AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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January 2012
Volume 1, Issue 7
43
46
Featured Articles
In Every Issue
14 Readers’ Choice
Vote for your favorite local businesses.
40
Project Mail Call
Military receives support from home.
43 Counselor of the Year
32 & 33 On the Cover Altair Prep (Left to right:) Tripp
Roberts, Darwish Gani, David Forman, Ashwin Muthiah and Abhi Ramesh.
A digital version of the magazine, along with information on how to contact us, submit a story or photo, or advertise is available at www.aroundaboutwalton.com.
Nicole Pfleger.
46 Marching in Paradise
WHS Marching Band took the trip of a lifetime.
48 Misson Trip to Cuba
Johnson Ferry Baptist men accept a challenge.
Around Walton.......................... 6 Birthdays................................. 11 Community Calendar............... 16 Everyday Angels...................... 18 Recipe Corner.......................... 24 Houses of Worship.................. 52 Clubs & Organizations.............. 56 School Information.................. 58 Product Recalls........................ 59 Community Numbers.............. 60 Humane Society...................... 61 Elected Officials....................... 62 Classifieds............................... 63 Advertiser Directory................ 64
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Don Akridge....................................20 Cynthia Blount ................................36 Mary-Kathryn Boler.........................30 Linda Champion..............................22 Dr. Cristi Cheek................................34 Kyle Collins......................................48 Hamp Hart.......................................48 Sen. Judson Hill...............................12 Jennifer Jarosick..............................23
Linda & Kevin Keeton......................28 Kara Kiefer................................. 27, 30 Stephen Palmer...............................48 Zett Quinn.......................................21 Dawn Reed......................................29 Doug Rohan............................... 19, 48 Scott Sweeney.................................42 WellStar..........................................35 Bryant Wright..................................51
We’re for childhood. Childhood can be tough, especially on parents. That’s why you need WellStar. Our pediatricians are experts in keeping your kids healthy and your mind at ease. WellStar’s Pediatric Network can be found close to home in Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding counties. And because aches and pains don’t take a day off, many of our pediatricians offer same-day appointments, six days a week. When it’s more than aches and scrapes, count on WellStar’s two pediatric emergency departments, at WellStar Kennestone and WellStar Cobb Hospitals. Our pediatric specialists and equipment specifically designed for children and teens will get your child back to childhood as soon as possible. To learn more, call 770-956-STAR or visit wellstar.org
We believe in life well-lived. Women Newborns Pediatrics •
•
The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare. Our not-for-profit health system includes WellStar Cobb Hospital, WellStar Douglas Hospital, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, WellStar Paulding Hospital, WellStar Windy Hill Hospital and WellStar Medical Group. AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
Our Community Board Doug Rohan is a bi-lingual attorney and owner of Rohan Law, PC. Doug can be reached at doug@rohanlawpc.com. Dr. Cristi Cheek is a dentist and owner of Cristi Y. Cheek, D.M.D., P.C. Dr. Cheek can be reached at CCDental@bellsouth.net. Caroline Whaley is the President of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta. Caroline can be reached at carolinewhaley@ earthlink.net. Judy McNeil — Judy is the Principal at Walton High School. Judy can be reached at (770) 578-3225, x229. Judson Adamson — Judson is a 24-year veteran of the Atlanta Real Estate Industry Judson can be reached at (770) 240-2001. Dawn Reed — Dawn Reed is a Certified Senior Advisor and the owner of Aloha To Senior Solutions Consulting. Dawn can be reached at dawn@ alohatoseniors.com. Mary Stephens — Mary currently serves as Media Director for Right From The Heart Ministries. Mary can be reached at (678) 388-1862. Zett Quinn — Zett is the owner and founder of Quality Craftsmen. Zett can be reached at (404) 483-7446.
Publisher
AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
Executive Editor
Kara Kiefer kara@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3309
Title Editor
Lynne Lysaght lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3306
Art Director
Michelle McCulloch michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3307
Digital Marketing Director
James Ball james@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3310
AroundAbout Walton is a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Walton area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It is distributed free by mail to approximately 13,300 homes and businesses and 3,200 in racks throughout the Walton community. AroundAbout Walton welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 20th of the preceding month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send payment to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. AroundAbout Walton is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011.
AroundAbout Walton 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising (770) 615-3311 aroundaboutadvertising@gmail.com Website: www.aroundaboutwalton.com Powered by TrustWorks, Inc. Franchise Opportunities Available: www.AroundAboutLocalMedia.com Volume 1, Issue 7
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
AROUND WALTON by Lynne Lysaght
The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Walton
Two families in the Walton Community have had a long-standing tradition of pulling pranks on each other for the holidays, often leaving messages for or about Santa on their lawns. The Cagles and the Bradleys are longtime residents and friends in the River Forest Subdivision who have been serious about their tradition since 1999, when the Cagle boys, twins Alex and Jason, were in Lynne is the Editor of AroundAbout Walton kindergarten at Timber Ridge Elementary magazine. She School. The Bradleys’ prank that year lives in the Walton listed the boys’ names on the naughty list. community with her In return, the Cagles had the boys call the husband Martin and Bradleys in pretend tears worried about their three sons Kyle, Santa not visiting them. Patti and Rob Logan and Camden. Cagle, of course, had already explained to the boys that Santa had the real list. Daughter Cristen Cagle was mortified when she started Dickerson Middle School and was asked if she knew the people that did the holiday pranking in her neighborhood. The Cagles’ pranks took on a professional look when Patti’s brother, Jim Menter, who owns a sign company in Manlius, NY, began donating huge banners to further their cause. The pranks often involved specific things happening within the families, like the time the Cagles covered the yard and driveway with crime scene tape after Adam Bradley became a policeman, or the time the Bradleys had Santa being mowed down with a lawn mower due to the Cagle boys’ lawn maintenance business in the neighborhood. The Bradley family, Carla and Michael and their children, Ashleigh, Adam and Hannah share Thanksgiving with the Cagle clan each year, and usually the subject of whether or not to continue the pranks is discussed at this time. Neither family, not wanting to be outdone by the other in pranking, has been willing to stop until now. This year, the decision was made to stop the tradition and use their talent and efforts for the good of others, specifically because of the hard times that so many Americans are facing this year as a result of the sluggish economy. More than one charity in our community has reported a large increase in the number of people coming to them for help this year. So a new tradition began. The Cagles and Bradleys held 6
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
a food drive for MUST Ministries. Patti’s brother Jim and Voss Signs donated the signs that were posted around the three neighborhood areas in which the food drive flyers were distributed. On the flyer was a list of items currently in short supply at MUST Ministries pantry. The flyers asked that donated food be in a bag on the porch for pickup on the designated day or deposited in the big blue MUST barrels at the bottom of the Cagle and Bradley driveways. MUST Ministries provided and delivered the barrels and would make arrangements to provide transportation for the donated food if needed. Even though rain threatened the operation, donations arrived from River Forest, Old Forge and the Bluff at Jacksons Creek Subdivisions, which are all closely connected. On the designated day, the Bradleys, the Cagles and extended family members (the Menters) collected food from porches and the barrels and delivered two full pickup trucks of donated food to MUST Ministries. They had a lot of fun and plan to make this an annual event. Please contact Wendy P. Booth, MUST Ministries Donation Center Operations Manager if you would like information on hosting a food drive at (678) 5818099 or Wpbooth@mustministries.org. It is great to live in a community where the neighbors not only think of others in need but also take action to help them.
Front row: (left to right): Michael Bradley, Carla Bradley, Devan Menter, Cristen Cagle, Rob Cagle, Jim Menter, and Patti Cagle. Back row: Hannah Bradley, Alex Cagle and Jason Cagle. (Not pictured: Drew Prescott, and Debbie Menter).
What’s New? Michael Andrew Putnam recently opened Michael Andrews Hair Studio at 4961 Lower Roswell Road, Suite B, formerly occupied by Wisteria Salon. It is the same location that he had ten years ago. Call (770) 971-8880 for appointments; walk-ins are welcome. For more information and for a special offer for first time clients, visit www.michaelandrewshairstudio.com. Flagstar Bank located at 4895 Lower Roswell Road is now the home of PNC Bank. For more information, please visit www. pnc.com or call (770) 579-0199.
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
What’s Happening in Walton... East Cobb Civitans Distribute Funds to Local Charities
Members of Community Organizations presented with gifts by East Cobb Civitan Club: Front row (left to right): Pat Dooley of Right in the Community, Dawn Reed of Aloha to Aging, Lane Henderson of MUST Ministries, Susie Ivey of Cobb Family Resources and Kim Borna of Center for Children & Young Adults. Back row: Dale Champion of Opportunity Knocks for Youth, Frank Harris of Opportunity Knocks for Youth, Terry Freeman, President East Cobb Civitan Club, Mike Voegtle of The Friends for the East Cobb Park and Matt Kaczenski of The Friends for the East Cobb Park.
The East Cobb Civitan Club (ECCC) celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a holiday luncheon at the Atlanta Country Club. Funds raised by ECCC at the Silent Auction and Wine Tasting held in October were distributed to seven local charities. The ECCC raised more than $20,000 at its annual fundraiser. The charities that received gifts were MUST Ministries, Cobb Family Resources, Center for Children & Young Adults, Right in the Community, Opportunity Knocks for Youth, Aloha to Aging and the Friends for East Cobb Park. The ECCC began in 1986 and was one of the first community service organizations to include both men and women members. The Civitans are an inclusive group dedicated to community service and welcome everyone to come as a guest to a meeting. For more information about the group, visit www.eastcobb.civitan.net.
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park The Walton community was treated to a visit from Rudolf, Santa and the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Choir, and was able to see the lighting of a 40-foot tree in East Cobb Park. While waiting for nightfall, the crowd enjoyed hot chocolate and listened to music. The Friends of the East Cobb Park put together the event with the help of local sponsors.
East Cobb YMCAs Raise Funds Through generous donations of Cobb County residents, the McCleskey-East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCAs Partner with Youth support campaign raised $139,000 to allow the Y to continue programs to help those in need. The gifts to the YMCA stay in Cobb County and directly support programs and services that strengthen the community. “Many people in Cobb County rely on the essential services and programs the Y offers,” said Becky Shipley, Executive Director. “But we would not be here to serve our neighbors without the support we receive from our members, volunteers, staff, partners and our community at-large. Their support enables us to not only continue with the work we already do, but to also help expand our reach to more people in need.” A learn-to-swim program for more than 100 children living in local apartment communities is just one of the programs made available thanks to these funds. To learn how to join, give or volunteer at the local YMCAs, call (770) 977-5991 or visit www.ymcaatlanta.org for more information on programs and schedules.
Friends For East Cobb Park Flag Program New Leadership at Boy Scout Troop 955 New leaders for the BSA Troop 955 sponsored by Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Left to right: Assistant Scoutmaster Rod Roeser, Asst. Scoutmaster Bill Zeiher, Scoutmaster Gray Johnson and Asstistant Scoutmaster Doug Kirby.
The Friends For East Cobb Park (FFECP) along with the Boy Scouts of America are offering a service and fundraising flag program. On five major holidays, a 3’x5’ American flag can be placed on your lawn. The FFECP and Boy Scouts will place, remove and later store the flag. The holidays that the flags will fly are President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day. The annual subscription cost is $45 for the first year and $35 for subsequent years. The funds raised benefit the East Cobb Park, the Boy Scouts of America and the Disabled American Veterans. If you are interested in participating, visit www.eastcobbpark.org for more information.
We Are Your Community’s Source for Information • www.aroundaboutwalton.com 8
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
Our purpose: At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives. It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about to lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com. Sincerely, It’s your community. It’s your magazine.
Your Friends at AroundAbout Walton
The Community Of
WALTON
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Happy Birthday!
Peter Carr
Age 10 on January 3 Son of Norma and Bill Carr
Stephanie Geng
Age 12 on January 10 Daughter of Polly and Steve Geng Sister of Christina
Bill Carr
Celebrating on January 30 Happy birthday! Love, Norma and Peter
Carolyn Glenn
Celebrating on January 31 Happy Birthday, Grandma! Love, Luke
Birth!
Luke Christopher Glenn Born December 20, 2011 6 pounds 9 ounces, 20 inches long
Top: Proud Parents Drs. Eric and Patricia Glenn with their son Luke Bottom: Proud Grandparents Carolyn and Don Glenn with grandson Luke (first grandbaby)
Lynne Lysaght
Celebrating on January 11 Happy Birthday! Love all the boys, Martin, Kyle, Logan and Cam
Juliana Buter
Age 9 on January 17 Daughter of Jody and Ed Buter Sister of Alex and Elena
Sreenya Audireddy
Age 3 on February 3 Happy Birthday! Love, Mom and Dad and your sister Sreeja
Elena Buter
Age 14 on February 3 Daughter of Jody and Ed Buter, sister of Alex and Juliana
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: lynne@ aroundaboutmagazines.com. February deadline is January 20.
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
2012 Session Preview by State Senator Judson Hill
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of the Government Oversight Committee. He represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@ senate.ga.gov.
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The next session of the Georgia General Assembly is just weeks away from convening at the Gold Dome, and there is much work to be done. In 2011, the State of Georgia faced many challenges, including substantial budget cuts, possibly revising an antiquated tax code and contending with federal mandates to create a foundation to administer an overreaching federal health care law. It is apparent these challenges will continue into the next year. We need to find solutions in 2012 that ensure continued efficient state operations, bring economic development opportunities to Georgians, address the state’s role in providing healthcare solutions and reduce the cost of criminal justice without compromising public safety. The following is a preview of what I believe will be the central issues in 2012.
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Budget - Georgia has felt the effects of the national recession over the past few years. This year, our state faces a steep $1.9 billion budget shortfall. In the past, federal stimulus funds and reserves have helped bridge previous budget gaps; however, these funds only temporarily alleviated our immediate fiscal crisis. There is some light at the end of the tunnel. Revenues are slowly recovering, which bodes well for Georgia’s ability to eventually replenish our state’s deficit. However, many businesses and individuals are saving, not spending—ultimately affecting income and sales taxes, which comprise about 85 percent of our state’s revenue. Since our education budget encompasses a majority of state expenditures, education is significantly impacted by our budget shortfall. It is expected that the Board of Regents and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) may see budget cuts of $173 million and $19 million respectively, and will not receive any funds for growth. K-12 education may see $60 million in cuts to quality basic education (QBE) and possibly $25 million in cuts to other Department of Education programs. While our deficit will see some relief due to these cuts, it is a
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Revenues are slowly recovering, which bodes well for Georgia's ability to eventually replenish our state's deficit. short-term solution that compromises the ability for our state to flourish. It is imperative for us to find fiscally sound solutions that enable our state to grow and provide essential services for years to come. Health Care – Requiring the implementation of state-based health care exchanges is one of the most prominent—and overreaching—features of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). While the intention of making insurance more accessible to small businesses and individuals is laudable, the ACA is a flawed solution that infringes on our individual and state’s rights. The theory behind implementing health care exchanges is commendable if it provides for a free market, not a government-controlled, solution that helps make health care more accessible and affordable. However, government health exchanges are restrictive and forced actions that fail to achieve these objectives. According to the ACA, if Georgia or any other state fails to set up a health care exchange by January 1, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will establish –and operate—an exchange in that state. Many doubt the federal government can actually establish exchanges, much like their inability to enforce federal immigration laws. Furthermore, one key provision of the ACA is its deadline to show “readiness” to implement a government exchange by January 1, 2013. Most project that ACA will cost Georgians an estimated $400 to $500 million annually; in 2011 alone, it costs us over $120 million. This is a price tag we cannot afford. Expect free market solutions to be offered during the 2012 legislature. Tax Reform – During the 2011 session, the Special Joint Committee on Georgia’s Tax Structure evaluated several pieces of legislation to reform Georgia’s tax code, and ultimately endorsed HB 388. Recommendations found in the bill included decreasing the income tax rate to 4.55% and expanding the sales tax base to include automotive repair and maintenance to the state, local sales and use tax base. One recommendation that stood out from the rest was an exemption for energy used in production. There have been several attempts over the past few years to provide this sales tax exemption to the manufacturing sector, with the estimated annual fiscal impact approximating $144 million. continued on page 54
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Feature
Readers’ Choice Awards It’s time to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite local businesses today It’s that time of the year again! Time to vote for your favorite businesses in the East Cobb/Walton area! Please refer to the Question and Answer section below. Q: How do I vote for my favorite businesses? A: Go to www.aroundaboutwalton.com. Click on the “Readers’ Choice 2012” button. You will be directed to the online ballot. Q: How many times can I vote? A: You may vote four times from the same IP address, which allows additional members of your household to cast their votes. Q: Why are some businesses listed? What if the business I want to vote for is not listed? A: The ballot is populated with businesses that have received more than one vote in past Readers’ Choice contests. The population of these businesses is done strictly for the convenience of the voters and does not indicate endorsement or preference by AroundAbout Walton. If you don’t see your business listed, enter the name of the business in the place marked “other,” and the vote will be counted. Q: Do I have to vote online? A: If you don’t wish to vote online or don’t have access to the Internet, we will have paper ballots available at our office, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. One ballot per person will be issued. Q: Are any photocopies of the paper ballots permitted? A: No photocopies of blank or completed ballots will be accepted. Q: How long do I have to vote? A: Voting will end on February 20, 5 p.m.
Look for this button: AroundAbout Community Magazines
Readers’Choice
Vote Here
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
It’s easy! Just log on to www.aroundaboutwalton.com and choose your favorites Today! Submit your votes by Monday, February 20 at 5 p.m.
Readers’ Choice Categories Restaurants
Electrician
Furniture Store
All-Around Restaurant
Financial Institution/Bank
Garden Center
Bakery
Hair Salon
Gift/Home Décor Store
Barbecue Place
Home Improvement - HVAC
Grocery Store
Breakfast Place
Home Improvement - Flooring
Hardware Store
Coffee Shop
Home Improvement - Roofing
Home Improvement Store
Dessert Place
Home Improvement - Handyman
Jeweler
Ethnic Restaurant
Insurance Agent (specify agent)
Liquor Store
Fast Food Restaurant
Lawn Care
Music Store
Fine Dining Restaurant
Medical Doctor
Pet Supply Store
Italian Restaurant
Nail Salon
Shoe Store
Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
Specialty Foods
Lunch Place
Orthodontist
Sporting Goods
Mexican Restaurant
Painter
Tire Shop
New Restaurant
Pediatrician
Toy Store
Oriental Restaurant
Pediatric Dentist
Pizzeria
Pest Control
Seafood Restaurant
Pet Boarding
Recreation and Entertainment
Sports Bar
Pet Groomer
Dance Studio
Plumber
Fitness/Health Club
Services
Photographer
Golf Course
Auto Repair
Physical Therapist
Gymnastics Center
Car Wash
Tutoring
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner
Veterinarian
Caterer Chiropractor
Retailers
C.P.A.
Boutique
Day Care/Preschool
Children’s Clothing
Day Spa
Drug Store
Dentist
Florist
Dry Cleaner
Frame Shop
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
EVENT CALENDAR: January 12, 19, 26 Family Caregiver Lunch ‘N Learn
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m. Location: Aloha to Aging, Inc., Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Road Information: January 12 – Paid Caregiver Management; January 19 – Advance Directives; January 26 – Communicating in Difficult Situations. Cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door. RSVP to (678) 439-1177. For more information, visit alohatoaging. org.
January 13 Book Event: Loving Wings
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Location: East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road Information: Author Marty Ruffin Gardner discusses her book, Loving Wings, her firsthand account of being a stewardess. Free. Registration required. To register and for more information, call (770) 509-4900.
January 18, 26 Mt. Bethel Christian Academy Open House
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Location: 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Bldg. F Information: Open House allows families to visit the classrooms and see teachers and students interacting. Reservations are requested but not required. Please contact the admissions office at (770) 971-0245.
January 20 Parents’ Night Out
Time: 6 – 10 p.m. Location: McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA, 1055 East Piedmont Rd., NE Information: Parents can enjoy an evening out while the kids have fun at the Y. Ages 2 – 12. Cost for members $15, prospective members $20. Dinner is included. Register by January 18 at (770) 977-5991.
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
January/February January 22 The Wood Acres School Open House
Time: Early School 1:30 – 3 p.m., K-8 3:30 – 5 p.m. Location: 1772 Johnson Ferry Road Information: Visit the campus and meet the faculty. For more information, visit www.woodacresschool.org.
January 24 “The Life Preserver Diet” Discussion Event
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Bookmiser, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Roswell Information: Author Marcia Berlin, RD, LD, will discuss practical ways to lose weight while following a nutritionist-designed program. RSVP to participate at (770) 9931555. For more information, visit www. lifepreserver.com.
January 26, 27, 28 Christian Family Theatre Presents “The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree”
Time: January 26 & 27 7:30 p.m., January 28 3 & 7:30 p.m. Location: The Art Place-Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road Information: Christian Family Theatre presents a swashbuckling musical comedy. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for children and seniors. For tickets, send email to tickets@christianfamilytheatre.org or call (678) 824-2381. For more information, visit www.ChristianFamilyTheatre.org
January 28 Polar Bear 5K and Fun Run
Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road Information: The 24th annual Polar Bear Run is a flat course road race with disposable chip timing system and will be held regardless of weather. Registration for 5K and 2K is $20 before January 21, $25 after. Race benefits the high school choir mission trip. Register online at active.com or johnsonferry.org.
February 3, 4, 10, 11 Polk Street Players Present “Coming Apart”
Time: 8 p.m. Location: Stellar Cellar Theatre, St. James Episcopal Church, 161 Church Street Information: The Polk Street Players presents a charming romantic comedy. Tickets $12.50 for February 3 & 10, $20 dinner shows February 4 & 11. Call the box office for reservations at (770) 218-9669. For additional performance dates, visit stjames-marietta.episcopalatlanta.org.
February 4 Serving Up Healthy Habits
Time: 2 p.m. Location: East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road Information: Speaker will be Dawn Florence of the Cobb Extension Service. For more information, call (770) 509-2730.
Send Us Your Community Calendar Events to lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com. February deadline is January 20.
Do You Have All the Customers You Need? Target Your Advertising with AroundAbout Walton magazine Deadline for the February issue is January 20 For info call (770) 615-3311 or email aroundaboutadvertising@gmail.com
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
Everyday
Dear Everyday Angels: I am a part-time counselor at a community church. This is a new role for me as I attend classes for a Certification in Counseling. It will take a while to obtain this, but I have never been happier with my life. Several years ago, I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life. I was faced with one life-changing thing after another. It was a year I will never forget. I lost my mother to cancer, and my husband had left me with two small children and moved out of state. I was forced to move out of our home and into an apartment and take a second part-time job on the weekends. I also had to file bankruptcy, which I never thought I would do. My emotional devastation was causing me physical harm, and I was not at all myself. Although I had grown up going to church and thought my faith was strong, it clearly wasn’t. My neighbor had called your organization asking for financial help for me, but what I received was much more. Yes, you paid my electricity for me, and it was a big help at that time, but it also gave me hope and reminded me that I was not alone. It reminded me to lean on God and my faith and to be patient. I began taking my girls to church again and eventually
Please visit www.townelaker.com/everydayangels to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.
met a wonderful man. I am now engaged to be married and am returning to school a few nights a week to become a certified counselor. I feel a calling to use my past to help others who are going through similar difficulties in their life. I want to share this with you because it is important to understand what a difference kind acts and words can make to someone. You probably don’t even remember me, but I will never forget. I am grateful for my neighbor who reached out to me and cared enough to find help for someone not strong enough to ask for it. I was feeling comfortable with the role of “victim” and didn’t even try to help myself. Instead, I made excuses and blamed the circumstances and people who did this to me. Today, I know that my mom is watching over me and is very proud of how I have chosen to overcome that traumatic year and use it positively for my future and the future of my family and others. I miss my mom and her wise counsel every minute. I am excited to offer my assistance, once I obtain my certification, to your organization and our community. I understand first-hand the importance of helping others and greatly appreciate all that you do.
We must never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. Thank you, readers, for making this holiday special for so many families. Your generous donations, cards, and love have provided food, encouragement and hope. Everyday Angels wishes you all a blessed 2012. We are thankful for the beautiful people who put their trust in our organization, allowing us to bless others.
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AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
NTSB Nationwide Ban on Cell Phone Use: Not Likely... by Douglas B. Rohan, Esq., ROHAN LAW, PC
Doug Rohan lives in the Walton community with his wife, Julia, and three daughters. He is a bi-lingual attorney and owner of Rohan Law, PC where he specializes in Criminal Defense and Workers’ Compensation claims. He also is a member of the AroundAbout Walton Community Board. You can email Doug at doug@ rohanlawpc.com.
Last month, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) unanimously recommended a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. This is not law, but it is a first step, and is evidence of where the administration wants to go with this subject. This would apply to both handheld and hands-free communication. The five-member board made this recommendation after reviewing information from a Missouri traffic accident which resulted in two fatalities and thirtyeight others needing medical treatment. The evidence showed the 19-year-old driver responsible for the accident received and sent 11 texts in the 11 minutes before he rearended a vehicle which had slowed for construction delays.
Missouri had a text-messaging ban in place for novice drivers under the age of 21. Whether the driver qualified as a “novice driver” requires a full analysis of Missouri law, which I’m not prepared to do in this brief article. What remains important is that a 2010 study by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety revealed that accidents had not declined in the four states that were early adopters of the cell phone texting ban. In fact, three of the four states showed an increase in traffic accidents. Passing a law alone does not change behavior. I am all for having fewer government rules impacting my daily life, but we are talking about behavior engaged in by as many as one in four drivers on the interstate. Their behavior directly impacts you, especially when they cause a major traffic pileup on I-285. What is clear is that the law needs to have a cultural component as well. Simply banning behavior, especially when it is so difficult to enforce, will not cause that behavior to cease. Parents can have a dramatic impact on this by modeling appropriate behavior. Children will do what you do, not what you say. Start by showing your teens that YOU are capable of leaving the telephone alone while driving. This behavior modification should extend to phone calls as well as to texting. There is no question that talking
on the phone plays a role in taking our attention off the road. While the average commute in Atlanta has now stretched to over an hour, you should not view this as an opportunity to catch up on all those calls you need to make. Certainly take the liberty to answer incoming phone calls, but politely explain to the caller that you are on the road and will call them back later. Perhaps if we demonstrate a drastic shift in our everyday behavior, the federal government will not have to step in and do something as dramatic as a nationwide ban on ALL cell phone use. The reason for this dialogue (one-sided though it may be) is to talk about what is right, not what is legal. Many states have instituted a ban on cell phone use unless you are using a hands free device. Currently Georgia law only bans texting while driving, but looking up a number to dial can be equally as distracting. In the event of an accident, you don’t want your cell phone behavior to become a factor in establishing fault. If you have caused an accident, a plaintiff’s attorney will comb through your cell phone records to see if this played any role in the accident. If you are talking on the phone, this behavior could be introduced to the jury to explain why you are at fault. The Plaintiff’s lawyer will be arguing to the jury that you caused the accident because you were distracted by the discussion you were having with your boss. Should your phone records reflect that you were texting (and, as a result, committing a criminal act) that led directly to the accident, the only issue the jury will be deciding is how many zeros belong in the award. Sometimes we need to look to a higher standard than what is “legal.” As attorneys, the cannon of ethics requires us to “avoid the appearance of impropriety.” This is a higher standard than “don’t break any laws.” As parents, we must go beyond what is simply legal to avoid anything that could even be construed to be improper, especially when our children are watching. By staying off the cell phone as much as possible while driving, if and when you have an accident, your cell phone behavior will not come into question. Further, your teen drivers are more likely to take the texting while driving ban seriously too. We have not even addressed the psychological impact of hurting, or even killing, someone while menu planning with our spouse. Sometimes doing the right thing means going beyond our obligations under the law. Limit your cell phone use while driving and you will significantly limit your liability if there is an accident. More importantly, you will teach your children that the laws are serious and must be followed. DUI cases are already taboo. Hopefully the numbers will start to reflect a similar attitude towards texting while driving. AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Community
Could Your Social Security Income Be Taxed? A closer look at the provisional income rules
by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus Many new retirees assume that Social Security income is tax-free. That is not always the case. The Social Security Amendments of 1983 opened the door to taxes on some SSI (Social Security Income), depending on the amount of income someone earns in a calendar year. Don Akridge is President of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707.
How much of your SSI is potentially taxable? As much as 85 percent of it, under certain conditions. Four factors determine how much of your SSI will be taxed:
• The total amount of income you earn. Where it comes from. • Your taxpayer filing status. • Your provisional income – a MAGI calculation which you can figure out by using Worksheet 34-1 in IRS Publication 915 or the Social Security Benefits Worksheet in the instruction booklets for IRS Form 1040 and Form 1040A. How is provisional income determined? In simple terms, this is calculated using your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income), minus one-half of your Social Security benefits. (Tax-free interest from investments such as muni bonds also becomes provisional income.) How much income can you earn before your SSI is taxed? The 2011 limits are pretty straightforward: • Single person: up to 50 percent of your SSI can be taxed if your provisional income is greater than $25,000, and up to 85 percent of your SSI can be taxed if your provisional income exceeds $34,000. • Married/head of household: up to 50 percent of your SSI can be taxed if your provisional income is greater than $32,000, and up to 85 percent of your SSI can be taxed if your provisional income exceeds $44,000. Who doesn’t have to worry about this? If your only source of income is Social Security or equivalent retirement railroad benefits, it is unlikely that your SSI will be taxed and you may not even need to file a federal return. In 2011, Social Security benefits are tax-exempt for single taxpayers with provisional incomes under $25,000 and married/head of household taxpayers with provisional incomes under $32,000. 20
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If you are close to hitting either the 50 percent or 85 percent tax levels, you may want to think twice about moves that could take your provisional income over the threshold What can be done to reduce (or avoid) the tax? If you are close to hitting either the 50 percent or 85 percent tax levels, you may want to think twice about moves that could take your provisional income over the threshold – for example, receiving a sizable chunk of profit from selling a stock, or converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Here are some common moves people make with the input of a qualified tax or financial professional: • Delaying some investment income, rental income or pension income until the following tax year. • Shifting assets from accounts or investments producing reportable income (like CDs) into tax-deferred alternatives. • Working less. • Ramping up pre-tax contributions to an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). • Lowering interest income (such as income from CDs). • Lowering tax-exempt interest income (from muni bonds, federal tax refunds, veteran’s benefits, gifts and other sources). Before April rolls around, it might be wise to consider the different ways to manage taxes on your Social Security benefits. Some new SSI recipients may be taken aback by the tax they end up paying; alternatively, they can plan to reduce it. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors.
Quality Time in a Cozy Basement by Zett Quinn In baseball, “home base” represents safety and celebration. Finished basements are our own “home base:” a place where we all – including teenagers – can safely enjoy family, friends and entertainment.
Zett Quinn is the founder of Quality Craftsmen, offering more than 20 years of experience in the construction and renovation business. To learn more, visit www. quality-craftsmen. com or contact him at zett@qualitycraftsmen.com.
Consider transforming an unfinished or outdated basement into a cozy retreat that’s welcoming for teens, family game night, neighborhood gatherings or “guys’ night” to watch the big game. The critical first step is to consult a remodeling professional before you knock down walls or move plumbing, wiring and ductwork. Let your imagination run wild – the basement can echo the same design as the rest of the house, or incorporate a different style and color palate. To maintain an open floor plan, create specific areas – such as a game room, craft area, bar/kitchenette and media room – separated by columns and
half-walls. Encourage interactive family fun by including games that appeal to every age, like foosball, air hockey, pool, ping pong and karaoke. Friendly gatherings often revolve around food, so make a splash by adding a kitchen and bar. In the Walton community, many basement bars include a sink, wine cooler, mini refrigerator, small dishwasher, ice maker and beer tap. Complete the bar setting with a mirrored backsplash and glass
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Community
Teens Learn the Value of Trust by Linda Champion Each year, the Opportunity Knocks Program for Youth (OK4Youth) hosts a holiday party for teens and their mentors. This year, the program featured emotional testimonies from teens who were part of the program. Three recent high school graduates of the eight-year-old nonprofit’s program focused on the value of mentoring. “Since I first met him five years ago, Mr. Charlie has been really interested in me,” said 21 year-old Marcus Johnson of his mentor Charlie Edwards. “I trust him.”
Dale Champion, OK youth Terry with his mentor and Volunteer of the Year Award winner Frank Harris.
Marcus and the other graduates, Terry and Shannon, related circumstances of growing up in foster care, with ever-changing adult role models or lack of father figures and consequent difficulties with trusting adults. Edwards and the other mentors, Frank Harris and Steve Gunning, changed that for their young charges. Shannon spoke from his heart to the mentors and teens about his mentor Steve. “I know I can always trust him,” Shannon said. “I love him.” The 22 foster teens, many decked out in coats and ties, and their mentors enjoyed dinner at the Paper Mill Grill in the Walton community and heard more about trust from guest speaker WSB-TV’s Jocelyn Dorsey, Director of Editorials and Community Affairs. Dorsey expanded on the concept of trust as one of the characteristics necessary for success. The seven-time Emmy award-winning journalist and first female African-American television anchor in Atlanta told the young people attending that trust is essential for moving forward with others. “Respecting others is very important; being an honorable person is very important,” she said. “But people have to trust you.” She said that teens must make it clear to everyone that they will do what they promise by following through with every task. “When people trust you,” she continued, “they will depend on you for the important things.” Through volunteer mentor relationships, the program focuses on the importance of education and responsibility for foster and other special teens. The organization offers monthly workshop/ dinners, cultural field trips, service projects and inspirational speakers in addition to the highly successful one-on-one mentor relationships. 22
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Executive Director Dale Champion (left) with guest speaker Jocelyn Dorsey, Director of Editorials and Community Affairs for WSB, and OK board member Bill Spell
In addition to the speaker, the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to mentor Frank Harris. “I am so surprised by this award,” Harris said. “I feel like every mentor in this room deserves it as much as I do.” His mentee Terry, who graduated from high school in the spring and hopes to begin college soon, talked about the importance of Frank in his life as a father figure and a friend. High school graduation is a significant accomplishment. “Less than 20 percent of foster children graduate from high school,” Executive Director Dale Champion said. “This year, OK4Youth participants celebrated a 75 percent graduation rate, with many pursuing higher education.” Preparation for the workforce is another objective of the program when higher education is not the young person’s choice. “We are not as large as a Boys and Girls Club,” said Champion, “but the size of our organization has a lot to do with its success. The close-knit community we have built of some 25 mentors and our at-risk teens creates a kind of comfort zone for these kids.” Although the OK mentors include some women, most of them are men, adding an additional value to the lives of the youth, whose foster parents and group home staff are often predominantly female. The program partners with Mt. Bethel U.M.C., Cobb County Department of Family and Children Services, and Cobb County Schools. For more information, please contact Dale Champion at (678) 641-1968, dchamp50@aol.com, or www.ok4youth.org.
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Lifestyle Walton resident Jody Buter submitted this month’s recipe for recipe corner. Jody and her husband, Ed, have three daughters ranging in age from 16 to 9 years old. All the Buter ladies enjoy baking and cooking, especially together. “My mother-in-law knew how much our family enjoyed making muffins. So, a few years ago, she researched and got copies of at least 200 muffin recipes... recipes from favorite cookbooks (she had dozens and dozens), recipes from favorite restaurants and recommended recipes from her friends. She put all these recipes into a big book and gave them to me for Christmas. She flipped through the book with me and told me why she picked the ones she had. I do believe it was the most thoughtful gift I have ever received. This is our favorite recipe from that book. It is from the Jordan Marsh department store in Boston, MA. It brings back great memories because she and I would take the kids blueberry picking every summer and come home to make these muffins!”
Recipe Corner
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Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins 1/2 C butter, softened 1 and 1/4 C sugar, plus 3 teaspoons 2 eggs 2 C flour 1/2 tsp salt, optional 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 C milk 2 C blueberries, washed, drained and picked over Cream the butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until light. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk. Crush 1/2 cup blueberries with a fork and mix into the batter. Fold in the remaining whole berries. Grease 12 large muffin cups and fill with batter. Sprinkle the three teaspoons sugar over the tops of the muffins and bake at 375 ° for 30 minutes. Cool 30 minutes before removing. Store, uncovered, or the muffins will be too moist the second day, if they last that long. Yield: 12 muffins
Love
Why I
Living In by Lisa Susman
WALTON
I grew up in Sandy Springs, and the only things I remember about East Cobb back then were the Chattahoochee Day School and the Original Pancake House. I would have no problem driving “over the bridge and up the hill” to get to my favorite breakfast place! The Chattahoochee Day school later became the Nature Center, and the once-gravel road to access this school was eventually paved. In my teen years, the only neighborhood I knew about was Indian Hills, and Merchant’s Walk was just being built. In my young eyes, this area was not developed very much, or at least not as much as it is now, but even back then I loved it. My soon-to-be husband Steven moved to Indian Hills in 1993, and after we were married in 1996 I became an official Indian Hills resident. I still ask him from time to time, “How did you know so long ago how great it would be to move to this area?” I am glad he had this insight! We have two children, Asher (12) and Miranda (11). They both attend Dickerson Middle School. Eventually, they will attend Walton High School, but since the idea
of that makes my eyes well up, we will just leave it at that! I love living in the Walton community because all your needs are about two or less miles away, including our children’s activities, which have ranged from Atlanta North Star Gymnastics, Swim Atlanta, Modern Gymnastics and The Marietta Ice Center. Another reason I Steven, Asher, Miranda and Lisa Susman love living in Walton is the opportunities for small businesses to succeed. My husband and I opened a specialty food grocery store in the Shops at Paper Mill Village called Southernfood and More. We just love this location with its paving stones, front porch swings and hanging wooden shingles; it is like a scene right out of Mayberry. The Walton community is a wonderful community to work, play and raise your family. With everything located nearby, there’s no time lost to traveling. I hope to live in Walton for many years to come.
Madness for Mutts Mutt Madd-ness is a 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue made up of community volunteers dedicated to saving dogs whose lives are in jeopardy. The pups come from high-kill facilities and are cared for emotionally and physically by foster families before being adopted into loving homes. The organization has been in operation since April 2009, and since that time, it has rescued and placed more than 400 dogs for adoption.
they are adopted limits the rescue work of Mutt Madd-ness. All the puppies and dogs live in private homes until adoption. Jennifer Clair, a founding member of Mutt Madd-ness, says that it takes a village to raise a puppy. Together with her husband Pete Ludovice, daughter Miranda and son Dylan, Jennifer has fostered more than 30 dogs at their home in the Walton community and looks forward to fostering 30 more. “It is such a gratifying experience to bond with and love a puppy President of Mutt Madd-ness, Barbara and to see it flourish before your eyes. Blaine McRee, plainly states the reasons The fostered dog will enter your home for founding the organization. “I love and your heart and will provide a true dogs - especially mutts. My soft spot is for bonding experience the whole family mothers and their puppies. Oftentimes, will long remember,” says Jennifer. The these are mutts that shelters have no fostered dogs need care, socializing, help Cash is ready for adoption. room for and that some individuals have with house training, leash training and a no need for. I am determined to rescue as lot of love. There is little to no financial many as I can from a death sentence or years behind bars and obligation. Mutt Madd-ness has found that the socialized introduce them into a loving, forever family that will make them foster dogs are more easily adopted. If you and your family their own.” Barbara truly believes in Roger Caras quote: “Dogs are interested in becoming a foster family for Mutt Madd-ness, are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” please call (404) 406-6322 or visit www.muttmaddness.org. The number of foster families needed to care for the dogs until
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yard feature
Lifestyle
Around About Walton
This month’s featured yard belongs to Lois Ann and William Carkhuff who have lived in the Walton community for 25 years in the Princeton Walk subdivision. The Carkuffs have three grown sons: Bejay who works at the Woodlawn Publix, Philip who is in law school, and Jonathan, a sophomore at Davidson College. Lois and Bill are originally from New Jersey. Bill said taking care of the yard is his hobby and while there have been offers from family members to help, they know that is really best to leave him to care for the yard. The tree growth over the 25 years that they have lived in their home resulted in an increase in shade and a decrease in lawn space that could sustain grass growth. The front lawn grass is zoysia and has a beautiful natural area for the trees. Bill estimates that he has 100,000 miles on his McLane lawn mower that he has used for those 25 years. “I kid around and call it a cutting instrument, but I cannot say enough positive things about my trusty McLane lawn mower. I think it is important to have a reel mower for a zoysia lawn. It cuts as opposed to whipping the grass. I hand trim all the edging and call it exercise.” An important thing Bill said he has learned the hard way is not to plant things in the shade that call for sunlight and vice versa. “Bottom line, don’t try to beat nature,” is Bill’s advice to all those working towards beautiful yards.
wanted: Beautiful yards!
Each month, we will feature local yards, submitted by you, our readers. If you have a yard, or know someone else with a beautiful yard, that showcases a green thumb and landscape prowess, send us a photo and it could be featured in next month’s AroundAbout Walton! All featured yards will receive a yard sign stating “AroundAbout Walton Featured Yard.” Please submit your photos to lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com by January 20 for our February issue. 26
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Change of Scenery by Kara Kiefer
Everyone needs a change of scenery every now and then. Each month we will feature places to visit, including museums, family friendly activities, outdoor adventures or great places to dine. If you have any suggestions, please email lynne@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.
There are two exhibits in Atlanta that are well worth the time to visit and experience — BODIES the Exhibition and Dialogue in the Dark, both at Atlantic Station through the end of March. Both exhibits are great activities for the entire family and will leave lasting impressions. BODIES is an exhibition that features deceased people of natural causes and all were acquired by legal and ethical means. I have to admit, the thought of seeing the human body in this form was unnerving, but once you see the exhibits, you become enthralled with the intricacies of the human body — it’s an amazing learning experience. There are 200 human specimens, male and female. Some exhibits focus on muscle structure and skeletal structure; others focus on the heart and pulmonary system, while others focus on the digestive system. Each “model” provided a new learning opportunity. I would recommend purchasing the audio add-on. I would recommend BODIES, The Exhibition for schoolaged children who are able to display “museum behavior.” There is no touching the body specimens, which may be hard for younger children to handle. Dialogue in the Dark is truly a sensory experience. First, you’re given a cane, and you receive instruction on how to use your cane. Then, the lights go down, and you are totally in the dark, at the mercy of your cane, the voice of the guide and your fellow “blind” travelers. The first thing you will notice is how heightened your other senses become once one of them is taken away. Visitors are guided through a variety of environments with different smells, obstacles and noises. Of all the environments we experienced, one of most profound to me was “downtown Atlanta.” There were sidewalks, curbs, cars parked along the curbs and lots of noise from the traffic. How one navigates in a big city is a mystery to me and befuddled me the most. It’s interesting to note that the guides are all visually impaired.
For more information on either exhibit or to purchase tickets, please visit www. atlanticstation.com. Note: I have seen discounted tickets offered on Groupon.
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Lifestyle
Does Volunteering Your Time Mean Volunteering Your Insurance? by Linda and Kevin Keeton
Linda and Kevin Keeton live in the Walton community with their two sons, Christian and Matthew. With a combined experience of over 36 years within the insurance industry, Keeton Insurance Services, Inc. is a Trusted Choice® Independent Agency specializing in property and casualty insurance. They may be reached by calling (770) 971-8900 or visiting www.keetoninsurance.com.
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Millions of Americans donate time—their most valuable asset— to serve as a volunteer board member on non-profits, booster clubs, churches, PTAs and civic organizations. The decisions these folks make can have dramatic impacts on their respective organizations—and not always for the better. If a volunteer endeavor goes bad, would a volunteer board member have coverage against a lawsuit under his or her homeowner’s policy? Homeowners’ Insurance The last thing volunteers want to consider is what would happen if their organization filed suit against them as a result of their efforts. But it happens-and not infrequently -especially when volunteers make decisions that directly influence the finances of an organization.
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The reason homeowners' policies do not usually cover liability stemming from actions as a volunteer is the nature of the claim. Often, the only insurance these volunteers have to back their efforts is a homeowner’s policy. Unfortunately, this policy may be of little assistance. The reason homeowners’ policies do not usually cover liability stemming from actions as a volunteer is the nature of the claim. The policy is designed to cover claims of “bodily injury,” such as someone slipping on cracked pavement in your driveway, and/or “property damage,” such as accidentally setting your neighbor’s house ablaze when burning some brush on a windy day. Claims against board members do not usually involve bodily injury or property damage. Rather, they involve bad decisioncontinued on page 54
This Year’s Focus: Physical and Cognitive Health by Dawn Reed The New Year is a time for new beginnings and refocusing on personal goals. As a society, our health and fitness are two things we tend to recommit to each year. This year, I encourage you to join me and focus on the multiple factors that contribute to our optimum health as we age. Dawn Reed is the founder of Aloha to Aging, a 501c3 nonprofit, which includes the Aloha Day Club (adult day respite center), caregiver education and support groups. She is also the owner of Aloha to Senior Solutions. She can be reached at (678) 7777241 or at dawn@ alohatoseniors.com. For more information, visit www. alohatoaging.org.
For years, I have read about the statistics that prove the benefits exercise has on our overall health — physical, mental and emotional. Recently, I read about a study at the University of Arizona which concluded the positive impact physical fitness has on something new, “healthy brain aging.” The brain, considered our most vital organ, is responsible for everything from involuntary life support functions like heartbeats and breathing to the fundamental nature of personality and memory. Maintaining our cognitive health is a vital part of healthy aging and quality of life.
Researchers now realize in addition to the physical fitness aspect, brain fitness also can positively impact healthy brain aging. As in a physical fitness workout, if we continue to do the same repetitive regimen, our body doesn’t benefit as much as when we vary the routine. The goal of brain fitness involves sparking new neurons by challenging our brain and this can be accomplished by making simple changes. Examples could be to change driving routes, use an opposite hand to open doors or to brush our teeth. Try a new game like Sudoku, diversify what you read or simply learn a new skill. Though these changes sound easy enough, even brain fitness still involves a commitment of focused time and energy to accomplish. So, for this year’s resolution, I have decided two ways in which to focus on my cognitive and physical fitness. First, for a few minutes each day, I will learn how to find and then play a brain fitness game on my phone. Next, I will mindfully make my way to the gym at least twice a week. Once there, I will challenge myself by focusing on different muscle groups, try various classes and equipment in order to increase both my physical and brain fitness. I may even read something different and flip the pages with my left hand while running on the treadmill. Now that I have given you some additional ideas for healthy aging, won’t you join me in this year’s resolution? AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Lifestyle
Double Your Chances for Success
PC Rescue 9-1-1
by Mary-Kathryn Boler
by Kara Kiefer
Mary-Kathryn Boler is the owner of Catapult Strategic Consulting, LLC (www. CatapultStrategies. com), located in the Walton area. Her proven approach to creating business strategies and action plans has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their businesses faster and more profitabilty than they thought possible.
Have you ever noticed the ads which claim to have discovered the one easy step to accomplish something miraculous, such as reducing mortgage costs, losing weight or eliminating acne? I have one for you this year: double your prospects for success in one easy step. Unlike most advertisements, however, I am not going to make you pay for the answer. In fact, the solution is remarkably simple. Write a business plan. For decades, experts have touted the role of business planning as a road map to success and a requirement for attracting capital. Without a plan, you are more likely to lose sight of your goals, be swayed by the latest fad, or get distracted by day-to-day management challenges.
Now entrepreneurs have spoken and confirmed the experts’ advice. A survey conducted by Palo Alto Software, the creator of Business Plan Pro, of nearly 3,000 business owners, showed those who completed business plans were twice as likely to successfully grow their organizations or obtain capital as those who did not write a plan. Because the manufacturer of business planning software is not objective on the subject of business plans, the company asked independent researchers at University of Oregon Department of Economics to look at their study. The researchers concluded, “Writing a business plan correlated with increased success in … obtaining a loan, getting investment capital, making a major purchase, recruiting a new team member, thinking more strategically and growing the company.”
Up until a few months ago, I had the worst home computer ever! We knew we probably needed to bite the bullet and upgrade to a new computer, but the extra funds to do that never seemed available. We limped along and just got used to the little idiosyncrasies,such as: 1. If the computer was off, I would turn it on and find something else to do, such as take a shower or put a load of Kara Kiefer is the laundry in the washer, because it would Executive Editor for take approximately 15 minutes to fully AroundAboutLocal Media. She lives in boot up. southwest Cherokee 2. Once I got the computer up and with her husband Mike clicked on the Internet icon, I again had and sons Brandon and to find something else to do, such as put Garrett. the laundry into the dryer, empty the dishwasher and dry my hair, because it would be another good 10 minutes before the page would load. And if I had to go beyond the home page, it would be another 4-5 minutes to reach my destination — throw in some more laundry or perhaps finish getting ready for work. I could never open more than one browsing window at a time because that only made matters worse. 3. Opening Outlook proved to be a game of speed. When I clicked the program, it would come up but close immediately. I learned that if I quickly — and I mean quickly — clicked on an existing email in the inbox, Outlook would open and stay open. The trick was getting to the email before Outlook closed. Usually, it took me three or four tries to get Outlook open. Do the math. A typical computer session that should take only mere minutes generally sucked up 20 – 30 minutes of my day. These aggravations were enough for most people to throw in the towel, but we continued to squeeze every bit of life out of this PC.
Does this mean you have to run out and purchase a business planning software package or voluminous book and create a 100-page plan? No, it certainly does not. As any of my clients will tell you, I think most books and software make the planning process far more complicated than necessary. The goal of a plan is to tell your story: what you do, how you got to where you are, and how you are going to grow your business. The titles and section numbers are not important; well-conceived strategies are. Successful business planning is based on the quality, not quantity, of your analyses. I’ve been writing business plans for continued on page 54 30
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Feature
Because Above Average Students Deserve Above Average Test Prep P
reparing to take the SAT starts freshman year when students take the PSAT and culminates during a student’s junior year when the actual exam is taken. Teachers prepare students and many seek outside assistance to prepare for this rigorous exam, and there are numerous options for tutoring. However, up until now, there hasn’t been a test prep company designed specifically for high achieving students who are aiming for the elusive perfect score — that is until Altair Prep entered the arena. Altair Prep was founded by a network of high achieving college students, many of whom graduated from Walton High School including co-founders Abhi Ramesh and Darwish Gani. Abhi is one of the rare students to achieve a perfect score of 2400 on the SAT. Previous results on the test did not yield the result Abhi had wanted, so he self studied and learned many of the intricacies and patterns involved in taking and achieving a high score on the SAT. Darwish’s first results were not what he wanted either, so he enlisted the help of outside tutoring, but he couldn’t find the fast-paced curriculum he felt he needed. The experiences of
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these two men led to the development of Altair Prep, and along with three other extremely bright and highly motivated college students, are providing high achieving students an opportunity to succeed and get into the school of their choice. “We have based our curriculum on our experiences and strategies as well as those of other high achieving teens,” said Abhi. Because the tutors are college students, they bring a fresh perspective and can more easily relate to their students, and because of the small gap in ages, the tutors possess an empathy that can’t be found elsewhere. “Because we are basically peers with our students, it allows for a real collaborative effort where everyone is learning from one another,” remarked Darwish. What makes Altair’s curriculum so unique is the depth and level of detail that goes into the prep. “Each problem is broken down by strategy and difficulty level,” explained Abhi. “Our approach emphasizes the value of pattern recognition strategies, which alters the way students approach the SAT.
Weaknesses are attacked at a highly detailed level,” he continued. “Altair Prep is for students who are dedicated, hard working and internally motivated. They need to be driven, and they must want to succeed on the SAT,” said Darwish. The sessions are rigorous and require time and effort, but if the hard work is put in, the payoff will be tremendous. Each 6-week session includes 32 hours of class time and 12 hours of proctored test taking and a near perfect (770+ for each section) tutor. Class size is small, 3-5 students. The environment and expectations are ideal for those who strive to make a perfect score. If you currently have a high achieving student and are either dissatisfied with past or current SAT tutoring or are exploring the options, it’s time to see and experience the Altair Prep difference. Classes are now forming and will begin January 29 in preparation for the March SATs. Visit www.altairprep.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/ altairprep today.
Meet Altair Prep Abhi Ramesh, one of the co-founders of Altair Prep, is a sophomore at the
University of Pennsylvania. He is currently pursuing a dual-degree in International Business and Economics from the Wharton School and concentrating in Finance and Statistics with minors in Math and French. In college, Abhi is a research assistant in the Economics department, a teaching assistant in the Management department and a member of the Penn Sprint Football team. Abhi is a 2010 graduate of Walton High School where he was Salutatorian, Student Body President, and captain of the Walton Cross Country team. Abhi was named a Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2010 for cross country and track.
Darwish Gani, one of the co-founders of Altair Prep, is a junior at
Northwestern University double majoring in Math and Economics while also pursuing an MBA-level certificate through the University’s Kellogg School of Management. Darwish graduated Walton High School in 2009, where he ran both cross country and track all four years and graduated in the top one percent of his class. He was named a Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2009 in cross-country and track. In college, Darwish has had experiences working for a faculty-backed venture portfolio where he operated multiple small businesses. He also has had experiences in both investment banking and private equity.
David Forman, the Atlanta Regional Director of Altair Prep, is a freshman at the University of Georgia and currently is pursuing a dual-degree in International Business and Finance with a concentration in Spanish. David graduated from Walton High School in 2011, where he ran both varsity cross country and varsity track for four years and served as team captain during his senior year. In 2011, he was named as a Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athlete in cross country and track. In the spring of 2011, David was featured locally by multiple publications for starting his first company, Cash Cow Gift Cards, an online secondary market for unwanted gift cards. He decided to join Altair Prep after being approached in August 2011 by his old teammates with the initial business plan. Ashwin Muthiah, the Philadelphia Regional Director of Altair Prep,
graduated as valedictorian from The Walker School in 2011 and is now studying at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Ashwin remains undecided on his business major’s concentration, but is planning on pursuing a dual-degree in PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics). He speaks five languages (English, French, Tamil, Hindi, and Spanish) and is learning Italian. Ashwin was named as a Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athlete 2011 in basketball, track and soccer.
Tripp Roberts, the Director of Curriculum Development and lead tutor for
the Atlanta region, is a freshman at Georgia Tech University, majoring in Industrial Engineering and minoring in Finance. Tripp graduated in the top one percent of his class at Walton High School, where he was Beta Club President, a National Honors Society member and Vice President of Spanish Honors Society. He was captain of Walton’s varsity football team and a Marietta Daily Journal Scholar Athlete of the Year 2011 in football and lacrosse. Tripp currently maintains a 4.0 at Tech and is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Tripp has tutored students throughout high school and enjoys helping them reach their full potential.
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Health & Wellness
Healthy Teeth for 2012 by Dr. Cristi Cheek, D.M.D.
Dr. Cristi Cheek, D.M.D., is the owner of Cristi Y. Cheek, D.M.D., P.C., Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in the Walton community. Dr. Cheek is also a member of the AroundAbout Walton Community Board. You may contact her at (770) 993-3775 or visit www.cheekdental.com.
It’s a new year with new resolutions to be made, and with some to be broken. For many of us, a new diet tops the list of New Year’s resolutions. Your diet not only affects your weight and general health, but also the health of your teeth and gums. Today, Americans are eating and drinking record numbers of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks and nonnutritious snacks, and over time these foods can make cavities in teeth.
Some foods begin breaking down in our mouths before they even reach the digestive tract. Bacteria in the mouth use sugars to produce acids which can cause the minerals inside a tooth’s enamel to dissolve, or demineralize. Even eating “good” foods can cause damage to the teeth, as almost all foods, including vegetables and milk, have some type of sugar. Because many of those foods contain important nutrients, we must eat them, but we should
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read food labels and choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugars. Also, tissues in your mouth have more difficulty resisting infection if your diet lacks certain nutrients. Periodontal disease can worsen and progress faster in people
“
How many times a day we eat or drink affects our susceptibility to tooth decay. who do not consume enough valuable nutrients and may result in tooth loss. How many times a day we eat or drink affects our susceptibility to tooth decay. Sipping a soft drink, juice, or coffee with sugar for a couple of hours is more damaging than drinking the entire beverage with a meal. Small, healthy snacks between meals continued on page 55
Tips for Healthy Eating by WellStar Nutrition Network Every year, the time comes to make resolutions about improvements for the New Year. One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is weight loss. Most people start out strong and are determined to stick with the positive changes they have set out to make. However, at some point or another, they tend to become discouraged and fall short of their optimistic goals to eat healthier and shed a few pounds. Not this year. Eating healthy does not mean a complete overhaul of the grocery list and diet. A few simple changes to portion sizes and eating habits can be all it takes to successfully check a resolution off the list.
morning and give you extra energy.
The nutrient-rich foods that reap the most benefits in a diet are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, beans, fish and lean meats. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps lower cholesterol. The calcium and vitamin D in low-fat milk can help keep the weight off once the weight-loss goal is reached. Also, eating smaller portioned meals more frequently will help boost your metabolism.
Exercising regularly can also help manage weight. Running and walking can be done almost year-round and require minimal equipment, skill or planning. Join a gym to access a variety of group classes or find a local team to play your favorite sport. Schedule physical activity into your day as you would any important appointment.
Start your day with breakfast. A granola bar is a quick and nutritious way to begin the day and it takes very little time from our busy schedules. It will kick start your metabolism in the
An important tip to consider is to avoid the convenience of calorie-dense foods and cook nutrient-rich foods instead. This will save both calories and money in these tough economic times. Rather than dwelling on the foods you should avoid, focus on the nutrients that your body needs. This often makes it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. However, do not punish yourself. Allow yourself small treats often so you do not feel deprived, but satisfy your hunger with nutritious foods first.
Improving diets not only helps with weight loss but also can lower the risk of many diseases. Eating healthy does not have to be a daunting resolution. A few minor changes to eating habits can be all it takes to become a healthier “you.” AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Health & Wellness
Make a New Year’s Resolution to Get More Sleep by Cynthia Blount, RN, BSN, CPHQ, Director, Northside Hospital Sleep Disorders Centers Do you want to feel better, have more energy and look your best? Getting enough sleep can help. When you don’t get enough sleep, you deprive your body of necessary rest, resulting in you feeling irritable, anxious, hungry and tired. Experts believe that there are several ways that sleep deprivation can cause health problems. • Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder, occurring when the muscles at the back of the throat relax to the point of obstructing the upper airway. Breathing can stop for up to 40 seconds or more. You don’t receive enough oxygen, causing “mini-awakenings” (gasping for breath) several hundred times a night. These awakenings can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise, straining your heart and leading to permanent high blood pressure or, ultimately, heart disease. • Sleep imbalance can upset or confuse the release of hunger regulating hormones. Research shows that when we don’t get enough sleep, our leptin (internal appetite-suppressing hormone) levels fall and ghrelin (internal hunger-
promoting hormone) levels increase. So when you’re feeling sleepy, you might feel like you need to head for the fridge instead of bed. Even with exercise, our metabolism slows down if we don’t get enough sleep. This can potentially lead to obesity and diabetes, two of the primary causes of heart disease. • Cortisol levels can rise due to lack of sleep, causing inflammation around your heart, raising blood pressure and disrupting sleep. Inflammation also can cause plaque in your arteries to break loose, lodging in vessels in the heart or brain and leading to a heart attack. Tips for how to get a good night’s sleep • The human body needs sleep to maintain a healthy balance. Here are tips to help you get a good night’s sleep: • Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, including weekends. • Exercise regularly, but finish at least three hours before bedtime. • Eat healthy, but finish eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. continued on page 55
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Feature
Junior League of Cobb-Marietta Annual
MardiGras Run
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s (JLCM) annual Mardi Gras Run, which is a certified Peachtree Road Race qualifier, continues to provide valuable resources to Cobb County and to the children and families that the Junior League of CobbMarietta serve. The Mardi Gras race steps off from the Marietta Square on Saturday, February 11, rain or shine. The 5K will start at 8 a.m., the 1K at 8:45 a.m. and the Tot Trot at 9 a.m. With awards given to the top three finishers in numerous age categories, with specially designed technical race T-shirts for all registered runners, and with plenty of healthy snacks and fluids available after the race, the Mardi Gras Race is an event you don’t want to miss. Registration is $25 if registered by February 7 and $30 afterward. The Tot Trot is $15. Run-related events include a packet pickup and dinner at The Red Eyed Mule on Church Street Extension in Marietta, as well as the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Brunch at Marlow’s Tavern in Kennesaw as a post-race celebration! Sponsors for this year’s race include AroundAbout Walton, Belk, Big Peach Running Company, Cobb EMC, Dirt Cheep Music, Holly Lauer Photography, Little Black Dress/Little Red Wagon, the Marietta Daily Journal, Marlow’s Tavern, Morgan Keegan, O’Brien Productions, Publix Supermarkets Charities and Wharton Management, Inc. The Marietta Mardi Gras Run is a vital fundraiser for the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta. Caroline Whaley, JLCM President, stated, “It directly supports our mission and enables the League to be catalyst for community change, leaving a legacy of service to the children and families in Cobb County.” The Mardi Gras Run helps to provide the necessary funds that allow the JLCM to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Cobb County.
As the newest fundraiser for the JLCM, the Marietta Mardi Gras 5K is a wonderful opportunity to run or walk with your friends while helping fund community projects. Each year, the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s financial impact is more than $200,000 through annual grants and volunteer hours being given to various community projects and agencies in Cobb County, including The Center for Children and Young Adults, The Center for Family Resources, Communities in Schools, Cobb County Safety Village, the Cobb County Youth Museum, Omosaze, Inc, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Sheltering Grace Ministries and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. Founded in 1933, the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta is an organization of 400 women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of its members and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information, contact Gary Jenkins at (678) 7950115 or pacesetr@bellsouth.net or Stephanie Swanson at (404) 259-8815, or visit www.marietta5k. com. To register, send a check payable to JLCM to Pacesetter’s P.R., P.O. Box 81777, Atlanta, GA 30366 or register online at www.georgiarunner. com. AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Happy New Year! AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Do you know a couple who has been married a long, long, long time? AroundAbout Walton would like to honor them!
2011 Winners Revalee and Lonnie Ayers married 71 years at the time of last year’s contest.
We are looking for the couple married the longest in Walton for our
2012 Tournament of Roses Contest If you know someone or if you’ve been married a long, long time, you could be the winner of the annual Tournament of Roses Contest! Winners will be featured in the February issue of Around About Walton. If you or someone you know is a contender in the Tournament of Roses Contest, send us your nomination, including the names of the couple and their wedding date, including year. Please include your
name, address and phone number, as well as a phone number for the couple you are nominating. Nominations may be submitted by e-mail to lynne@ aroundaboutmagazines.com, faxed to (770) 516-4809 or mailed to AroundAbout Walton, 2449 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 20.
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Feature
P roject
mail call Mary Ettel (in white shirt and black Capri pants) gives instructions to packers during breakfast.
Volunteer packers at Project Mail Call’s open packing session November 12, 2011
Volunteers pack customized boxes for deployed military personnel.
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The United States has more than 300,000 military personnel deployed in other countries around the globe. Project Mail Call knows that support from home in the form of a care package at mail call may be the best morale boost possible. In the past seven years, volunteers have packed 3,883 customized boxes that Project Mail Call has mailed, weighing 61,432 pounds total. These boxes have gone to support more than 3,000 military units in 28 countries and ships at sea. The unique thing about these care packages is that Project Mail Call looks for units that are the most remote, for units where the service personnel are not receiving mail and for service personnel that are providing humanitarian aid on their own to schools, clinics, hospitals, orphanages or villages where they are deployed.
Project Mail Call is an official mission of the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. It began with the Thompson Fellowship Sunday School Class, which would send one box every other month to military personnel connected to Mt. Bethel UMC. Ed and Mary Ettel first got involved when they were asked to store extra supplies in their basement and use their SUV to transport supplies. After researching AnySoldier.com, where they read letters from soldiers about their needs for things that were not available to them due to the remoteness of their location or the danger associated with getting to a store, Mary and Ed went back to the Sunday school class and asked if they could expand the mission. Since then, several packing sessions per month take place at Mary and Ed’s home, and more than 30 tons of food, toiletries, clothing, linens, school supplies, toys, sports equipment, hand knitted items, greeting cards, medicines, books, magazines and more have been sent to support U. S. military personnel to all corners of the world. Project Mail Call also stocks sturdy dog toys, dog bowls, dog blankets and other items needed to support canine units. About half of the volunteers that support Project Mail Call are from Mt. Bethel UMC, and the rest are from many other denominations. The volunteers are mostly civilians with some military personnel who have received Project Mail Call boxes on duty and who have come to volunteer when home. There is at least one open packing session per month for individuals and families. The other packing sessions are reserved in advance for organizations and clubs that come as a group. To prepare for a packing session, Mary and Ed do the shopping for about half of all items shipped, using sales and discounts wherever possible to make donated funds go further. Before the packing sessions, the military units are chosen that Project Mail Call feels need the most support, and boxes are customized. The day of the packing session, Mary prepares a continental breakfast for the packers, which number between 20 and 35. After getting general instructions and military unit information,
the packers go to the basement and pack a customized box for each unit, including hand written letters of encouragement from the packers as well as pre-written letters from children and adults. Mary and Ed hear from the troops that these letters are more important than anything else in the box. On packing session days, a group of facilitators help Mary and Ed run the meeting and help the volunteer packers. Debbie Arnold, Joan Bennett, Holly Freeman, Pam Jenn, Laureen Johnson, Rhonda Molloy, and Carleen Wesson also help restock shelves and pack extra boxes in between sessions. The packing sessions start at 9:30 a.m. and are usually finished before noon. Then, Ed is off to the post office with all the packed boxes. Volunteer packers that help get the boxes from the basement to the car are greatly appreciated. If you or your group is interested in attending or scheduling a packing session, please contact Ed or Mary at ettel@bellsouth.net. There are many ways to contribute to Project Mail Call: writing personal letters to military personnel, volunteering to pack, donating merchandise or making a financial donation. To donate merchandise items, check the list for currently needed items at ettel.typepad.com/ list_of_items_needed/, gather the merchandise and contact Mt. Bethel UMC at (770) 971-2880 and make sure that you let them know that your donation is for Project Mail Call. At this time, Project Mail Call is running low on new or used DVDs. Financial contributions can be sent to: Project Mail Call, c/o Mt. Bethel UMC, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068. Checks should be made out to Mt. Bethel UMC, with Project Mail Call added in the ‘for’ line of the check. These are tax deductible and 100 percent of the funds go to supplies or mailing costs. Visit Project Mail Call at ettel.typepad.com/pmc/ where Ed keeps up a well documented website for more information. The first two open packing sessions of 2012 will be January 14 and February 11, reservations required. Project Mail Call is a wonderful way to give back to and support our U.S. military personnel and say “thank you” for their service to our country.
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Schools & Sports
Volunteer Your Time to Support Education by Scott Sweeney
Scott Sweeney is Vice Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Education and represents Post 6. Scott may be contacted at ssweeney. boardmember@ cobbk12.org or (678) 646-2470. For more information, visit www.cobbk12.org
Interesting things happen as we transition out of the holidays and into the New Year. Many unfulfilled wishes quickly turn into resolutions. As you’re reading this, please reflect on what you have resolved to do this New Year regarding local education. The Walton community has been continually and incredibly supportive of its schools. These great works are witnessed everyday through tremendous volunteer efforts.
At each of our local schools, it is amazing to see the quantity of parents and families involved in working with teachers and administrators. Whether it’s classroom assistance, fundraising, activity planning, booster efforts, school governance, or business partners in education, there is fantastic support. Above and beyond the great job that teachers do in the classrooms, one might suggest these volunteer efforts are a large part of the success of our schools. Clearly, our community is engaged in
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what is happening in our schools. What can you do to help at our schools this year? To learn about opportunities, contact your local school or your neighborhood school’s PTA or PTSA. If you have a particular skill, there is likely a volunteer opportunity for you to apply that talent. In some instances, you may find that there are more volunteers than needed at a particular school. Don’t be discouraged. Another Cobb County school could likely use your assistance. Opportunities to help are abundant, and they may not necessarily be at a school where your children attend now or have attended. At the local high school level, Wheeler and Walton students are recognized for their community service. They, like many parent and family volunteers, are to be applauded for all they do each year. Please search for an opportunity to volunteer this year. You’ll be as glad as the people you assist. Happy New Year and thank you for all you do, or will do, to support our schools.
Feature
School Counselor of the Year Surprised
Left to right: Sope Creek Elementary school counselor Claire Murphy, Sope Creek Kindergarten teacher, Barbara Pfleger, Nickajack Elementary school counselor and School Counselor of the Year, Nicole Pfleger and Sope Creek school counselor Sara Jane Lombardi.
Nicole Pfleger, a school counselor at Nickajack Elementary School since 2006, walked into her school and joined the entire student body and staff for an assembly. She sat down on the floor next to the students and expected the school to meet and hear from the new superintendent of Cobb County Schools, Dr. Michael Hinojosa. With almost 1,000 students, it is a very rare occurrence to have all of the school together in one location, so she knew it had to be a pretty special occasion to make this happen. It wasn’t until Dr. Hinojosa introduced Alan Burkhard, president of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), that Nicole had the first inkling that this assembly was actually to honor her. In a few short moments, Mr. Burkhard announced that Nickajack’s own school counselor had been named the School Counselor of the Year by ASCA. When Nicole approached the podium, desperately trying to think of something intelligent — or, at least coherent — to say, she saw her family and friends who had been kept hidden to share this special moment with her. The school presented her with a blown glass dogwood blossom in recognition of her achievement. This award is the highest national honor given to a professional school counselor. ASCA gives the award to honor school counselors who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of their students, students’ parents and communities. The competition included 400 applicants nationwide who had been nominated by colleagues. The candidates were judged on a set of criteria that included creative school counseling innovations, effective programs, leadership skills and contribution to student advancement. Nicole’s work with a local homeless shelter for women and children, the DREAM Team for at-risk boys at Nickajack, and the Rachel’s Challenge Program, which promotes random acts of kindness, impressed the judges. Two weeks earlier, Nicole had been notified that she was one of six finalists. Nickajack’s Principal Beverly Parks did an amazing job orchestrating the surprise
assembly, giving no hint to Nicole, who was overwhelmed by the announcement. Nicole does not remember what she said at the assembly, but fortunately her mother Barbara Pfleger, a kindergarten teacher at Sope Creek Elementary School, was on hand and assured her daughter that she had done well. Nicole, Beverly and the colleague who nominated Nicole, Anthony Pearson, a school counselor from Sky View Elementary, will visit Washington, D.C. in early February with the five other finalists during National Counseling Week. The group will have the opportunity to meet legislators, take part in panel discussions, tour the capital and attend an awards gala at Union Station in honor of Nicole and the other finalists. Nicole looks forward to the opportunity to advocate for school counseling while in Washington. The road to this award started a long time ago when Nicole was considering what she wanted to do for a career. She knew she wanted to work in an elementary school and after graduating from Wheeler High School in 2001, she went to the University of Georgia and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. During her student teaching, Nicole said that it became apparent to her and her mentor that she was more interested in helping the students who weren’t being successful than in teaching the class. Her mentor and her mother
steered her to graduate school to study either School Counseling or Psychology. While deciding, Nicole thought back to her own experiences with the counselors, Claire Murphy and Sara Jane Lombardi at Sope Creek Elementary, as a student and when they trained her to be a peer counselor in fifth grade. She talked to many professionals in both fields before choosing to study School Counseling. She embarked on an ambitious 14-month Master’s Program in School Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Part of this program allowed Nicole to work with an elementary school counselor on a daily basis for an entire school year. After graduating, she was hired as a school counselor at Nickajack Elementary in 2006. As a result of the recognition at the special school assembly and the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., some of the younger students think that Nicole is now the President of the United States. When asked about winning the award, Nicole said, “I come to school and do my job that I love everyday, and it does not seem like I’m doing anything different from anyone else.” She said that she is still learning from her original counselors at Sope Creek who continue to be innovative every day as well as from other colleagues. Congratulations to Nicole for winning national recognition for doing a job she loves. AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Schools & Sports
School/Sports News Local Swim Teams Swim for the Cure Walton High School (WHS) Swim and Dive team held the third annual Margaret Gilbert Memorial Invite Swim and Dive meet to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The teams that participated this year were the Etowah Eagles, Hillgrove Hawks, McEachern Indians, North Springs Spartans and the Walton Raiders. This fundraising meet is to honor the life of Margaret Soulen Gilbert (above right), who lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. According to those who knew her, she faced this battle
bravely with such positive energy that she is a role model for all. Sharon Loughran, head coach at Walton, was a teammate of Margaret’s at Virginia Tech. Margaret was inducted into the Hokies’ Hall of Fame in 2001 and was an All American swimmer while at Virginia Tech. She devoted much of her life to others through coaching Gwinnett summer league swim teams and St. Pius Catholic High School’s swim team. All money raised by the teams as well as heat sheet (program) proceeds went directly to the Foundation. This year, the meet raised $1,000 in the fight against breast cancer.
WHS Varsity Football Makes History
All photos copyright Scott P. Bennett
The Walton High School Varsity Football team made history this season by competing in the state championship game for the first time in the school’s history. Although the game at the Georgia Dome did not end with a win, all of the Walton Raider players, coaches, students, faculty and supporters have much to be proud of as this season comes to a close. The Raiders finished with a 14-1 record. This was Coach Hidalgo’s third season as head coach for the Raiders and his 16th year as a member of Walton’s coaching staff. The Marietta Daily Journal named Coach Hidalgo its Cobb County Coach of the Year. Senior Defensive Back Zack Blaylock, Junior Offensive Lineman Brandon Kublanow and Junior Running Back Tyren Jones were named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution/Associated Press’ and to the Georgia Sports Writers Association’s Class AAAAA First Team 44
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
All State Team. Both groups also chose Tyren Jones as the Offensive Player of the Year. Senior Offensive Lineman Harrison Davis, Senior Linebacker Justin Brooks and Senior Defensive Back Daron Blaylock were named to the Georgia Sports Writers Association’s Class AAAAA Second Team All State Team, and Senior Defensive Lineman Koty Allen was selected for Honorable Mention. Walton players selected to play in the Senior Bowl were Koty Allen, Daron Blaylock, Zack Blaylock, Justin Brooks, Kelly Brooks, Tim Dalton, Harrison Davis, Jim Hogue, Michael Lord, Grant Radakovich, Cody Richardson and Dedric Sundby. Congratulations to all the Raiders for a well-played season. Next year, Walton Raiders will meet Gwinnett County’s Brookwood High School in the Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia Dome to open its season.
WHS 11th Annual Basketball Alumni Reunion
Attendees at the recent Walton High School basketball reunion
Youth Sports Registration at Johnson Ferry Baptist Registration for youth baseball and softball divisions at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (JFBC) is open through February 6 for boys age 4-11 and girls age 4-13. Evaluations will start February 4 and games March 17. For fees, registration and more information, visit johnsonferry.org/baseballandsoftball. Registration for Cross Over Middle School Basketball is open through February 25 and is a league for 5th through 8th boys and girls. The fee of $99 includes the uniform. For more information and to register online, visit johnsonferry.org or the JFBC Activities Center at 955 Johnson Ferry Road.
Walton Senior to Tour with Spirit of Atlanta Dixon Pendergrass, a senior at Walton High School (WHS), has been selected as a member of the 2012 Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Auditions were held in Georgia and Texas for brass, percussion, color guard and conductor positions. Only 150 of all who audition are selected for the Corps. The Spirit of Atlanta will visit 17 different states on their tour this summer while competing against other Drum Corps. Dixon began his musical career at Dickerson Middle School (DMS) when he joined the band and took up the tenor saxophone. He has been a member of the WHS Marching Band and the Jazz Band. Dixon was chosen Walton Marching Band Rookie of the Year in 2009, and has been chosen to play in All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band multiple years. He will be playing the mellophone for Spirit of Atlanta, which he taught himself to play over the summer of 2010. Being selected to play for the Spirit of Atlanta is his “dream come true,” as he will
be following in the footsteps of his first band director at DMS, Mr. John Palmer, and his current director at WHS, Mr. Mike Back, who both marched with the Spirit of Atlanta right after high school. Dixon plans to continue his music in college.
High School Juniors Eligible for Cobb EMC’s Washington Youth Tour Left to right: Mark Justice, Manager of Education and Community Relations at Cobb EMC, Janvi Chawla, Walton High School student and attendee of 2011 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour and Cobb EMC employee Beth McMillan.
Cobb EMC recently announced that applications are being accepted for the 2012 Washington Youth Tour, an all-expensespaid weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. from June 14- 21. Three winners from Cobb EMC’s service area will be selected for the trip and will have the opportunity to meet their elected representatives, learn about how the U.S. government works and
gain valuable leadership skills. In order to qualify, students must be juniors attending high schools within the Cobb EMC’s service area. Home school students in a household served by Cobb EMC are also eligible to apply. Applications must be completed and submitted by Thursday, March 8 to Cobb EMC. Once applications are received, students will receive study materials covering basic electric facts, safety, conservation and Cobb EMC. Students will be tested over these materials. Top scorers will be invited back for an interview with the Cobb EMC Women’s Task Force, which will select the final three winners. The winners will have the opportunity to interview for one Cobb EMC internship. The Cobb EMC Women’s Task Force, a group of 90 women volunteers within the Cobb EMC service area, provides the majority of the funding for the Washington Youth Tour. To download an application and for more information, please visit www.cobbemc. com and click on “In the Community” and then “Youth Tour.” AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Feature
Paradise
WHS Marching Band Marched in
The Walton High School (WHS) Band was invited to participate in the Waikiki Holiday Parade and did so for the second time in the band’s history. The parade commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by honoring survivors and veterans and remembering the fallen from that day. The 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack was in 2011. In addition to the parade, the WHS Band participated in a wreath laying ceremony on the USS Arizona Memorial and performed on the USS Missouri Battleship. The students toured the beautiful island of Oahu and participated in local activities over Thanksgiving break. Photos by Mike Frey.
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Feature
Johnson Ferry Men Explore Missions to Cuba
By Douglas B. Rohan, Stephen Palmer, Hamp Hart and Kyle Collins
I
Kyle Collins and Hamp Hart perform baptisms in the ocean off of Cuba’s shore.
n mid-November, four men from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (JFBC) stepped up to the challenge issued by the current Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President to join in the effort to seek out cultural groups classified as “unreached,” in an effort to further the Great Commission described in Matthew 28:19. The SBC President has urged churches to be “mission-minded” and consciously make an effort to send out at least one team into the mission field. In 2011, JFBC commissioned 1,712 members to go on short-term mission trips around the globe.
It was with this in mind that East Cobb residents Kyle Collins, Hamp Hart, Stephen Palmer and Doug Rohan set their sights on Cuba. The original purpose of the trip was to investigate the location of the Basque people, a group originally from the San Sebastian region of northern Spain who fled that country at various points in history. The group is fiercely independent and, despite their region being occupied by the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church and the Moors, the Spanish Basque have managed to retain their own language and cultural identity. The anticipation was that the Basques who resided in Cuba would likewise have remained largely independent of the Cuban population. In light of the unique language of the Basques, the mission team enlisted the help and support of a Basque pastor from Spain, Unai Arretxe. He flew over from San Sebastian and met the group in Havana to help identify and work with the local Basque population. The last two team members who joined the group were Manny Fernandez, Director of World Link Ministries, and a local employee of World Link Ministries, Felix, who served as the driver and local pastor in Cuba. Together the group of
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seven set about the task of trying to identify the location of the Basque residents of Cuba. The investigation started (and ended) with a local “curator” of the Basque cultural center. After a lengthy meeting, it became clear that the Basques in Cuba were not an identifiable people group who retained their cultural independence. While there may have been such a group in the 1980s or 90s, the population had since returned to Spain or married into the Cuban population. While this was a deflating development for the group’s original purpose, they decided to partner with Manny and his World Link Ministries to visit several of the local “house churches” and church plants that are springing up all over the island. While they were unable to complete their original goal, this new opportunity was exciting and encouraging to their faith. The group’s early impression of the island and its people was of lost hope. Time and again, they met individuals who had made multiple attempts to flee the island. After 50 years of Communist rule, hope had simply vanished. “The only place we encountered joy and smiles was when we visited the churches,” said Stephen.
Square in Sancti Spiritu, Cuba.
“Ever since the Pope visited with Castro in 2007, the authorities have cautiously embraced missionaries. Perhaps the missionaries are seen as a way to provide services that the government cannot provide in a faltering economy. Or perhaps the government is attempting to capitalize on the inflow of additional visitors and the money they bring with them. For whatever reasons, there are churches of all denominations, as well as synagogues, temples, and other houses of worship springing up,” said Kyle. It is also clear that this is not simply a matter of outsiders building new construction to serve as houses of worship. The transformation on the island has become organic in nature. Through World Link Ministries, a new pastor is recruited to start a house church. He invites his neighbors and friends and they begin to gather together regularly. After six months, these gatherings routinely outgrow the spaces they are meeting in. The pastor then identifies ten new pastors who go out and start their own church. This process is replicated again and again. One church the group visited alone has planted 70 other
churches in the past two years. “In the seven days we spent on the island, we were constantly amazed at the Bible knowledge that the pastors and congregation exhibited. The island was clearly hungry for the Word, and it is spreading like wildfire. We were afforded the privilege of sharing our stories and performing baptisms in the oceans and rivers. A total of 73 individuals were baptized, 123 made first time decisions to follow Jesus, and we were able to share our stories and testimonies with over 1,600 individuals. It was yet another example of God’s plans exceeding our expectations,” said Doug. “We plan to return in 2012 to visit some of our new friends in the hope that we can continue to provide support for the ministry work that is exploding on the island of Cuba. Perhaps we can accomplish through the Bible what we have been unable to accomplish through embargo: the rebirth and revitalization of a rich nation overflowing with natural resources sufficient to serve as the bread basket for all of the Caribbean,” said Doug.
Taxi in Havana, Cuba AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Faith
Good Fear by Bryant Wright The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed—Deuteronomy 31:18
Bryant Wright is the Senior Pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and the founder and chairman of Right from the Heart Ministries. He currently serves as the President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He can be reached at (770) 9736561 ext. 2962.
I’m afraid of snakes. I’m not just afraid of some snakes, I’m afraid of poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes. And I’m scared of big snakes, little snakes, live snakes and dead snakes. Once I was jogging and almost stepped on a smashed, dead, six-inch garter snake; I jumped three feet in the air instead. This is a fear I’ve always lived with, and I intend to always keep it. That garter snake might have been harmless, but the next snake I come upon just might not be!
I’ve also struggled with the fear of failure. A few years after college, I worked a sales job that paid straight commission. When you work for straight commission, you have no idea how much money you’re
“
...sometimes he uses our fears to get our attention, protect us from danger and motivate us to get out and do what we need to do. going to make each week, if any at all. So every week, I would get the “Monday Morning Sweats,” wondering if I’d make an income that week. Believe me; that type of fear gets you out of bed and serves as a healthy motivator! I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is God doesn’t take away all our fears. In fact, He sometimes gives us fears in order to help us. The good news is that sometimes he uses our fears to get our attention, protect us from danger and motivate us to get out and do what we need to do. But the best news is, He gives us a way to overcome one of life’s great fears – death – through faith in His risen Son. That’s a victory over fear you definitely want to claim.
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Faith
WALTON AREA Houses of Worship Anglican
Mt. Arbor Baptist Church 2235 Morgan Road, NE, (770) 971-9339
The Church of Our Redeemer 2625 Canton Road (770) 421-1928 Rector: Fr. James Danford www.ourredeemeracc.org
New Life Baptist Church 4010 Canton Road, (770) 592-6880 Pastor: Roger Brink www.thenewlife.org
Apostolic
New Providence Baptist Church 3740 Providence Road, (770) 971-3519 Pastor: Charles Whittaker www.newprovidencebc.com
Northside Apostolic Church 2115 Northfield Court, (770) 975-3001
Baha’i Faith Baha’i Faith of Marietta 2601 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 509-0070
Baptist Bible Baptist Church 2025 Eula Drive, NE, (770) 592-2660 Pastor: D.L. Cooper Chattahoochee Baptist Church 375 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 977-2058 Pastor: Rick Shoup http://cbc.us.com Cornerstone Baptist Church 1506 Sawyer Road, (770) 422-3579 Pastor: Carl George Crossview Baptist Church 1100 Piedmont Road, (770) 973-0063 Pastor: John E. Johnson www.crossviewbaptist.org East Cobb Baptist Church 1940 Shallowford Road, (770) 928-2233 Pastor: David York Eastside Baptist Church 2450 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 971-2323 Pastor: Dr. David H. Chauncey www.ebcfamily.org Eastwood Baptist Church 1150 Allgood Road, (770) 973-9011 Pastor: Mike Hatton www.eastwoodbaptist.org Elizabeth Baptist Church 315 Kurtz Road, (770) 427-3325 Pastor: Steve Echols Galilee Baptist Church 2050 Bentley Lake Road, (770) 422-6487 Holt Road Baptist Church 675 Holt Road, NE, (770) 971-3052 www.holtroadbaptist.org Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 973-6561 Pastor: Bryant Wright www.johnsonferry.org Liberty Hill Baptist Church 1053 Liberty Hill Road, NE, (770) 422-1406 Pastor: Amos Williams
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Northside Primitive Baptist Church 5265 Roswell Road, (678)481-2793 Pastor: Jason Solomon www.northsidepbc.org Piedmont Baptist Church 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta, (770) 422-2566 www.piedmontchurch.tv Sandy Plains Baptist Church 2825 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 971-8525 Pastor: Dr. Alvin Southerland www.sandyplains.org
Sewell Mill Baptist Church 2550 Sewell Mill Road, (770) 971-3746 Pastor: David Watson www.sewellmill.org Shady Grove Baptist Church 1654 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 428-0216 Shallowford Free Will Baptist 1686 Shallowford Road, (770) 926-1163 Pastor: Len Blanchard www.shallowfordchurch.com
Catholic Holy Family Catholic Church 3401 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 973-0038 Pastor: Darragh Griffith www.holyfamilycc.org St. Ann’s Catholic Church 4905 Roswell Road, (770) 552-6400 Pastor: Tom Rielly www.st-ann.org Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road, (770) 977-1442 Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com
Christian Chestnut Ridge Christian Church 2663 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 971-8888 Pastor: Byron Wells Northside Christian Church 3535 Shallowford Road, (770) 565-6613 Pastor: Jason Burchfield Walking By Faith Christian 1821 Kinridge Road, (678) 560-1144
Christian and Missionary Alliance Marietta Alliance Church 1787 E. Piedmont Road, (770) 973-2189 Pastor: David Hayes www.macweb.org
Christian Science Christian Science Churches & Reading Rooms 2641 Old Sewell Road, (770) 565-7271
Church of Christ Church of Christ at East Cobb 5240 Roswell Road, (770) 587-5888 Pastor: Ray Hawkins Church of Christ-Piedmont Road 1630 Piedmont Road, (770) 971-9933 Minister: Neil Richey www.pr-coc.com Emmanuel Tabernacle Christ Church 2692 Sandy Plains Road, #A32, (770) 422-3268 Pastor: Dwight Graves
Church of God Church of God of Prophecy 3393 Canton Road, (770) 427-5923 First Church of God 592 Shannon Drive, (770) 461-1925 Mount Paran North 1700 Allgood Road, (770) 578-9081 www.mtparan.com Town Center Church of God 1040 Blackwell Road, (770) 424-4004
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3195 Trickum Road, NE, (770) 509-9074 Pastor: Bishop Ho Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — Paper Mill Ward 95 Holt Road, (770) 578-8734
Community Churches Cobb Community Church at Highlands 4649 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 992-3330 Pastor: Alan Daniels www.cobbcc.com Shallowford Falls Community Church 3662 Shallowford Road, (770) 565-7468 Pastor: David White www.shallowfordfalls.com Vineyard Community Church 2692 Sandy Plains Road, #A25, (770) 565-1505 Pastor: Tommy Papevies
Episcopal Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul 1795 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 977-7473 Rector: The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain www.peterandpaul.org Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, (770) 928-7916 Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church 571 Holt Road, NE, (770) 971-2839 Rev. Jim Nixon www.stcatherines.org
Greek Orthodox Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Road, NE, (770) 924-8080 Rev. Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou www.HolyTransfiguration.info
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 2922 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 971-4600 Pastor: Ronald Grunke www.holytrinitymarietta.org
Restoration Life Church 2692 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 509-1481 Pastor: Ken Kessler www.lifeschoolinternational.org
Lutheran Church of Incarnation 1200 Indian Hills Parkway, (770) 971-2738 Pastor: Rev. Jerry Reynolds www.lcilutheran.org
Orthodox
Lutheran Church of Resurrection 4814 Paper Mill Road, (770) 953-3193 www.lcrmarietta.org
Methodist East Cobb United Methodist 2325 Roswell Road, (770) 971-3643 Pastor: Brian Germano www.eastcobbumc.org
St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 East Cherokee Drive, (770) 485-0504 Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org
Presbyterian Christ Presbyterian Church 495 Terrell Mill Road, (770) 956-7572 Pastor: Legree Finch www.christpreschurch.org
Jehovah’s Witness
Mount Bethel United Methodist Church 4385 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 971-2880 www.mtbethel.org
East Cobb Presbyterian 4616 Roswell Road, (770) 973-4114 Pastor: Richard Holmes www.ecpca.org
Jehovah’s Witness 2065 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 427-1881 Pastor: Hope Torkornoo www.watchtower.org
Mountain View United Methodist 2300 Jamerson Road, (770) 928-0050 Pastor: Bill Burch www.mvumc.org
Eastminster Presbyterian Church 3125 Sewell Mill Road, (770) 977-2976 Pastor: Dr. Tim McConnell www.epres.org
Jewish
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church 1770 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 971-1465 Pastor: Dr. Joe Peabody www.mtzionumc.org
Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian 3605 Sandy Plains Road #240-161, (404) 786-9815 Pastor: John Fesko www.genevaopc.org
Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy, (770) 973-0137 Rabbis Shalom Lewis and Paul Kerbel www.etzchaim.net
Powers Ferry United Methodist Church 245 Powers Ferry Road, (770) 973-5271 Pastor: Jane Nugent www.powerumc.com
Hope Presbyterian Church 4101 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 971-4673 Pastor: Martin Hawley www.hopepca.org
Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, (770) 973-9205 Rabbi: Stephen Lebow www.kolemeth.net
Sacred Tapestry UMC 3000 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 605-5083 www.sacredtapestry.com
John Knox Presbyterian Church 505 Powers Ferry Road, (770) 973-5050 Pastor: Fritz Bogar www.johnknoxpcmarietta.org
Korean
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 3455 Canton Road, (770) 926-4961
Bethany Korean Presbyterian Multi-cultural (Korean, Brazilian and American) 4644 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 643-1459 Pastor: Byeongho Choi www.bethanykorean.org
St. Paul United Methodist Church 244 Kurtz Road, (770) 422-1089 Pastor: Dana Overton-Garrett
Chabad of East Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 565-4412
Korean Covenant Presbyterian 2100 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 565-4777 Pastor: Paul Sim www.sungyahk.org Korean United Methodist Church 945 Old Canton Road, (770) 321-0020
Lutheran Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 2240 Shallowford Road, (770) 928-7919 Pastor: John Guse www.bslc.us Faith Lutheran Church 2111 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 973-8877 Pastor: Carl Schneidert www.faithLCMS.org
Wesley Chapel United Methodist 4495 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 993-4919 Pastor: Jim Bocian www.wesleychapelumc.com
Non-Denominational Marietta Vineyard Church 1492 Roswell Road, (770) 977-9496 Pastor: Jeremy Graves www.mariettavineyard.org North Atlanta Church
Ray-Thomas Memorial Presbyterian Church 4644 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 998-9321 Pastor: Carrie Scott www.rtmchurch.org
Unitarian Universalist Emerson Unitarian Universalist 2799 Holly Springs Road, NE, (770) 578-1533 Pastor: Rev. Jeff Jones
United Church of Christ Pilgrimage Church UCC 3755 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 971-0007 Pastor: Kimberleigh Buchanan www.pilgrimageucc.org
2800 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 518-0303
Unity
Overcomers World Church
Unity North Atlanta Church
2300 Shallowford Road, (770) 924-0607 Pastors: Allison and Isaac Crawford overcomerswc.org
4255 Sandy Plains Road, (678) 819-9100 Temporary Minister: Stephanie Seigh www.unitynorth.org AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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2012 Session Preview
Quality Time in a Cozy Basement
Exempting energy use from state sales tax would improve our state’s ability to attract businesses looking to relocate or expand to Georgia, which would ultimately bolster our state’s economy. Furthermore, reducing infrastructure taxes to develop out our telecommunications network similarly would enhance our economy, education, telemedicine and emergency response systems. Georgia needs to be a state that facilitates new businesses growth.
shelving to display fancy bottles, wine glasses and beer steins. For whimsy, add an old fashioned candy or gumball dispenser. These decorative elements will enhance conversations between guests seated in bar stools at the polished granite countertops.
continued from page 12
Criminal Justice Reform – The Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform was created with the passage of HB 265 in 2011. The overall goals of the Special Council include addressing the population growth and operational costs of Georgia prisons, and developing strategies that improve public safety and strengthen community-based supervision programs. The Council developed specific recommendations for these objectives. If implemented, the reforms may reduce projected prison growth by 3,300 offenders by 2016. The legislature will review these recommendations and take action on those with the highest likelihood of curbing prison growth, deter repeat offenders and drastically reduce corrections costs. Additional topics that are certain to be addressed in 2012 include establishing sunset reviews for all state programs and agencies, discussing unemployment insurance trust funds, and making revisions to the juvenile justice laws and solid waste disposal practices. It is an honor to represent the 32nd Senate District of Georgia and I look forward to hearing more of your concerns and desires, and I look forward to seeing you at one of my district Town Hall meetings held from January through May.
Double Your Chances for Success continued from page 30
15 years, and rarely have I written a plan longer than 15 pages. Of course, the content is derived from careful assessment of historic financial statements, projected cash flow, client lists, receivables aging schedules, market trends, customer purchasing behavior, organization charts and many more documents. The process of writing a business plan forces you to consider how all the components of your business act together and reinforce each other. Documenting your conclusions and growth strategies keeps you on track and helps you convey your ideas to others, including potential investors, partners and employees. Do yourself a favor this January: write a plan and double your chances for success. 54
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
continued from page 21
To create an incredible movie theater experience, the focal point of the media room is a flat-screen TV or a projection unit with a wireless surround sound system. Comfortable seating is key, so we recommend an elevated platform with several cushy chairs or a few cozy couches. Extend the entertainment area with French doors opening to an inviting patio. Outdoor rooms are growing in popularity…but that’s a topic for another month!
Does Volunteering Your Time Mean Volunteering Your Insurance? continued from page 28
making that results in financial loss to the organization, such as the decision to invest in an IT system that turns out to be a debacle, costing the organization tremendous time and money. There is another problem. Homeowners’ policies do not cover “professional services.” This is important to note, because board members are often asked to serve in a capacity consistent with their profession. For example, a church member who is a CPA may be asked to serve on the church’s board as finance chairman. Even though he is not paid for his services, the “professional services” exclusion under his homeowner’s policy would still apply. In addition to the above, homeowners’ policies do not cover claims of personal injury unless this coverage is specifically added. Personal injury insurance is added to the homeowner’s policy to cover claims such as libel, slander, wrongful eviction and false advertising. What to Do Events causing claims are unpredictable. Not all claims against volunteer board members are excluded by a homeowners’ policy. Decisions to purchase personal injury coverage and a personal umbrella policy will increase your ability to find coverage for a suit against you. The best method for insuring the actions of board members is for the organization to purchase a directors and officers (D&O) liability policy. These policies are relatively inexpensive for most non-profits. Before volunteering, request information on the organization’s D&O policy. If this policy is absent, you are left at risk of having no personal insurance to defend a suit brought against you by the organization, and this should influence your decision to serve.
Healthy Teeth for 2012 continued from page 34
are recommended for good metabolism, but munching on carbohydrate-filled foods during the day increases the amount of time that damaging acids come in contact with the teeth. Consuming large amounts of citrus fruits also can cause enamel to dissolve as it comes in contact with the citric acid. To help maintain healthy teeth and gums, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and limit snacks, making sure that the snacks you do eat are nutritious and low in sugar. Drink sweetened beverages with a meal instead of throughout the day. Since saliva helps prevent decay by washing away loose particles and neutralizing damaging acids, chewing sugar-free gum can help fight tooth decay as it increases saliva production. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, as well as seeing your dentist for regular check-ups, are also important for maintaining good oral health.
Make a New Year’s Resolution to Get More Sleep continued from page 36
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime. • Replace sugar and caffeine with healthy snacks such as carrots or a granola bar. • Create a quiet, dark and comfortable sleeping environment. • Relax. Take a warm bath, drink a cup of warm milk or read a book. • Leave worries at the bedroom door. If you’re concerned about something, make a list of the steps you’ll take to solve the problem. • Don’t nap during the day for more than 20 minutes or on a regular basis, and never after 5 p.m. • Don’t read, watch TV or do work in bed for an extended time. For more information about Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorder Center – in Atlanta, Forsyth and Cherokee – or about how you can get a better night’s sleep, visit www.northside.com.
PC Rescue 9-1-1 continued from page 30
Madness for Mutts The final straw came when, after waiting the allotted time to access a website, the computer would not allow us to access any pages requiring a login, which was most of the pages we needed. In a last ditch effort, I decided to try and get it fixed. While there are plenty of reputable computer repair shops, several in our area alone, I recalled seeing Ross Pischke’s Cureforkids Facebook page. Ross passed away in 2010 at age 19 from complications of leukemia. In his honor, his father, Ken, created a computer repair
Connect with friends and keep up to date on what’s happening right here in Walton!
www.aroundaboutwalton.com Join the AroundAbout Walton fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundaboutwalton
continued from page 25
Mutt Madd-ness strongly supports spaying and neutering and works diligently towards ensuring that the numbers of unwanted animals in the state of Georgia is kept to a minimum. The organization works towards improving the welfare of all animals Nadal is ready for adoption. through legislation and education. Mutt Maddness’ long term goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility that will accommodate animals awaiting adoption and provide low cost veterinary medical care to the community.
If you are interested in fostering, adopting, donating or volunteering, please visit the organization’s website at www.muttmaddness.org or call (404) 406- 6322.
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Reference
WALTON AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations APICS, The Association for Operations Management Meeting: 3rd Tuesday for 5:30 p.m. networking; 6:15 - 8 p.m. dinner & speaker Location: Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Blvd, Atlanta Contact: www.atlantaapics.org or programs@ apicsatlanta.org East Cobb Business Association Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Contact: Susan Hampton, (404) 218-6216 www.eastcobbba.com East Cobb Open Networking A referral network for professionals Meeting: Fridays at 7:30 a.m. Location: Capozzi’s NY Deli, 4285 Roswell Road Contact: Tim Langley, (770) 289-9711 East Cobb PowerCore Team Meeting: Thursdays at 7 a.m. Location: IHOP, 3130 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: Mitch Lovell, (770) 851-8549 Northeast Cobb Business Association Meeting: Third Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Road Contact: crba@cantonroadba.org or (678) 229-2893 www.northeastcobbba.org
Cobb County WWII Veterans Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 1 p.m. Location: Windy Hill Senior Center East Cobb AARP Meeting: 1st Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Location: East Cobb Senior Center 3332 Sandy Plains Road East Cobb Civic Association Meeting: Last Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: See website for location. Contact: Jill Flamm, President www.eastcobb.net East Cobb Civitans Meeting: 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 12 noon Location: Old Towne Athletic Club, Marietta Contact: Mary Karras, (770) 422-6485 East Cobb Community Friends for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Contact: Suzanne Strickland, (770) 992-2882 East Cobb Lions Club Meeting: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Eastside Baptist Church 2450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Contact: Susan Hampton, (404) 218-6216
Y Business Network Y membership not required. Meeting: Every other Friday, 7:30-8:45 a.m. Location: Northeast Cobb Y, 3010 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: Rosemary Macmillan, (678) 569-9622
East Cobb Optimist Clubs Meeting: Mondays at 7 p.m. Location: Shillings on the Square 19 N. Park Square NE, Marietta Contact: Jim David, (404) 683-0196
Charitable Organizations
Kiwanis Club of East Cobb Meetings: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Paradise South of the Border 3605 Sandy Plains Rd. Contact: Johnny Johnson, (770) 977-2026 www.eastcobbkiwanis.org
Aloha To Aging, Inc. Support Programs for Seniors and their families. Contact: Dawn Reed, (678) 439-1177 Animals Deserve Better, Inc. Animal rescue and adoptions Contact: Kimberly Brenowitz, (770) 402-0297 kimberlyadb@aol.com Boys and Girls Clubs Contact: (770) 427-0418 Foundation for Hospital Art Contact: Scott Feight (678) 324-1695 www.hospitalart.org Meals on Wheels Contact: Shelia Perkins, (770) 528-5381 MUST Ministries Contact: (770) 426-7667 SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. Contact: Elizabeth Underwood (770) 801-3465
Civic Organizations American Legion Post 29 Meeting: 2nd and 4th Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m.. Location: 921 Gresham Ave. NE. Contact: (770) 427-5900 Cobb American Association of University Women Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Contact: www.aauwcobb.org
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Kiwanis Club of Marietta — Golden K Meetings: Thursdays at 10 a.m. Location: East Cobb Senior Center 3332 Sandy Plains Rd. Contact: Joe Van Horn, Sr., (770) 428-3419 gajosbarb@comcast.net League of Women Voters of Marietta-Cobb Meeting : 2nd Monday Location: Various Contact: mariettacobb@lwvga.org or Elizabeth at (770) 592-0625 President’s Club Toastmasters Meeting: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Location: East Cobb Government Services Building, 4400 Lower Roswell Road Contact: Sean Ryan, sean_ryan@comcast.net Rotary Club of East Cobb Meeting: Wednesdays at 7 — 8 a.m. Location: Indian Hills Country Club Contact: (770) 971-2605 www.eastcobbrotary.com VFW Post 2681 Location: 140 Powers Ferry Road Contact: (770) 977-2088 www.vfwwebcom.org/ga/post2681
Political Organizations Cobb County Democratic Party Committee Meeting: 2nd Saturday at 9 a.m. Location: Piccadilly Cafeteria, 536 Cobb Parkway Contact: (770) 420-7133 ccdc@cobbdemocrat.com Cobb Democratic Women Meeting: 2nd Thursday at 6 p.m. Contact: Beverly McMurry, (770) 426-6916 btmcmurray@comcaStreet.net Cobb Young Democrats Meeting: Wednesdays at 12 noon Contact: webmaster@ydcobb.org www.ydcobb.org Cobb County Libertarian Party Meeting: 1st Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: Council Chamber Marietta City Hall Contact: Ted Skirvin, (770) 795-1331 www.cobblp.org Cobb County Republican Party Meeting: 1st Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Location: Williamson Bros. BBQ, Marietta Contact: Billy Dendy, (770) 272-0458 dendyjoe@gmail.com, www.cobbgop.org Cobb County Republican Women Meeting: 4th Friday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Marietta Conference Center 500 Powder Springs Street Contact: (770) 785-2522, www.ccrwc.org East Cobb Democratic Alliance Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Delkwood Grill, 2769 Delk Rd. Contact: Tom Barksdale (770) 592-9424
Recreation and Hobbies American Needlepoint Guild Meeting: 2nd Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. Location: Mountainview Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road Contact: Penny Boswinkle, (770) 394-0065 Bridge Club Meeting: Mon. – Fri. 10:30 a.m., Mon. – Sat. 7:30 p.m. Location: 1089 Roswell Road Contact: (770) 973-7717 Cobb Alley Cats People who help stray cats Contact: Sue Verner, (770) 436-6758 Cobb County Special Olympics Contact: (770) 819-3223 www.prca.cobbcoga.org Cobb County Stamp Club Meeting: 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Location: Jewish Towers, 3160 Howell Mill Rd Meeting: 4th Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Central Cobb Library, 266 Roswell St. Contact: C. Rejent, (770) 330-0790 crejent@stampsclubs.com www.stampclubs.com/cobb Dog Hikers of Georgia Meeting: Sundays at 10 a.m. Contact: Dan Batchelor, (770) 992-2362
Sope Creek Garden Club Meeting: 1st Wednesday at 10 a.m. Contact: Karin Guzy, (770) 955-1303
Support Groups Al-Anon Meeting: Location: Contact:
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road (770) 794-2978 www.johnsonferry.org/counseling
Alzheimer’s/Caregiver Support Group Meeting: 1st Monday at 10:30 a.m. Location: Aloha to Aging, Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Road Contact: (678) 439-1177 Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: Savannah Court, 866 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: Derin White, (770) 977-4420 Autism Support Group Meeting: 3rd Thursday at 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. Location: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Room F002 Contact: (770) 971-2880 Blended Families Support Group Meeting: 3rd Sunday at 7 p.m. Location: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road Contact: (770) 971-2880
Website: www.chadd.net/300 Families Anonymous (FA) Support group for families who have loved ones struggling with addiction. Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 Location: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Youth Center, 1770 Johnson Ferry Rd. Contact: jawadta@yahoo.com Family Caregiver Support Group Meeting: First Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Location: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 4905 Roswell Rd Facilitator: Dawn Reed, (678) 777-7241 Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity Contact: Mychal Wynn, (678) 395-5825 or (678) 620-3685 Website: www.accessandequity.org Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Meeting: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church Blackwell Road Contact: Jeannie DeCarlo, (770) 919-9275 Grief and Loss Support Group All faiths are welcome. Meeting: 6 session format Location: Jewish Family & Career Services, 1501 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 100 Contact: Yael Stein, 770-677-9305, ystein@jfcs atlanta.org.
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m. Location: St. Andrew United Methodist Church 3455 Canton Road Contact: Sandy, (770) 926-3488 sandy@thepumpkinchurch.org
Grief Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: Aloha To Aging, Inc. , Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Rd. Contact: (678) 439-1177.
Cancer Support Group Meeting: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7 p.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: (770) 794-2978 www.johnsonferry.org/counseling
Job Seekers Meeting: 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 8 a.m. Location: Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3125 Sewell Mill Road Contact: (770) 977-2976
Career Quest Ministry Meeting: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: St. Ann’s Catholic Church 4905 Roswell Road Contact: (770) 552-6400 x 6104 Codependents Anonymous Meeting: Monday and Thursdays at 7:30pm Location: Unity North Church, 4225 Sandy Plains Road (Administration Bldg upstairs) Contact: Janet D. 770-578-6368 Website: northgeorgiacoda.org Compassionate Friends Support group for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. Contact: Kathy, (404) 429-4953, tcfmarietta.kathy@hotmail.com Erica, (404) 539-4287 erica_beltz@yahoo.com Website: www.tcfmarietta.org Dad 2 Dad For stay-at-home dads Contact: Richard Collins, (770) 579-5445 Diabetes Support Group Contact: Wellstar, (770) 793-7828 East Cobb CHADD For parents with children who have ADHD. Contact: east-cobb@chadd.net
Moms In Touch — East Side Elementary Meeting: Mondays at 10 a.m. Contact: Movita Stallworth, (770) 321-1783 Mo633@bellsouth.net Moms In Touch — Walton High School Meeting: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road, room 332 Contact: Cynthia Eller (770) 578-6301 eller2905@aol.com Mothers and More Meeting: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Saint Catherine’s Episcopal Church, 681 Holt Road Contact: www.mmeastcobb.homestead.com Newcomers of Cobb County Meeting: 3rd Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Rd. Contact: (770) 234-5068 newcomersofcobbcounty@yahoo.com Next Century Youth, Inc. Location: 791 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell Contact: Mary Brooks Green, (678) 278-9278 Website: www.nextcenturyyouth.org Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples Club Meeting: 2nd Monday at 7 p.m.
Location: North Metro Church on Barrett Pkwy. Contact: (678) 404-0034, www.NOWaMOM.org. Overeaters Anonymous Meeting: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. Location: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 4905 Roswell Rd Contact: Betsy, (404) 226-4931, www.oa.org Parents of Prodigals Children with self-destructive lifestyle. Meeting: 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: (770) 794-2978 www.johnsonferry.org/counseling Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Meeting: 2nd Sunday at 4 p.m. Location: Roswell UMC, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Bldg. A Contact: Robin Cleveland, (678) 819-3915 rcleveland@visitingangels.com Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: Aloha to Aging, Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Road Contact: (678) 439-1177 PASA (Parents of All Stages and Ages) Meeting: Fridays at 10 a.m.Free child care available Location: East Cobb UMC Lower Level Activities Building, 2325 Roswell Road Contact: Lisa Hunt (770) 984-0699 Road to Recovery Divorce Support Group Meeting: Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. Location: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church 4385 Lower Roswell Road Mission House Contact: (770) 971-2880 Sexual Assault Support Group Meeting: Mondays at 7 p.m. Location: YMCA of NW GA, 48 Henderson St, Contact: Susan Roberts, (770) 427-3390 Single Adult Ministry Location: Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Road Contact: (770) 971-3447, www.mtbethel.org Single’s Ministry Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: (770) 973-6561, www.jfbc.org Treasures in Heaven (miscarriage/infant death) Meeting: 4th Monday at 7 p.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: (770) 794-2978 www.johnsonferry.org/counseling VOICE Today Survivors of child sexual abuse Meeting: 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Room 334 Contact: Tom Scales, (678) 578-4888 Website: www.voicetoday.org Widowed Helping Others Meeting: Twice each month Location: St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 4905 Roswell Rd Contact: Marguerite Williamson, (770) 977-8438 AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
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Reference
SCHOOL INFORMATION Elementary Schools East Side Elementary School 3850 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 578-7200 Principal: Elizabeth Mavity Mount Bethel Elementary School 1210 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 578-7248 Principal: Joan Johnson Murdock Elementary School 2320 Murdock Road, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 509-5071 Principal: Cynthia Hanauer Sope Creek Elementary School 3320 Paper Mill Road SE, Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 916-7085 Principal: Martha Whalen Timber Ridge Elementary School 5000 Timber Ridge Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 642-5621 Principal: Dr. Tracie Doe
Middle Schools Dickerson Middle School 855 Woodlawn Drive, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 578-2710 Principal: Dr. Carole Brink Dodgen Middle School 1725 Bill Murdock Road, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 578-2726 Principal: Robin Lattizori
High School Walton High School 1590 Bill Murdock Road, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 578-3225 Principal: Judy McNeil
School Websites: School District Website Pinnacle Picasso Meal Pay 58
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Private Schools East Cobb Christian School At East Cobb Presbyterian Church 4616 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 565-0881, www.eccs.org Grades: K — 8 Principal: Teresa Staley Eastside Christian School 2450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 971-2332, www.eastsidechristianschool.com Grades: K – 8 Head of School: Judy Cripps Faith Lutheran School 2111 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 973-8921, www.FaithLCMS.org Grades: Pre-K – 8 Principal: Jack Hibbs Mt. Bethel Christian Academy 4385 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 971-0245, www.mtbethelchristian.org Grades: K – 8 Head of School: Jim Callis Lower School Principal: Vivian Lovett Middle School Principal: Jack Grimm
2011 — 2012 School Calendar January 16
MLK Day Holiday
February 20
Pres. Day Holiday
April 2-6
Spring Holiday
May 24
Last Day of School
Omega Private Academy 2960 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 529-1717,www.Omegaprivateacademy.com Grades K – 12, Certified Teachers, SACS Accredited/GSNS Approved Director: Kathy Keeton Shreiner Academy 1340 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta, GA 30067 (770) 953-1340, www.shreiner.com Grades: Toddler – 8 Director: Sarah Walker Woodacres School 1772 Johnson Ferry Road , Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 971-1880, www.woodacresschool.org Grades: Pre-K – 8 Head of School: Judy T. Thigpen
www.cobbk12.org https://pinnacle.cobbk12.org/Pinnacle www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/picasso www12.mealpayplus.com
RECENT CONSUMER PRODUCT RECALLS AroundAbout Walton wants to help keep you and your family safe. The following items have been recalled by their manufacturers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).
Teddy Bears. Build-A-Bear
Workshop Inc., of St. Louis, MO, is voluntarily recalling approximately 284,000 (in the United States) and 13,200 (in Canada) Colorful Hearts teddy bears. The teddy bear’s eyes could loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to children.
Strollers & Car Seat Adapters. Bugaboo Americas,
of El Segundo, CA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 7,000 (in the United States) and 260 (in Canada) Bugaboo Bee strollers. The front swivel wheels can lock while the stroller is in motion, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard. The company is also recalling approximately 64,000 car seat adapters. When the adapter is used on a stroller that also has a wheeled board accessory attached for transporting a standing toddler, and the car seat is positioned so the child faces forward, the car seat can disconnect from the adapter and fall.
The surface coating on the travel cases contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
Replacement Battery Packs Used with Cordless Tools. BatteriesPlus LLC, of Hartland, WI, is voluntarily recalling
approximately 111,800 Rayovac NI-CD cordless tool battery packs. The replacement battery pack can explode unexpectedly, posing a risk of serious injury to consumers.
Ice Cream Dippers. The Pampered Chef, of Addison, IL, is voluntarily recalling approximately 20,000 Ice cream dippers. When the liquid-filled ice cream scoop is exposed to warm water, the cap and seal at the end of the scoop handle can fly off with substantial force, posing an impact injury hazard to nearby consumers. Women’s Dress Shoes. Naturalizer,
of St. Louis, MO, is voluntarily recalling approximately 6,100 pairs (in the United States) and 700 pairs (in Canada) of Naturalizer “Dare” women’s dress
Toasters. Hamilton Beach Brands Inc.,
of Glen Allen, VA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 14,000 Hamilton Beach® classic chrome 2-slice toasters. When the toasters are first plugged into the outlets, the heating element can be energized although the toaster lifter is in the up or off position, which can pose a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items.
Childrens’ Travel Cases. Target
Corporation, of Minneapolis, MN, is voluntarily recalling approximately 139,000 Circo 17” Children’s travel cases.
shoes. The heels of the shoes can lean to either side, posing a fall hazard when worn by consumers.
Elliptical Exercise Equipment. Nautilus Inc.
of Vancouver, WA, is voluntarily recalling approximately 10,000 elliptical exercise trainers. The foot plates can detach from the machine during use, posing a fall hazard.
For more information on these and many other warnings issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
59
Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout Walton (770) 615-3318 Cobb County Chamber of Commerce Driver’s License Health Department Post Office Recycling Center
Cobb County Government:
Business License CCT Bus Service Commissioners Engineering Office Traffic Signals Extension Office Jury Phone — State Court Jury Phone — Superior Court Keep Cobb Beautiful Planning and Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation Taxes: License Plates/Tags Property Tax Voter Registration
(770) 980-2000 (678) 413-8400 (678) 784-2180 (800) 275-8777 www.usps.com (770) 528-2500
(770) 528-8410 (770) 528-8465 (770) 528-1000 (770) 528-1616 (770) 528-1600 (770) 528-4070 (770) 528-2626 (770) 528-1804 (770) 528-1135 www.cobbcounty.org/kcb (770) 528-2004 (770) 528-5355 (770) 528-3100 (770) 528-8247 (770) 528-8600 (770) 528-2581
Children/Family:
Aloha to Aging, Inc. Family Caregiver Support
(678) 439-1177 ww.alohatoaging.org Child and Adolescent Services (770) 514-2300 Child Support Enforcement (770) 528-2410 Department of Family and Children’s Services (770) 528-5000 Meals on Wheels (770) 528-5381 Mothers Making a Change (770) 499-2422 Next Steps (Child/Adolescent) (770) 514-2300 MUST Ministries (770) 427-9862 YMCA of Northwest GA, Rape Crisis Center (770) 427-3390
Clubs/Groups:
AARP Kiwanis Club Lions Club Rotary Club
Public Service:
Fire Departments: 2905 Library Lane 4431 Trickum Road 3892 Oak Lane Georgia State Patrol Non-Emergency 911 Sheriff’s Department
Hospitals:
60
North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital Atlanta WellStar Kennestone Hospital AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
(678) 290-9895 (770) 912-9632 (404) 218-6216 (770) 422-7551
Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:
Cobb Judicial Victim Assistance Domestic Violence Unit Drug Tip Poison Control Center Public Outreach/Programs
(770) 528-3047 (770) 499-4665 (770) 590-5520 (404) 589-4400 (770) 499-4719
Libraries:
East Marietta Library Gritter’s Library East Cobb Library Mountain View Regional Library
(770) 509-2711 (770) 528-2524 (770) 509-2730 (770) 509-2725
Parks and Recreation: Aquatic Centers: Mountain View Sewell Park East Cobb Park Fullers Park Harrison Park Harrison Tennis Center Main Office Mount Bethel Park Sweat Mountain Park YMCA
(770) 509-4927 (770) 509-2741 (770) 591-3160 (770) 509-2737 (770) 591-3150 (770) 591-3151 (770) 528-8800 (770) 509-2748 (770) 591-3160 (770) 977-5991
Pets:
Animal Control Animal Shelter and Pet Adoptions Cobb County Animal Control Cobb County Humane Society Emergency Veterinary Clinic Good Mews Animal Foundation
(770) 499-4136 (770) 499-4136 (770) 499-4136 (770) 428-5678 (770) 424-9157 (770) 499-CATS
Schools: Board of Education
(770) 426-3300 www.cobbk12.org
Utilities: (770) 528-8000
(770) 205-5400 (770) 499-3900 (770) 499-4600 www.cobbsheriff.org
(770) 751-2500 (404) 851-8000 (770) 793-5000
AT&T Broadband/Comcast
AT&T Residential Phone Service Atlanta Gas Light Co. Cobb County Water System Cobb EMC Georgia Power Water Emergency
(404) 266-2278 www.comcast.com (888) 757-6500 www.att.com (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com (770) 423-1000 water.cobbcountyga.gov (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com (888) 660-5890 www.georgiapower.com (770) 419-6201
ADOPTION INFORMATION: Please call first to see if we have what you are looking for. We have many resources to help you find what you are looking for if we do not have it. 770-428-9882 We screen potential adopters to make sure our pets will be a good match for your family and vise versa. New adoptive dog owners will also need a home check before they can take their new dog home. DOGS: We only house small breed dogs. Our adoption fee is $200 for dogs. All of our dogs or puppies will be altered before they can be adopted. They will have as many vaccines as we can give them for the time they have spent here. If the dog is over six months old it will have been heart worm tested negative and be on preventative. All of our pets are micro chipped and will have flea preventative on them.
We need a home!
Pebbles
CATS: Our adoption fee for cats is $125.00. All of our cats and kittens (10 weeks and up) will be altered before they are adopted. If you would like a kitten younger than 10 weeks old, we can refer you to other resources. Our cats or kittens will have as many vaccines as we can give them for the time they have spent here. They are all tested negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, and will have been micro chipped.
Timmy
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP
Please donate your household items: toys, furniture, knick knacks, kitchen items etc. to the Garage Sale Mart. Please tell them to donate the proceeds to the Humane Society of Cobb County. This will help us continue our life saving programs.
Serena
Marshmellow
Garage Sale Mart 461 S. Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060 (678) 354-5100 Mon. - Sat. 10am - 7pm, Sun. 11am -5pm info@garagesalemart.com AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
61
Reference
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government: President Barack Obama (D) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov
(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461
Senator Saxby Chambliss (R) (202) 224-3521 Senate Russell Courtyard-2 fax: (202) 224-0103 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: www.saxby.org e-mail: saxby_chambliss@chambliss.senate.gov Senator Johnny Isakson (R) 1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov
(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999
Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6 3730 Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30062 Website: http://tom.house.gov e-mail: tom@tomprice.com
GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R), District 11 219 Roswell Street Marietta, GA 30060 Website: www.gingrey.house.gov e-mail: gingrey.ga@mail.house.gov
(202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 429-1776 fax: (770) 795-9551
fax: (770) 661-0768
State Government: Governor Nathan Deal (R) 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332 www.gov.ga.gov.com
Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21 chip@SenatorChipRogers.com
(404) 463-1378
Senator Judson Hill (R), District 32 judson.hill@senate.ga.gov
(770) 565-0024
Rep. Sharon Cooper (R), District 41 sharon.cooper@house.ga.gov
(770) 956-8357
Rep. Don L. Parsons (R), District 42 repdon@gmail.com
(770) 977-4426
Rep. Matt Dollar (R), District 45 matt.dollar@house.ga.gov
(404) 656-0254
County Government:
Juvenile Court Presiding Judge James Whitfield Director of Juvenile Court Services Michele Marchant-Wellmon
(770) 528-2290 fax: (770) 528-2214
Solicitor General, Barry E. Morgan
(770) 528-8500 fax: (770) 528-8578
District Attorney, Patrick H. Head cobbda@cobbcounty.org
(770) 528-3080 fax: (770) 528-3030
Cobb County Coroner Brian Frist 150 North Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060 Cobb County Board of Commissioners 100 Cherokee Street Marietta, GA 30090 www.cobbcountyga.gov
(770) 528-3300 fax: (770) 528-2606
(770) 528-3300
Helen Goreham, District 1 hgoreham@cobbcounty.org
(770) 528-3313
Bob Ott, District 2 bob.ott@cobbcounty.org
(770) 528-3316
JoAnn Birrell, District 3 joann.birrell@cobbcounty.org
(770)528-3317
Woody Thompson, District 4 woody.thompson@cobbcounty.org
(770) 528-3312
Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Neil Warren 185 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060 www.cobbsheriff.org
(770) 499-4600
Cobb County School System www.cobb.k12.ga.us Superintendent, Dr. Michael Hinojosa 514 Glover Street, Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 426-3453 michael.hinojosa@cobbk12.org fax: (678) 594-8559 Board of Education Kathleen Angelucci, Post 4 kangelucci.boardmember@cobbk12.org
Superior Court Judge Reuben Green
(770) 528-1800
Magistrate Court Chief Judge Frank R. Cox
(770) 528-8900
Probate Court Chief Judge Kelli Wolk
(770) 528-1900
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
(770) 528-2200
Commissioners: Tim Lee, Chairman tlee@cobbcounty.org
62
(770) 528-2220
David Banks, Post 5 dbanks.boardmember@cobbk12.org Scott Sweeney, Post 6 ssweeney.boardmember@cobbk12.org
City of Marietta:
Mayor Steve Tumlin stumlin@mariettaga.gov
(770) 794-5501
classifieds Children / Family Educational Assessments. Holistic approach to students’ academic improvement, free consultation. (678) 770-2761. Math Immersion Saturdays. Explore Algebra, Geometry, mental math, word problems. Grades K-8. (678) 770-2761.
Services LOSE WEIGHT, STOP SMOKING, RELIEVE PAIN. Helping you when other methods have failed. Georgia Hypnotherapy Associates, LLC, (678) 9387274. www.GAhypnotherapy.com. www.virtualgastricbandgeorgia.com. E.P. Pressure Wash. Reasonable rates, free estimates, insured. (770) 3802325.
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63
attorneys/legal services
Health & Beauty
Brosnahan, Carpenter, Lyons & Smith, LLP (678) 805-4458 www.bclslegal.com
28
Rohan Law, P.C. (404) 923-7570 www.rohanlawpc.com
38
automotive Next Level Mobile Detailing (404) 447-2868
13
Sellars Goodyear (770) 973-5780, 648 Johnson Ferry Road (770) 992-7977, 2950 Johnson Ferry Road (770) 509-1422, 3621 Sandy Plains Road
38
Citadel CPA & Wealth Care Services Inside Front (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Suite 440, Kennesaw
Cleaning Services Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
38
Image Maids (770) 627-4670
28
Inside Back
Dentists/Orthodontists
Shenk Dental Care (770) 992-6568, www.drshenk.com 4690 Woodstock Rd. Suite 100 Roswell
17. 21
Diet & Nutrition 23
Good Measure Meals (404) 815-7695
34
Education/Tutoring Cover, 32,33
C2 Education Back cover (770) 565-8184 1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 400 eastcobb@c2educate.com
64
23
LaVida Massage (770) 973-6385 atlanta.ga.lavidamassage.com
35
Patrick Carmen NR.9 Salon (678) 427-8000
41.
Outdoor Environments Unlimited, Inc. (678) 796-4991
23
Peachtree Roofing, Inc. (770) 579-ROOF
36
Quality Craftsmen (404) 483-7446 www.quality-craftsmen.com
5
Insurance Keeton Insurance Services (770) 971-8900
13
Hot Dogs and Cool Cats (770) 858-1000
41
Humane Society of Cobb County (770) 428-5678 www.humanecobb.com 148 Fairground St. SE, Marietta
61.
AroundAbout WALTON | January 2012
Health Source Chiropractic & Progressive RehabTM (770) 578-0785 www.HealthSourceMarietta.com Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center (770) 425-7575 111 Marble Mill Road NW, Marietta Northside Hospital Cancer Institute www.northside.com Northside Hospital Spine Center (404) 459-1809
Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net
18 .
Progressive Audiology Center, Inc. (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244
34
Resurgens OrthoNow (770) 423-2172 61 Whitcher St. Suite 1100, Marietta www.resurgens.com
42
WellStar Health Systems (770) 956-STAR www.wellstar.org
3
WellStar Medical Group 41 Whitney Denton,M.D., Shravantika Reddy, M.D. (678) 403-4660 1523 Johnson Ferry Rd. Ste. 150, Marietta WellStar Medical Group Pediatrics: (770) 578-2868 Family Medicine, Internal Medicine & Pediatrics: (770) 973-2272 3939 Roswell Road, Marietta
Atlanta Communities Real Estate (770) 240-2000 3173 Roswell Rd., Suite 101, Marietta www.atlantacommunities.net
9
31
REstaurants/Food SErvices Baristas Gourmet Coffee www.mybaristas.com
Photographers Studio 7 Photography (770) 685-7391 www.studio7hub.com
1
Real estate
17
Retail /Miscellaneous 12
Physicians & Medical Services
Betsy Thurston Registered Dietitian (404) 295-1415
Altair Prep www.altairprep.com
Nail Eagle (770) 565-5634
Pets
Computer/ Web Services
Cristi Y. Cheek DMD, P.C. (770) 993-3775, www.cheekdental.com
29
Home Improvement/Services
Banking/Financial Services
Trustworkz (770) 615-3275 www.TrustWorkz.com
Get In Shape for Women (770) 605-8788 3822 Roswell Road, Ste. 114, Marietta www.getinshapeforwomen.com
Pearle Vision (770) 509-8480 1401 Johnson Ferry Road
Bookmiser - A Used Book Store East Cobb - (770) 509-5611
17
Stella & Dot Boutique Style Jewelry (678) 548-0285
17
Senior Services 5
24
7 50
Atherton Place (770) 421-7300 www.athertonplace.org
31
Parc at Piedmont — East Cobb 999 Hood Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 565-8828
50
Savannah Court of Marietta (770) 977-4420
23