $1.4 million $1.3 million
$2.8 million $1.8 million $3.5 million $1.8 million $2 million $1.7 million $2 million $1.9 million $1.6 million $2 million.
Traton Homes awarded bid for development on old 10.25-acre Lyman Homes project site From staff reports
MARIETTA — Traton Homes got the nod recently from the Marietta Housing Authority to buy the 10.25-acre Montgomery Park property, the former site of the 125-unit Lyman Homes public housing project. The Authority’s board selected Traton Homes’ $1 million offer over John Wieland Homes in a unanimous vote. Pete Waldrep, the Authority’s director of development, said the dollar amount was only part of the bid process. “Traton can market 45 homes over the
Top: Mike and Melody Koenig with their children, Bailey, 14, and Connor, 11. Above: Melody revels in her spacious kitchen. Below: Connor and Bailey play with the family’s Dobermanns, Donnor, left, and Blitzen.
www.mdjonline.com
which is 42 percent lower than the numbers reported a year earlier. The average amount of time a home is on the market is also lower. In December 2012, an average house in Cobb was on the market for just under four months. That number has decreased 45 percent from nearly seven months a year earlier. That time peaked at a wait of more than nearly a year and a half to sell a home in late 2008. Just as it was last year, east Cobb remains a location for high priced homes in the county. According to statistics from the Cobb Association of Realtors, eight of the top 10 highest price homes to sell in the county were in the eastern part. All eight of those were in the Walton High School attendance zone. Two of the higher priced homes were both located on Gramercy Drive in December.
next year to 18 months,” Waldrep said about single-family detached homes of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, selling for $250,000 to $280,000. Traton will get a head start on the subdivision at Montgomery and Cole streets: The Authority demolished the housing project in 2006 and got site plans approved by the City Council in 2007. “Authority Executive Director Ray Buday said the $1 million will go toward a future senior development, the location of which has not been determined, and for homeownership assistance.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
REAL ESTATE
CLASSIC
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From east to west, this couple decided to settle at Square By Sally Litchfield / MDJ Features Editor
CHARM L
Staff/Todd Hull
Continued from Page 2GG
Georgia has held on to its new homes division, even through the years when no homes were being built. Now that is beginning to change, though he said you aren’t seeing the rows of unsold homes going up. McGowan said demand is high for new houses.
iving close to the Marietta Square in the historic district is all about “location, location, location” for Phyllis and Bob Kiser. Just over 28 years ago, the Kisers moved to Cobb County from Miami for Bob’s work at an accounting firm, Moore Colson, where he is a managing partner. The Kisers lived in east Cobb for nine years and west Cobb for 10. Though they developed many close friends in both places, the couple was attracted to the central location of downtown Marietta. “I always wanted to live in an old house,” Phyllis said. Her grandmother lived in an old Southern home in Springfield, S.C., near Aiken. “I think that’s what drew me to Marietta. I would have done anything to move (my grandmother’s) house here but we couldn’t,” Phyllis said. However, the Kisers pass her grandmother’s home, which still stands today, when they visit family. The Kisers initiated their search for a home in the city when they were close to being empty-nesters. “We loved the Marietta Square,” said the mother of two grown children and grandmother
Above: Phyllis and Bob Kiser in the backyard of their home in the historic district of Marietta. Right: The Kiser's kitchen was designed with the age of the home in mind and uses a mixture of modern amenities with antiques to create a unique farm feel.
Future
sallylit@bellsouth.net
Companies are having a hard time keeping up model homes for potential buyers to look at because they are being sold so quickly. The Realtors point to a particular development as an example of the rebirth of new home construction. Construction has restarted in the Paces View development in Vinings. The economic downturn stopped work shortly after
the first homes were built, but developer John Wieland has restarted construction in the area. The development features single-family homes starting at $600,000, with townhouses starting in the mid-$400,000 range. Custom homes are very popular, said Prudential Georgia’s Dan Petersen. “There’s not enough inventory out there,” he said.
Techology Continued from Page 2GG
The current year represents the 50th anniversary for Prudential Georgia, which is owned by Dan Forsman, with executive vice present Toni McGowan. Tucker said there is a simple formula to that success.
of two. The proximity of their home, built circa 1908, to the Marietta Square allows them the luxury of walking there. “We love ... supporting the local merchants on the Marietta Square. It’s great to go to the merchants, and they know who you are,” Phyllis said. “You see some of the same people shopping and see some of the same people dining.” Her favorites also include the farmer’s market, Willie Rae’s, Simpatico and dk Gallery. After moving to the historic district, the Kisers also took advantage of the convenience of Kennesaw Mountain. “I love to bike, run and hike at Kennesaw Mountain. We’re just so close and to get to do that on a regular basis is wonderful. I don’t think a lot of people realize the amenities we have here,” she said.
“We kept it focused on the agent, and we kept the agent productive,” he said. Jill Petersen of Smyrna heads the Petersen Partners firm with her husband, Dan Petersen. The team is a division of Prudential Georgia. She said the company has been innovative. “They send me the tools to be successful,” she said. “I like the fact that if you have an idea, you can bring
it to the table and they’ll listen and see if it makes sense. If you work real hard, you will succeed.” Jill Petersen said the improvements in home values could continue in 2013. She said prices are predicted to rise between 5 and 10 percent in the next year. “East Cobb is stronger than west Cobb, but they’re both very strong right now,” she said.
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REAL ESTATE
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
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GEARED UP SILVER COMET TRAIL STILL A MAJOR OUTDOOR DRAW
Your guide to local sports including running youth sports tennis golf tournaments volleyball facilities and more
KSU WOMENS’ LACROSSE READIES FOR SEASON
Life University Wrestling team pinning wins
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
Kennesaw State has three Cobb County players as captains for their inaugural team, including Kyra Fitzgerald from Sprayberry, left, Harrison’s Taylor Southerland, and far right, Sprayberry’s Arielle Schmidt. They are joined by KSU coach Kristina Llanes. Staff/Emily Barnes
KSU LEADING THE
WAY
Owls launch Georgia’s first women’s Division I lacrosse team By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com KENNESAW — With the explosion of high school lacrosse across the state of Georgia it was only a matter of time before it became a varsity sport at one of the state’s Division I universities. That time is now. The Kennesaw State women’s lacrosse team began its first season of NCAA competition earlier this month with a 22-3 loss to Vanderbilt, but that loss is not what anyone is going to remember. What began is a new tradition in the Deep South, and coach Kristina Llanes is ready for her Owls to take a lead role. “Everyone is really excited at the forefront,” said Llanes, who will get to introduce her team to the Kennesaw State fans for the first time on March 2 when the Owls host Coastal Carolina. “And everyone has been really excited (since the arrival of the program).” Llanes gets to build a Division I program from the ground up for the first time, although she is used to living through the rocky beginnings of start-up teams. As a player, Llanes was a member of the inaugural Pfeiffer University (N.C.) squad, and then as a coach, she helped launch programs at Division III SUNY Maritime College (N.Y.) and Division I Presbyterian College (S.C). However, beginning a program at Kennesaw State has been a completely
different experience. The Owls have presented her with a definite recruiting advantage in the newly named Fifth Third Bank Stadium, where they will play their games, and an untapped area of local recruiting talent. And she knows with the two she can make a lasting mark in NCAA lacrosse. “The high school programs are getting better and better,” Llanes said. “Fifty percent of our roster is from Cobb County. We’re still going to pursue athletes from Cobb County because athletically they are just as strong (as traditional players from the northeast). Three of those local players are the captains of the first team in school history. Midfielders Arielle Schmidt, a junior, along with freshman Kyra Fitzgerald are from Sprayberry High School and midfielder Taylor Southerland, a freshman from Harrison lead the team into its inaugural season with the hopes of creating a solid base from which the following teams can build on. “We get to make history,” Southerland said about this first team. “We have everything we need to succeed. “We’re paving the way for lacrosse in the South.” Southerland and Schmidt were part of KSU’s club level team last season, and while the game may have been played at a higher level than in high school, it has been nothing compared to the work they have put in to get ready for this season. “The pace of the game, the organiza-
tion, the level of commitment is so much higher,” Southerland said. “This is what we do.” There is also more at stake. “It’s exciting, but there is also a lot of pressure because we get to set a good standard so (future) players will want to come here,” Schmidt said. For Fitzgerald, as a freshman, she is anxious to build a tight team bond that will help the program grow. “It’s hard coming onto a team without team chemistry,” she said. “We have to build it and then we can raise the level of expectations.” While the players feel the expectations of getting the team off to a solid start, so does Llanes, who understands that while the area may not be a traditional one for the game, she understands the privilege she has of being the first women’s Division I coach in Georgia. “I’ve played in a non-traditional area in North Carolina,” she said. “But it’s really promising for someone like me and someone that loves the game. “We have the opportunity to play at the highest level. Everyday is an opportunity to improve our skill set and we want the competition to get here.” Editors note: Tickets for the first lacrosse game in Owls’ history can be purchased for $6 by calling (770) 4236957. Season tickets for the three-game home schedule can also be purchased for $12.
Women’s Lacrosse Schedule Feb. 10 at Vanderbilt Feb. 23 at Campbell Feb. 25 at Davidson Mar. 2 COASTAL CAROLINA Mar. 15 at Wintrhop Mar. 22 at Presbyterian Mar. 30 JACKSONVILLE Apr. 12 HOWARD Apr. 14 at Stetson Apr. 21 at Detroit Apr. 26 A-Sun Tourney Home games in all caps
KSU may also become home to Major League Lacrosse By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com KENNESAW — Lacrosse enthusiasts who would like to see a Major League Lacrosse team in the metro-Atlanta area now have their chance. MLL will host a regularseason game between the Boston Cannons and the Rochester Rattlers on June 7 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The contest will be the first professional lacrosse game played in Georgia, and if there is a good crowd with positive feedback, MLL commissioner David Gross said the stadium would become home to a new franchise — possibly beginning play as early as 2014. “Usually, we like to give a team 18 months to prepare to allow it to get its marketing started,” Gross said. “But by playing this game in June, the marketing here is already started. If it goes well, we would not have any problem announcing an expansion team for 2014.” Gross said a “great sign” heading toward expansion would be for the June 7 game, which is being put on by MLL in conjunction with LB3 Lacrosse and the Atlanta Sports Council, to draw 5,000 or more fans. But Gross also said the big thing isn’t so much the attendance as how much do
Staff / Laura Moon
Major League Lacrosse commissioner David Gross, far right, will likely put an expansion team in Fifth Third Bank Stadium for 2014 if their June 7 contest between the Boston Cannons and the Rochester Rattlers is a success. Joining Gross are, from left, Kennesaw State Athletic Director Vaughn Williams, Atlanta Sports Council Executive Director Dan Corso, KSU Sports and Recreation Park Executive Director Marty Elliott and LB3 Lacrosse Founder and CEO Liam Banks. the fans enjoy the game. “If the reaction is ‘meh,’ which I don’t expect it to be, then we hold off,” Gross said. “But the sport is fastpaced, action-packed and there is plenty of hitting — everything a sports fan wants to see.” Tickets, set to go on sale March 1, and will range in cost from $15 to $50 and can be purchased online at www.mllatl.com. Gross has been open about wanting to expand MLL, which plays a 14-game schedule from April to August, to eventually reach as many as 16 teams by the end of the decade. He said Atlanta has been on the radar for expansion for a
long time, but they could never come up with a proper venue until Fifth Third Bank Stadium became available. “This is the venue we want,” he said. The 8,300-seat stadium is a perfectsized venue for MLL based on the attendance numbers of the current eight franchises — Boston, Charlotte, Chesapeake (Md.), Denver, Hamilton (Ontario), New York, Columbus (Ohio) and Rochester (N.Y.). In 2012, the league averaged 5,608 fans per game. Fifth Third Bank Stadium is also the home of the university’s inaugural women’s lacrosse program. Rochester will give up one of its
home games to come to Atlanta, and Rattlers vice president and assistant general manager Nathan Snyder said they are excited to come see KSU Stadium and the Atlanta-area fans first-hand. “Giving up a home game is a little tough,” Snyder said, “but we feel like Atlanta is a strong market, and if we want this league to keep growing, we have to bring the game to the emerging (lacrosse) markets.” The game will be the centerpiece of a week-long lacrosse showcase at KSU and north Georgia. It will start with a four-day individual and team camp being held by the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse program June 3 to 6 at Berry College just outside Rome. The attention will then move to KSU on June 7 for the beginning of LB3 Lacrosse’s three-day Summer Jam, a 150-team tournament that will be broken into age groups — from 11-and-under to high school college prospects. Marty Elliott, executive director and general manager of the KSU Sports and Recreation Park that includes KSU Stadium, said the tournament will utilize the complex’s seven fields, as well as the North Atlanta Soccer Association’s United Quest Park on Hawkins Store Road in northeast Cobb County. Liam Banks, founder and CEO of LB3, said the Summer Jam event will close Sunday with championship games at KSU Stadium, including a high school all-star game that will be seen by more than 50 coaches from the premier lacrosse programs around the country. Admission to the Summer Jam and high school all-star games will be free.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
SPORTS & RECREATION
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Staff / Emily Barnes
Left: Life wrestlers Dillan Schouw, left, and Oliver Brukardt helped Life to an eighth place finish in the NAIA East Regional Tournament at the end of its inaugural season. Right: Cross country runners Simone Tavares, left, and Meghan DeGan stand next to women’s cross country coach Dr. Cathy Faust. The two new athletic programs at Life are the first two of likely many that will launch at the Marietta university in the near future and coaches are hoping the rosters have a distinct Cobb County flavor going forward.
Life athletic programs building for future and for Cobb County By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com MARIETTA — When people think of Life University athletics, the first two things that may come to mind are basketball and rugby. That’s understandable for two reasons. First, those are the two national programs on campus. The men’s basketball team won NAIA titles in 1997, ’99 and 2000. The rugby squad has competed at the highest level against club teams from all around the country, and even found itself on NBC last June. The other reason is basketball and rugby have been the only programs on campus the last few years. But that is changing. With the edition of wrestling and women’s cross country this year, Life University is trying to rebuild a storied athletic program that was dismantled when the school temporarily lost its accreditation in 2002-2003. With the athletics rebuilding program
underway — volleyball will begin in the 2013-14 school year — Life gives the college bound residents of Cobb County more opportunities to compete, while staying close to home and getting their education. “That’s what we want to do,” said Life women’s cross country coach Dr. Cathy Faust, herself a five-time All-American in cross country and track at Eastern Kentucky University. “We want to make this a community based program. Our intent is to pull from the (Cobb) community.” The cross country team got off to a late start in its first season and only had two runners — Mishea Peltier and Anika Dion — compete. But Life needed only two runners to put the university on the map as a program to watch when they both earned spots on the TransSouth Conference All-Conference Team. Peltier took it a step further by winning three out of her first four races. She also ran a personal best time of 19:12 to win the conference meet and earned a spot in the NAIA national meet in Vancouver, Wash. Her efforts were awarded
with being named the conference runner and newcomer of the year. Faust said she was surprised at that kind of success with only two runners, but added it works as a great base to continue to construct the program. “This is going to be a great opportunity for local athletes,” said Meghan DeGan, a former Pope soccer player who will be running for Life next fall. “It’s something that is right down the road and you can stay in Cobb County. DeGan, a senior, will have only one season to compete for Life, but has such a belief in Faust’s program that she wants to remain with the program, possibly in a coaching capacity. “Ideally I’d get to help after school with the coaches,” she said. “(Faust) has set the standards high and we have come out of the gates hard.” The wrestling program also came out of the gates hard and continued to improve as the season went on. In last week’s NAIA East Regional tournament in St. Andrews University in See Life, Page 7HH
LIFE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEN’S SPORTS Basketball, Wrestling * Rugby *(Club sport not affilliated with NAIA)
WOMEN’S SPORTS Cross Country, Volleyball (beginning 2013) POTENTIAL ADDITIONS Women’s Track, Golf, Tennis
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
COBB COUNTY ROAD RACE SCHEDULE March 2 Lost Mountain Super Saturday 5K 1K, Powder Springs March 9 Silver Comet 10K, Mableville March 10 5K in Paradise, Town Center Mall, Kennesaw March 23 Spring Chicken Run, Macland Presbyterian, Powder Springs Marietta Mentor 5K April 6 Knockout Cancer 5K, Marietta April 13 Battle of Allatoona Creek, Acworth April 20 Run for the Ages, Powder Springs Staff / Todd Hull
Nearly 11,000 runners took part in the 10th annual Gobble Jog in 2012. The Thanksgiving 5K, and now 10K, road race has grown each year from its modest beginning of 1,400 runners in 2003. Over the years, the race raised more than $375,000 for Must Ministires, which helps provide food, clothing, shelter and jobs for 34,000 people a year in Cobb and Cherokee counties.
Miles of Cobb road races to be won in 2013 By Adam Carrington acarrington@mdjonline.com Cobb County’s largest road race no longer exists but there are more than 20 others to choose from to take care of that competitive nature. The U.S. 10K Classic that took place on Labor Day for 16 straight years and drew 16,000 runners in its final race in 2010, ceased operations last month because of the struggling economy and declining sponsorships. The event also included men’s and women’s cycling, inline skating and a wheelchair race. The U.S. 10K Classic had gone on hiatus in 2011 and 2012 due to inadequate funding and it was announced last summer that the race would resume in 2013 on Memorial Day. But further attempts to fund the
race were unsuccessful, and race founder Don Whitney cancelled the event for good Jan. 19. Still, there are plenty of other races and adversarious courses to run in the county, including the inaugural Marietta Mentor 5K on March 23 that will benefit Marietta Mentoring For Leadership. The course is a 3-plus mile loop that will start and end at Marietta Square, and the event also includes a 1K fun run and tot trot. Race coordinator David McGee is anticipating 500 runners in its first event. “At a board meeting, we’re were trying to figure out ways to come up with funds for the Marietta Mentor for Leadership,” McGee said. “The idea came together to have a 5K and get involved in the community.” Marietta Square is also the location for the well-known
Gobble Jog 10K, 5K, 1K and tot trot that takes place Thanksgiving Day. With the U.S. 10K no longer functioning, the Gobble Jog is now the most highly regarded race. The 2012 race brought close to 6,000 runners in the 10K and 5K combined. The Polar Bear Run, which finished its 25th race a month ago, normally takes place in late January when temperatures linger below 40 degrees, The normally freezing 5K race circles Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and it normally limits its participants to 2,000 runners. The Silver Comet Trail in south Cobb is normally a hotbed for races with the 10K race taking place March 9 and both the marathon and half marathon set for Oct. 26. There are other early Spring races as well. The Lost Mountain Super Saturday will
resume March 2 at Lost Mountain Park. Macland Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs will welcome the Spring Chicken Run on March 23. Town Center Mall will play host to the 5K Paradise on March 10. The race is a way of introducing the spring season by instilling a tropical theme. Awards are given to those who win the hula contest and best beach wear. The Vinings Downhill 5K — Run for the Kids, which will be Aug. 17, will take runners through downtown Vinings and the Cumberland Mall area before ending at Lovett High School. Not having to worry about the uphills, the top 20 male runners at last year’s race finished it in below 18 minutes. A Run for Wounded Warriors 5K raises money for severly wounded soldiers will be held in August in Kennesaw.
April 27 Run for the World 5K, Kennesaw May 5 Cinco Loco 5K, Acworth May 18 Mableton Day 5K August 3 Run for Wounded Heroes, Kennesaw August 17 Run For the Kids Downhill 5K, Vinings August 24 Di Dash 5K, Marietta September 28 Chick-Fil-A Race Series 5K/Mile, Vinings October 26 Silver Comet Marathon/Half Marathon, Mableton November 28 The Gobble Jog, Marietta Square
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
SPORTS & RECREATION
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5 TOP COBB COURSES
Walton’s Tanner Landry reads his putt on the 17th green of Marietta’s City Club course during last year’s Cobb County Championships. The City Club is just one of five public courses that offer discounted play and twilight fees for players of all ages and abilities.
Atlanta Country Club
Atlanta Country Club was Cobb County’s home to the PGA Tour from 1967 to 1996 when it hosted the Atlanta Classic. The only exception came in 1974 when Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural Tour Players Championship there. If players want the biggest test of golf in the county, they have to play from the back tees here where the course plays to a rating of 75.6 and a slope of 147.
Marietta Country Club Marietta Country Club may have the truest greens around and it gets the chance to prove it every spring when it hosts local qualifying for the U.S. Open. Marietta Country Club actually has 27 holes open for play with the Mountain View, Lake View and Overlook nines.
Staff/file
Pinetree Country Club
Plenty of bargains available for avid golfers By Carlton D. White cwhite@mdjonline.com As the spring season rolls in, Cobb County golf courses will prepare for the influx of members and non-members taking to the links on a daily basis. Courses at City Club Marietta, Cobblestone and Legacy/Fox Creek are gearing up with specials and promotions to entice area golfers throughout the year to come out and enjoy themselves. All of the clubs offer variations on camps and classes for junior and adult golfers who want to learn how to play the sport or improve their knowledge of the golf. Most classes or clinics are offered once a week — fees vary by course — and camps give junior golfers opportunities to make friends like one would at other camps and to learn along
side other promising golfers “We have our ‘Get Golf Ready’ clinics,” Cobblestone head pro Mickey Harris said. “We take some beginning golfers and we give them five golf lessons that are on-the-course training. Lessons include etiquette on the course and scheduling tee times as well as other standard beginning golfer training. We accept all levels and ages.” Legacy and Fox Creek junior summer camps and adult beginner golf classes will also help golfers improve their play on the links. “We have lots of camps and clinics for kids and adults,” Legacy and Fox Creek head pro Al Morrison said. “Both of our courses are executive golf courses. They aren’t regulation length, so they’re shorter than normal, but they are maintained very well. “Legacy is shorter than Fox Creek, so
that’s really the only difference between the two. I thought managing two courses would be tough, but it’s not. We do the same things for both as far as specials and promotions go, but I have two different staffs to help me manage.” Each golf course offers promotions and specials for members and non-members to help entice support from patrons. According to their website, City Club Marietta offers a free round of golf on your birthday if you register to participate in their “eClub.” Registration is available online. The club regularly offers specials and golf promotions to registered members, and all of the information collected in the eClub is used only to provide members’ golf specials and promotions. City Club also offers a loyalty program for golfers who frequent the course. See Bargains, Page 7HH
Sometimes lost in the busy area around Kennesaw State University, Pinetree Country Club is one of north Cobb’s gems. The 7,100-yard layout has been home to the Kennesaw State golf team, and local resident Larry Nelson was an assistant pro there before launching his World Golf Hall of Fame career. The course has hosted many events including U.S. Amateur qualifiers and the 1976, 1985 and 2003 Georgia Amateur Championship. That list will grow again this summer when the Georgia Amateur returns in July.
Indian Hills Country Club Set in the middle of east Cobb, Indian Hills offers 27 holes of golf on its Seminole, Choctaw and Cherokee nines. One of the truest definitions of target golf, players have to position the ball in the correct half of the fairway in order to attack the holes that are cut through the North Georgia woodlands.
Governors Towne Club The Governors Towne Club was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange to offer a test of golf for players of all abilities. The Acworth course that straddles the Cobb-Cherokee county line uses continuous elevation changes through a mature pine forest to offer a unique golf experience. The Governors Towne Club played home to last year’s Georgia Golf Association Top 60 Women’s Classic.
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Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
SPORTS & RECREATION
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013/Marietta Daily Journal
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5 TOP TENNIS CENTERS Tennis academies producing quality players Fair Oaks Tennis Center
Fair Oaks is the oldest public tennis center in Cobb County, having opened in 1974 at central Cobb County. It has 12 lighted tennis courts and is often the host of tournaments, round robin socials and instruction. Fair Oaks also hosts the ATI-Tennis Academy for juniors and the Pre League Academy for youngsters.
Harrison Tennis Center Harrison Tennis Center goes down as the largest facility in Cobb County. Located in east Cobb next door to Lassiter High School, it has 16 lighted courts, plus six QuickStart mini courts. It also plays host to tournaments, including a USTA national Boys 16 championship in May. The Stephen Diaz Junior Tennis Academy also operates out of Harrison along with other junior and adult programs.
Kennworth Tennis Center Kennworth Tennis Center, located in Acworth, is home to the Premier Tennis Academy for juniors, which has been in operation for more than 12 years. Kennworth also conducts free clincs to elementary schools. Kennworth will also be hosting eight more tournaments and have instructional clinics and round robins for adults.
Laurel Park Tennis Center Laurel Park Tennis Center is located near Marietta Square with 13-lighted tennis courts. As of late, the center has been known for a relatively new program called Tennis Dynamics, an instructional program that goes by the motto “Go slower and get there quicker.” Laurel Park is also a location for both junior and adult tournaments.
Lost Mountain Tennis Center Lost Mountain is the newest addition of Cobb’s public tennis center, having opened in 2000. Lost Mountain, which has 12 lighted hard courts, was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Tennis Facility” in 2006 by the USTA. Lost Mountain also accommodates tournaments, round robin socials and clinics for both children and adults.
Life Continued from Page 3HH Laurinburg N.C., Life finished in eighth place. Dillan Schouw at 141 pounds, Oliver Burkardt (157) and Jason Fraser (165) all placed fifth in their respective weight classes and Trey Hicks was runner-up at 184 pounds. Hicks will represent Life in next months NAIA national championship event in Des Moines, Iowa.
Bargains Continued from Page 5HH Cobblestone uses the “Cobblestone Card” as a means to promote its specials. According to their website, the card is designed to
By Adam Carrington
acarrington@mdjonline.com Stephen Diaz Tennis Academy’s main goal has always been to develop players based on their maturity, talent, and train them to become complete all-around players. It seems to be working. The academy keeps developing state and southern junior champions. It’s latest success came last fall when Elliott Orkin, McClain Kessler and brothers Daniel and Chris Yun, who are academy regulars at Harrison Tennis Center, led Team Georgia to a Southern Cup title last fall. Orkin, a home-schooled senior who played at Walton High School his freshman year, will be playing tennis for the Univesity of Florida next year, finished 2012 as the top player in the south in his age division. Last summer, Orkin also reached the finals of the Southern Boys 18 championships with former Lassiter player Daniel Yun taking third in the 16s. Orkin also won the Georgia State Southern Qualifer. “We have players who have been through a lot and has developed to become five-star national players,” Diaz said. “We’ve made a lot
Staff/file
Lassiter’s Daniel Yun is one of the current players to have benefitted from Stephen Diaz and his tennis academy at the Harrison Tennis Center. of progress with players who keep getting better in the southern region.” Much of that success has stemmed from the academy’s Peak Performance Group. Players competing in this program are usually home schooled or have to partition their respective school for an early release program in order to get twice as much court time weekly during the school year. The one sacrifice players have to make for being on the early release program, they can no longer play high school tennis. The Georgia High School Association just passed a rule no longer allowing tennis players to train dur-
ing school hours. Much of the development under Diaz starts with the SDTA Select Under 11 program. As of last year, the 11-andunder players who came up through the QuickStart program to adjust to full size courts and proper tennis balls and to get them ready for 12and-under competition. “We’re looking for a productive 2013, another year of grinding it out,” Diaz said. The Ginepri/Baskin Tennis Academy held at Olde Towne Athletic Club is running an academy for juniors and 10and-under players, who participate in a minimum of three drill sessions a week.
Jerry Baskin, shares ownership of the Olde Towne Athletic Club with local tennis phenomenon Robby Ginepri, has coached many of the Walton girls players who contributed to a 158-match winning streak, the longest in any sport in the state, in a span of nine years. The Universal Tennis Academy is based out of the Chattahoochee Plantation in Marietta and has branched out to different locations such as Blackburn Tennis Center, Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, Chastain Tennis Center and DeKalb Tennis Center. The Premier Tennis Academy has been in operations at Kennworth Tennis Center for 15 years under head pro William Fawcett, who was east Cobb native Melanie Oudin’s first coach. Middle school and high school tournament players at Premier drill an average of three hours a week year-round and stresses consistency and setting up points during the match. Fair Oaks Tennis Center hosts the ATI-Tennis Academy under Danny Carlson, similar to the Stefan Diaz Academy, producing collegiate players at all levels. Whitefield Academy, which won a Class A state title last season, had several players come up through ATI including Kyle Childree, who now plays for Boston College.
COBB COUNTY TENNIS CENTERS Fair Oaks Tennis Center 460 West Booth Road Ext. SW Marietta, GA 30008 (770) 528-8480
Laurel Park Tennis Center 151 Manning Road SW Marietta, GA 30064 (770) 656-3280
Sweetwater Tennis Center 2447 Clay Road Austell, GA 30106 (770) 819-3221
Harrison Tennis Center 2653 Shallowford Road NE Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 591-3151
Lost Mountain Tennis Center 4845 Dallas Highway Powder Springs, GA 30127 (770) 528-8525
Terrell Mill Tennis Center 480 Terrell Mill Road Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 644-2771
Kennworth Tennis Center 3900 South Main St. NW Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 917-5160
Olde Towne Athletic Club 4950 Olde Towne Pkwy. Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 578-9901
Universal Tennis Academy 1 Chattahoochee Plantation Drive Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 953-9090
“We’ve come a long way since the beginning of the year,” said coach Mike Miller, a three-time Ohio High School state champion and a two-time All-American at Central Michigan University. “We’ve gone from not being able to place to placing in tournaments. “I can see us making some noise. Our goal (in the future) is to win nationals. That’s how you make some noise.” In order to compete at the NAIA level, universities have to offer at least six sports. When volleyball
comes online in the fall, that will bring Life to a total of five (rugby, as a club sport, does not count as a NAIA program). Associate Athletic Director Bill Finnbach said that once cross country is competing with a full squad it will be a natural progression to bring on women’s track. He said women’s golf and tennis are additional possibilities, which could also lead to the men’s counterparts. Finnbach said he expects to have at least the minimum of six programs by the beginning of the
give customers significant savings over normal weekly rates. It is available in a variety of levels with different benefits. Cards are red, white and blue and are priced differently for members and non-members and offer varying degrees of specials and discounts.
Golf reward cards are also available. They can be used to earn points towards free golf. The Marietta Golf Center, which is a driving range, provides Spring, Summer and Fall five-week clinics for ages 5 to 7, 8 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18-and-over, according to its website.
2015 school year. With the sports programs on the way back, Faust said the challenge going forward will be to get the word out and entice the local Cobb community to help bring Life athletics to the forefront and convince them that the university is more than just a nationally renowned chiropractic school. “We are a total university,” Faust said about the school offering 13 undergraduate and seven graduate programs. “We have a lot of things other than chiropractic.”
Clinics teach the basic skills of traditional golf using modified equipment that allows a child to transfer proper mechanics to regular clubs. As is the case with all of the public courses, golfers can get personalized golf instruction from their professionals.
Eagle Vending Company,Inc. Established - 1983
CONSUMERS’ CHOICE WINNER 2000• 2001 • 2002 2003 • 2004 • 2005 2006 • 2007 • 2008 2009 • 2010 • 2011 2012 • 2013
COBB COUNTY GOLF COURSES AND DRIVING RANGES Atlanta Country Club (private) 500 Atlanta Country Club Drive Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 953-2100 www.atlantacountryclub.org Head Pro: Scott Schroeder Greens Fees: N/A Bentwater Golf Club (private) 100 Golf Links Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 529-9554 www.canongategolf.com Head Pro: Justin Tackett and Jim Sims Greens Fees: N/A Brookstone Golf and Country Club (private) 5705 Brookstone Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 425-8500 www.brookstonecc.com Head Pro: Mark Avery Greens Fees: N/A City Club Marietta (public) 510 Powder Springs St.
Marietta, GA 30064 (770) 528-4653 www.cityclubmarietta.com Head Pro: Dan Mullins Greens Fees: $48 (Monday through Friday), $58 (weekends/holidays) Twilight rate plans and times vary by season. Please check website for details. Cobblestone Golf Course (public) 4200 Nance Road Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 917-5152 www.cobblestonegolf.com Head Pro: Michael “Mickey” Harris Greens Fees: $56.50 (Monday through Friday), $65 (weekends/holidays) Twilight rate plans and times vary by season. Please check website for details. Dogwood Golf Club (semi-private) 4207 Flint Hill Road Austell, GA 30106 (770) 941-2202 www.dogwoodgolf.org Head Pro: Ryan Medford
Greens Fees: $45 (Monday through Thursday), private on weekends Twilight rate plans and times vary by season. Please check for website for details. Fox Creek Golf Club & Driving Range (public) 1501 Windy Hill Road Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 435-1000 www.legacyfoxcreek.com General Manager: Al Morrison Greens Fees: $29 (weekdays), $35 (weekends) Senior, Lady, Student and Junior rates area also offered. Twilight rate plans and times vary by season. Please check website for details. Governor’s Towne Club (private) 4200 Governors Towne Drive Acworth, GA 30101 (770) 966-5353 www.governorstowneclub. com Head Pro: Christopher Stroud
Greens Fees: N/A Indian Hills Country Club (private) 4001 Clubland Drive Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 971-2605 www.indianhillscc.com Dir. of Golf: Lance Cantrell Greens Fees: N/A Legacy Golf Links & Driving Range (public) 1825 Windy Hill Road Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 434-6331 www.legacyfoxcreek.com General Manager: Al Morrison Greens Fees: $25 (weekdays), $29 (weekends) Senior, Lady, Student and Junior rates area also offered. Twilight rate plans and times vary by season. Please check website for details. Marietta Country Club (private) 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive Kennesaw, GA 30152 (770) 426-1808
www.mariettacountryclub.org Head Pro: Stephen Keppler Greens Fees: N/A Pinetree Country Club (private) 3400 McCollum Parkway NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 422-5902 www.pinetreecc.org Head Pro: Rob Williams Greens Fees: N/A Driving Ranges Marietta Golf Center 1701 Gresham Road, NE Marietta, GA (770) 977-1997 www.mariettagolfcenter.com Bucket of balls — 35 for $5, 55 for $7, 80 for $9, 110 for $11, 135 for $13. Senior pricing also available. Check website for details. Legacy Golf Links 1825 Windy Hill Road, SE Smyrna, GA 30080 (770) 434-6331 www.legacyfoxcreek.com Call for prices.
Tracking Your
all year long online at
We service over 300 locations in the Metro Atlanta area including hotels, automobile dealerships, retail stores, offices, distribution centers, schools and many others. Providing Coke, Pepsi, Snack, Cold Food and Coffee Machines, Eagle Vending Company, Inc. has been in operation since 1983.
Eagle Vending Company, Inc.
www.mdjonline.com
1001 Marble Mill Circle Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 426-1969
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Marietta Daily Journal/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013