Around WALTON | December 2012
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December 2012
Volume 2, Issue 6
52
56
Features 26 Literacy Week 2012
Cobb EMC brings authors to local schools.
Around Walton.......................... 6
30 Operation Homefront
36 & 37 On the Cover The Science Chain. Non-profit brings
science to the classroom in economically disadvantaged schools.
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.
Celebrations............................ 12
Local organization provides assistance to military families.
Community Calendar............... 29 Everyday Angels...................... 34
38 Karen Hallacy
In Every Issue
Houses of Worship.................. 60
2012 East Cobb Citizen of the Year
Clubs & Organizations.............. 62
42 Holiday Shopping Guide
School Information.................. 64
Community Numbers.............. 66
What’s HOT for the Holidays close to home.
Walton community map.......... 67
46 Keeping Off Santa’s 17
Damage control tips for holiday weight gain.
56 WHS Volleyball
Lady Raiders win third straight state championship title.
Humane Society...................... 69 Elected Officials....................... 70 Advertiser Directory................ 72
Contributing Writers
Joan Steigerwald is the Market Manager for Around Walton. She can be reached at (770) 615-3311 or joan@ aroundaboutlocalmedia.com 2
Around WALTON | December 2012
Judson Adamson.............................19 Claudia Aguirre................................49 Peter Allen......................................35 Mary-Kathryn Boler.........................24 Nora Borne......................................40 Dr. Cristi Cheek................................44 Ben Clark.........................................18 Dr. Gerald Feuer..............................44 Dr. Justin Fierro ...............................45 Lindsay Greene................................30 Sen. Judson Hill...............................14 Alex Ho............................................46
Jennifer Jarosick..............................28 Linda & Kevin Keeton......................20 Kara Kiefer.......................................33 Lynne Lysaght..................................26 Lisa Malice......................................39 Nicolas Perry...................................50 Zett Quinn.......................................22 Dr. Chris Rechter .............................45 Dawn Reed......................................17 Doug Rohan.....................................16 Margot Swann.................................32 Bryant Wright..................................58
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Community
Around Walton
Our Community Board
Your Community, Your Magazine in East Cobb
Publisher
Doug Rohan is a bi-lingual attorney and owner of Rohan Law, PC. Doug can be reached at doug@rohanlawpc.com.
AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.
Executive Editor
Kara Kiefer kara@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3309
Title Editor
Dr. Cristi Cheek is a dentist and owner of Cristi Y. Cheek, D.M.D., P.C. Dr. Cheek can be reached at dr.cheek@cheekdental.com.
Lynne Lysaght lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3306
Market Manager
Joan Steigerwald joan@aroundaboutlocalmedia.com, (770) 615-3311
Caroline Whaley is the past President of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta and serves on the boards of five nonprofit organizations. Caroline can be reached at caroline.whaley@ gmail.com. Judy McNeill — Judy is the Principal at Walton High School. Judy can be reached at (770) 5783225, x229.
Digital Marketing Director
James Ball james@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3310 Around 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 14,900 homes and businesses and 1,600 in racks throughout the Walton community.
Judson Adamson — Judson is a 24-year veteran of the Atlanta Real Estate Industry. Judson can be reached at (770) 240-2001.
Around Walton welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 20th of the preceding month.
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.
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. Around 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.
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) 4837446.
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Art Director
Michelle McCulloch michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3307
Around WALTON | December 2012
Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send payment to the address below.
All rights reserved. © Copyright 2012. Around Walton 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30189 For Advertising Joan Steigerwald, (770) 615-3311 joan@aroundaboutlocalmedia.com Website: www.aroundaboutwalton.com Powered by TrustWorks, Inc.
Volume 2, Issue6
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
AROUND WALTON by Lynne Lysaght
Lynne is the Editor of Around Walton magazine. She lives in the Walton community with her husband Martin and their three sons Kyle, Logan and Camden.
The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Walton
Can it be the end of 2012 already? I hope that you will be able to slow down and take a few minutes to reflect on this last year and discover whether or not you accomplished all the things that you hoped to for the year. Don’t be surprised or judge yourself too harshly if you did not. You are not alone. I suggest we start a new to-do list for 2013. Look over the things still hanging on the list from last year. Are they really important to you? This may be just the time to reset priorities and start that list over. If you never made time for it last year, is anything going to change this year? Only if you decide it is important to you and put it at the top of the list.
At this hectic, hustling, bustling time, Around Walton wants to take time to thank all of the businesses that have advertised with us throughout the year because you make it possible for our magazine to be published. We also want to thank all the readers that have sent in birthday wishes and community news stories and who have kept us up on everything that is happening in our community. We look forward to another year of sharing all the good news occurring in our backyard. Readers, remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in Around Walton and keep sending in upcoming events, pictures of proud moments and whatever you think would be of interest to your fellow readers. All of us at AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. want to wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!
What’s New?
Appleton Learning of East Cobb opened in Pine Straw Place, 4250 Roswell Road, Suite 610. Appleton created the proprietary geniuStyle™ program to identify each student’s unique learning personality and the best methods for reaching that individual student. For more information, call (770) 9711500 or visit appletonlearning.com. Sculpted Body Pilates, owned by Kathy Dickson, opened at 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 133 in Woodlawn Square. This total body workout incorporates core, cardio and strength training in just 50 minutes. Small group classes of up to eight people allow for personal instruction. They will be open seven days a week with 30 classes to choose from. If you book online at www.sculptedbodypilates.com, the first class will be free. For more information, call (770) 971-9999 or visit the website.
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Around WALTON | December 2012
Herrin Pediatric Dentistry recently celebrated its grand opening in East Cobb at 3020 Roswell Road, Suite 110. Dr. Brent Herrin saw a need for a specialized children’s dentist in the area. “My goal was to open a dental practice completely focused on children. From our brightly colored Dr. Brent Herrin, D.M.D. cuts the ribbon to walls to ceilingofficially open his pediatric dental practice. mounted TVs to the Left to right: Jessica Dempsey, Dr. Brent Xbox in the waiting Herrin, D.M.D., Kristen Herrin, and Oliver room, we want to Holmes. make a trip to our office as positive an experience as possible,” says Dr. Herrin. Dr. Herrin has experience treating a wide variety of dental diseases and behavior challenges. During his time working at children’s dentistry practices and his training and residency in children’s hospitals in Texas, he has seen and treated children with a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities. For more information, call (678) 813-3202 or visit pediatricdentistgeorgia.com. Muse Boutique opened at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 136 in Merchant’s Walk. The boutique carries New York inspired fashions that you won’t see at every other boutique. The owners were inspired by their trips to the SoHo and Chelsea shopping districts in New York to bring these same unique styles to the Atlanta area. For more information or to schedule a free personal style consultation with a professional stylist, call (770) 578-4344 or visit www.museboutiqueatlanta. com.
What’s Coming?
Glamour Girls Day Spa is coming to East Cobb. This will be the second location for Glamour Girls Day Spa, and the Grand Opening is planned for January 12, 2013 at 551 Johnson Ferry Road. The spa will offer Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Makeup, Hair Styling, Massages and Spa Birthday Parties for teens, tweens and girls. The first location opened in Kennesaw at 1350 Wooten Lake Road, Suite 204. Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours, although appointments are encouraged. During the Cobb and Cherokee County school year, Glamour Girls Day Spa will be open on Fridays from 12 – 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 7 p.m. For more information, call (404) 919-4526 or visit www.glamourgirlsdayspa.com or the spa’s Facebook page.
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CANCER INSTITUTE: ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF
“Nice moves, Nana!”
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute provides hereditary counseling to determine cancer risks and options for you and your children. They help thousands of women survive cancer by diagnosing and treating more breast and gynecologic cancers than anyone else in Georgia.
It’s one reason Northside was chosen by the National Cancer Institute to be a Community Cancer Center. So you have access to the latest cancer research and treatments close to home.
Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day
CANCER INSTITUTE Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
What’s Happening in Walton... Rohan Law Collects Candy for Operation Stars and Stripes Rohan Law, PC collected candy for Operation Stars and Stripes Inc., a local organization that supports our troops overseas. Residents were able to bring extra Halloween candy to Doug Rohan at East Cobb Park where sandwich size ziplock bags and cash or check donations to help defray the cost of postage were also welcomed. The Woodlawn Chick-fil-A provided coupons for free ice cream to those who donated. At the end of the day, Walton community residents had donated 95 pounds of candy and 1,125 ziplock bags. Operation Stars and Stripes greatly appreciated the community’s and Rohan Law’s generosity and kindness towards the military.
Doug Rohan and daughters collect candy for Operation Stars and Stripes.
Small Business of the Year Nominations
CCYA Awarded Outstanding Agency of the Year The Center for Children and Young Adults (CCYA) recently was honored with the Outstanding Agency of the Year Award at the Georgia Conference on Children and Families. For nearly 30 years, CCYA has provided a home for Georgia’s homeless youth who have no one who can or will care for them. In that time, the agency has helped raise and save more than 7,500 boys and girls in the community. These are all youth who have been abused, abandoned, neglected, or are at risk. Some of these kids have parents who have passed away or been incarcerated, or have abandoned them because of drug use or other criminal activity. Without a shelter home like CCYA, these youth would have no place to live. The organization has adapted over the years to meet the changing needs in the community. When first created, CCYA provided temporary, emergency shelter to children in Cobb County who had been abused and neglected. Today, CCYA provides long-term, residential care for youth ages 13–21 from throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding counties. The Center has created an innovative life skills curriculum including a mock ATM system called FISCAL Dollars on campus that allows the kids to learn the concept of balancing what they earn with what they spend in a realistic way. The Center addresses all the needs of the kids living there, beyond simply providing a bed and a hot meal. They are working to create a safe, home-like environment with all the opportunities of a typical childhood. Staff engages youth in community service projects to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, serve at Hosea Feed the Hungry, and walk for the Cure of Breast Cancer so that the kids are no longer just recipients of community service, but are now active participants in giving back to their community. For these reasons and more, the CCYA was chosen as the Outstanding Agency of the Year. For more information, visit www.ccyakids.org.
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Small Business of the Year Awards sponsored by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Nominate your small business or a small business in the community by visiting www.cobbchamber.org and clicking on the Small Business of the Year Nominations button. Nominations are due by January 9, 2013. Nominated companies must: • Be a Cobb Chamber member • Demonstrate an increase in sales and/or unit volume • Have been in business at least three years • Show evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects • Comply with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s size standards in defining a small business (www.sba.gov/size) • Be for-profit. 8
Around WALTON | December 2012
Left to right: Hugo Mullins, President of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children, Kimberley Borna, CEO of CCYA, holding Outstanding Agency Award, V. Garrett Brown, COO of CCYA, and Maureen Lok, Board President of CCYA.
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Community
What’s Happening in Walton... Cobb EMC Honors Veterans Cobb EMC proudly celebrated U.S. troops at the cooperative’s 17th annual Veterans Breakfast recently. The event honored the co-op’s 63 employees and 29 retirees who have served in the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. The annual tradition shows support of Cobb EMC’s countless employee veterans, spanning the past 74 years. Veterans enjoyed breakfast, received a small gift from the cooperative, and visited with Cobb EMC directors Bryan Boyd, Ed Crowell, David McClellan, and Tripper Sharp.
Cobb EMC’s 17th annual Veterans Breakfast honored employees and retirees including Cobb County residents. Front row, L-R: Anthony Tatum (Army), Elaine Haynes (Army), Ronald Fish (Air Force), Don Poole (Army), David Gravett (Army) and Cleo Blevins (Army). Back row: Doug McCoy (Navy), Mark Moon (Marines), Bernard Mathis (Navy), Gary Bates (Air Force), Harold Richardson (Army), Sonia Jeffcoat (Navy), Greg Rooks (Marines) and Jim Gantt (Marines).
New Drug Discount Card To Help Residents Cut Prescription Costs Cobb Board of Commissioners and representatives from Coast2Coast Rx Card recently launched a new drug discount card that will allow all county residents, regardless of income, age, or health status, to participate in the program and save on their medications. Cobb is the 22nd county in Georgia to have the program, and it has saved cardholders throughout the nation an average of 60 percent in 2012 on the cost of prescription drugs. Even veterinary services may be eligible for the program. The card includes savings of up to 50 percent on dental needs for a family and 10–50 percent savings on a family’s vision, hearing, and diabetes supply needs. Also, the card gives 50–80 percent savings on lab and imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs. The card is not insurance; it’s a discount. It is free and covers the entire family. There is no enrollment or memberships required or expiration. While the card targets the uninsured, residents of Cobb may also use the card if their prescriptions are not covered by their health plans or if they have a high deductible. Cards are available at Bexar pharmacies, libraries, and county health facilities. The card may also be printed at coast2coastrx.com. 10
Around WALTON | December 2012
American Cancer Society Needs Participants in Research Study The American Cancer Society is recruiting men and women for a new research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), to better understand ways to prevent cancer. Cobb County is holding an informational session 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Friday, December 14. All are welcome to attend on the first floor of the new Superior Court building, 70 Haynes Street, in the Jury Room. Enrollment will be held in Metro Atlanta, including Cobb and Cherokee Counties, from March 1–15. For more information, visit www.cps3atlanta.org, call 1-888604-5888, or e-mail cps3@cancer.org.
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
Happy Birthday!
Benjamin Cook Age 2 on December 17 Happy Birthday! Love, Grand Daddy and Nay Nay
Ainsley Brown Age 11 on December 2 Love, Mommy, Daddy and Jared
Jeanne Cuthrell Celebrating December 2 Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you! Alexander, Karli, Olivia, Brian & Reecie xoxoxo
Caitlyn McSwigan Age 16 on December 9 Happy Sweet 16th, Caitlyn! Love, Dad, Mom and Lindsay
Karli Cuthrell Age 11 on December 19 Happy 11th Birthday! We love you! Alexander, Olivia, Mom, Dad & Reecie xoxoxo
Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail photo and caption to: lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com. January deadline is December 20.
Owen Smith Age 4 on December 17 Happy 4th Birthday, Owen! We love you, Dad, Mom, Annie and Maple
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Around WALTON | December 2012
Norma Carr Celebrating December 10 Happy Birthday! Love, Bill and Peter
Matthew Keeton Age 4 on December 18 Happy 4th Birthday, Matthew!!! All our love, Mom, Dad and Christian
Brendan Chu Age 2 on December 16 Happy 2nd Birthday, Brendan We love you! YeYe and NaiNai
Cade Jones Age 11 on December 18 We celebrate a truly special year for Cade. Buddy, we are so proud of you! Happy Birthday with love, Mom, Dad and Blake
Anniversary
Dr. Kent Hawkins Age 54 on December 29 Happy Birthday, to the love of my life! Renay
Debbie and Mike Presley Celebrating 38 years on December 20 Happy Anniversary!
Roses
We are looking for the couple married the longest in our community 2013
Tournament of
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 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 Around Walton 2449 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30189. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, January 20.
Best Wishes for a great holiday season from your friends at Around Walton magazine! Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
Georgia’s Military Certain to Feel Effects of Sequestration by Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) Many of us are familiar with the struggle and sacrifice required to pay off large debts. When we signed our names on the dotted line to receive funding or credit, we also agreed to the consequences of not paying off the obligations, including debt collection, repossession or foreclosure.
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of the Government Oversight Committee and Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. He represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 6560150 or by email at judson.hill@senate. ga.gov.
Our nation has been faced with a similar problem on a much greater scale — on a $16 TRILLION scale, to be exact. However, instead of cutting up the credit cards and reducing unnecessary spending, the federal government has opted to raise the debt ceiling, borrow money from other nations and simply turn on the money printing presses. While these actions have created short term fixes, it has also devalued the American dollar, weakened our economy and caused the loss of our nation’s AAA credit rating.
In August 2011, Congress entered discussions on whether or not to again raise the debt limit. When an agreement could not be reached, the resulting compromise was The Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011. The BCA mandated the creation of a joint committee tasked with finding ways to trim $1.2 trillion over a ten year period from our national deficit by the end of 2012. The BCA also established a formidable caveat. If the joint committee fails to submit recommendations by the deadline, automatic and across-the-board ten percent cuts in discretionary spending—sequestration—will go into effect on January 2, 2013. The joint committee created by the BCA is in grave danger of not making this deadline. In normal household budgets, “discretionary spending” likely includes vacations, dining out and new technology. At the federal level, the term refers to areas that are far more necessary, including the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Justice and Agriculture. And now, the Department of Defense, charged with ensuring the safety and security of our nation, is also subject to these cuts. To say Georgia’s military presence is strong is an understatement. Our state is home to several major Army, Naval, Air Force and Coast Guard installations and more than 100,000 service members. One of the world’s largest defense contractors, Lockheed Martin, employs approximately 7,000
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Around WALTON | December 2012
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If the joint committee fails to submit recommendations by the deadline, automatic and across-the-board ten percent cuts in discretionary spending—sequestration—will go into effect on January 2, 2013.
Georgians and almost three-quarters of the company’s revenue comes from military sales, providing jobs and a large economic contribution to our state. Under orders of sequestration, it is estimated that the Department of Defense will see its budget slashed by $55 billion, including cuts to funding not committed to contracts. This means Lockheed Martin could lose pending contracts. When a company sees a drastic decrease in revenue, employee reductions are almost inevitable. The direct and indirect economic impact of job losses will affect many areas of our state. The impact of sequestration on businesses and on our military and their families is vital information that is still unknown. It is uncertain if military programs will be cut equally or entirely. We do not know if the sequestration will lead to personnel downsizing or exactly how these cuts will affect unemployment and Georgia’s economy. Furthermore, we do not know if our weapons programs will be cut or whether or not the ability to protect our nation will be compromised. Some of our country’s top leaders, including U.S. Senator John McCain and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, have been outspoken about how sequestration may invite aggression from opposing forces. The clock is ticking. Contact your U.S. Senator or Representative from Georgia to ask what they are personally doing to keep such radical measures from affecting those who have put their lives on hold for years to protect our nation. Now is the time to show our support for the service men and women who make sacrifices daily to protect our country. We cannot afford to add to our unemployment numbers by forcing dedicated men and women out of the military at the expense of our national security.
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
What is MedPay? And Should I Buy It? by Douglas B. Rohan, Esq. ROHAN LAW, PC When shopping for automobile insurance, one of the options you will encounter is something called “MedPay” or Medical Payments insurance. I would strongly encourage you to obtain this insurance for several reasons, which we will discuss below. First, what is “MedPay” and why is it so important to you? 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 Around Walton Community Board. You can email Doug at doug@ rohanlawpc.com.
MedPay is very different from health insurance and is obtained as part of your automobile insurance policy. It protects you and your passengers in case of an automobile accident. As we discussed last month, mandatory minimum insurance policies require you to secure at least $25,000 in coverage for bodily injuries to the accident victim in the event you are responsible for the accident. I submit that if you pay for $25,000 to cover someone else’s medical bills, it would make sense to obtain at least that much coverage for yourself. Coverage can begin as low as $1,000 and goes up as high as $50,000. So why is MedPay such a big deal? Easy to Use: If you are in an accident that is serious enough to cause injuries, you want to deal with as few headaches as possible. If you have MedPay insurance, the bills are submitted to the auto insurance company, and the company pays the bills right away. You never have to worry about endless copies of bills arriving in your mail every 30 days while your case is pending in court. Even more dramatic, this coverage is in place regardless of who is at fault. Therefore, you don’t have to spend anxious months worrying whether or not bills will be covered depending on who the court determines is at fault. Whether you caused the accident or you were the victim, MedPay steps in immediately and covers the cost of the bills. It even applies to passengers inside the covered automobile. Protects Your Credit Rating: If you do have unpaid medical bills, you run the risk that they will be turned over to collection. No matter how many letters you write to the collection or credit agencies, you still run the risk of it bringing down your credit score numbers. By having the medical providers reimbursed in
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Around WALTON | December 2012
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MedPay is very different from health insurance and is obtained as part of your automobile insurance policy. It protects you and your passengers in case of an automobile accident. a timely fashion, there is no worry about the liability falling on you. This is especially crucial if you are missing time from work as a result of your injuries. Freedom to Choose: If you are injured in an accident, chances are that it is a soft tissue injury, like whiplash. Most injuries do not require an orthopedist, and instead, a few visits to a chiropractor or therapist will go a long way towards ensuring that you are healed. If you utilize your health insurance, you will typically have to go through your primary care physician to get a referral to a treating therapist. Further, most health insurance companies won’t cover chiropractic treatment. You become captive to your health insurance guidelines rather than simply seeking treatment at the location of your choosing for the complaints and symptoms you feel. It Can Supplement the Policy Limits: If your health insurance pays for your medical bills, then once you recover in settlement or trial, you have to reimburse the medical insurance company for the money they spent treating you. If you are already dealing with a situation where the policy limits don’t quite make you whole, you don’t want to turn around and take more money out of your pocket to reimburse the health providers. You can specify your policy as “non-reimbursable” MedPay coverage, and the MedPay will not require reimbursement once the case has been settled. I understand that you can’t simply buy every type of insurance out there, but you should at least be aware of what your options are, and more importantly, how those policies may apply to you and your family’s individual situation. MedPay can be a very useful tool for you (and your attorney) in managing the costs and consequences of a major automobile accident.
Holiday Humor…A Gift Worth Giving! by Dawn Reed
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.
It’s here again, the stressful hustle and bustle time called “The Holidays.” The months of November and December usually mark a time for families to gather and celebrate. However, for many individuals, especially those caring for an aging loved one, a get-together can also bring on nervous tension and pressure. Expectations can run high for adult children to spend quality time and help parents with things on their “to do” list. When this is not accomplished in the fashion in which an elder parent wishes, then there can be a letdown. Adult children may have their own letdown when they see any decline in functioning of an aging parent. Most of us, if we are honest with ourselves, don’t want to face our own mortality, let alone the mortality of a parent. So what is one to do? My suggestion this holiday season is
to lighten the heaviness that can be associated with concern for an aging loved one and use the power of laughter. Humor, when used in a non-sarcastic manner, is a great stress reducer. Did you know laughter makes us feel good because it defuses three of the most painful emotions- fear, anger and boredom - by releasing them? This release, in turn, can ease tension associated with the holidays. Just think what a difference the family get-together could be like without tension. Imagine each generation, from great-grandparent all the way to greatgrandchild, enjoying one another in an activity without fear of failure or boredom. This experience would be a priceless gift for a family to share in. Do you need another reason to give humor a try this season? Did I mention the fact that laughter is free? Yes, it’s true. Most of the jokes, videos, and funny stories I tell or share with others can be found for free on the internet or are based on personal experience. Well, there you have it. The winner for the best gift idea for this holiday season is humor, sure to invoke stressbusting laughter. Please don’t wait, act now and take advantage of this pre-holiday special announcement and enjoy your “holiday humor” even before the holidays arrive!
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
Time for Year-End Review of Your Financial Strategy? Provided by Ben L. Clark, CFP®, ChFC®, AAMS®, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Ben Clark, CFP®, ChFC® and his wife June live in the Walton community. They have two grown daughters and five grandchildren. Ben is a seasoned financial advisor and his Edward Jones office is located at 1050 East Piedmont Road, Ste 122. You may contact him at (770) 977-4229.
Now that 2012 is drawing to a close, you may want to review the progress you’ve made this past year in many areas of your life, including your financial situation. By going over your investment portfolio and other key areas related to your finances, you can learn what moves you may need to make in 2013 to stay on track for your important objectives, such as college for your children, a comfortable retirement, and the ability to leave the type of legacy you desire.
To get a clear picture of where you are, consider asking yourself these questions: • Am I taking on too much risk? Although 2012 has generally been a pretty good year for investors, we’ve certainly seen periods of considerable volatility. During these times, did you find yourself constantly fretting about big drops in your portfolio value? In fact, have you consistently experienced this type of worry throughout your years as an investor? If so, you might be taking on too much risk for your individual risk tolerance. Review your holdings to determine if you can lower your risk level without jeopardizing your overall investment strategy.
• Am I investing too conservatively? Just as you can take on too much investment risk, you can also go to the other extreme by investing too conservatively. If your portfolio contains a preponderance of investments that offer significant preservation of principal but very little in the way of growth potential, you may be endangering your chances of accumulating the resources you’ll need to achieve your longterm goals. • Am I contributing as much as I can afford to my retirement plans? If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b), consider yourself fortunate. Your plan has the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis, and you typically contribute pre-tax dollars — the more you put in, the lower your annual taxable income. Plus, your employer may match part of your contributions. So if you’ve 18
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By going over your investment portfolio and other key areas related to your finances, you can learn what moves you may need to make in 2013 to stay on track for your important objectives, such as college for your children, a comfortable retirement, and the ability to leave the type of legacy you desire. been under-funding your retirement plan, ratchet up your funding in 2013. At the same time, you may still be eligible to contribute to an IRA; if so, try to “max out” on it. A traditional IRA grows tax deferred while a Roth IRA can grow tax free, provided you meet certain conditions. • Am I adequately protecting my income and my family? Over time, you’ll experience many changes in your life — marriage, children, new job, new home, etc. Most, if not all, of these changes will require you to make sure you have adequate life insurance in place to help guard your family’s future, should anything happen to you. Furthermore, to help replace your income should you become disabled, you may well need to purchase an adequate amount of disability income insurance. • Do I need professional help? As the above questions indicate, maintaining control of your financial situation can be challenging, especially if you try to do it all on your own. You might benefit from working with a financial professional — someone who can analyze your situation objectively and make recommendations based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and specific goals. Before the clock runs out on 2012, take the time to ask yourself the above questions. The answers may well spur you to take positive action in 2013.
After Elections, What Now For Real Estate? by Judson Adamson
Judson Adamson is the President/CEO of Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage serving the Walton community. He also is a member of the Around Walton Community Board. He can be reached at (770) 240-2001.
Now that the election is over, what do the results mean for the real estate market? Did it really matter who won the election in regards to the direction real estate would take going forward? In my opinion, probably not. It was amazing how little attention was devoted to discussing housing issues during the presidential election, especially with more than 3.5 million homes being foreclosed on in the last four years and another three million likely to face foreclosure in the next four years. There are also more than 10.8 million households underwater, owing more on their mortgage than their home is currently worth.
The housing market is beginning to recover nicely, but will inevitably have to play its part in helping to solve the financial woes of the federal government. The challenges for our political leaders are to make sure that the changes that are
implemented do not reach too far and do not do anything to derail the housing recovery. Hopefully lawmakers can come together on an agreement to avoid the “fiscal cliff.� The credit rating agency Standard and Poors has said there is a 20-25 percent chance the U.S. economy will go into a double-dip recession should Congress fail to reach an agreement, and that such a scenario would cause home prices, currently at a bottom of 31 percent below their mid2006 peak, to tumble to a record low of 40 percent below peak. Also of immediate concern is the December 31 expiration of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. This Act says that if a lender forgives some portion of a homeowner’s mortgage, either as part of a short sale or foreclosure, or in a loan restructuring that reduces principal, the owner/seller will pay no income tax on the forgiven amount. Already the pending expiration of this tax relief is discouraging sellers who may require some debt forgiveness. This uncertainty adds a new financial burden to sellers who are already in financial trouble. Revamping the mortgage interest deduction will probably continued on page 68 Around WALTON | December 2012
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Community
Uninsured Dog Owners Beware Provided by Linda and Kevin Keeton Dogs bite more than 4.7 million Americans each year, and one of every six of those requires medical attention. Even so, many pet owners are not properly insured against this potentially expensive liability. 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.
Homeowners and renters who own dogs should never go without liability insurance, which is part of most standard homeowner’s or renter’s policies, or they may be in for a rude awakening if sued. The insurance industry estimates that one-third of all homeowners’ liability insurance claims may be related to dogs.
Many home-based business owners and renters are at particular financial risk when their dogs bite. Because homeowner’s policies exclude coverage for business-related losses, an in-home entrepreneur without business insurance may not be covered if sued by a customer who was bitten by the entrepreneur’s family dog. Renters also are subject to higher risk because many people who rent are still uninsured for personal property losses and liability claims. Some mistakenly believe that their landlord’s insurance will cover their losses. Owners whose pets are among the more aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, or those with dogs that have demonstrated aggressive tendencies may want to purchase an
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Dog owners need to be aware of the financial as well as physical implications of letting dogs roam free... umbrella liability policy, which provides increased coverage in case of an attack. But others should be cautious as well — all dog owners should be cautious around children. They represent more than half of all dog bite victims— the bites usually occur in the face from dogs owned by family or friends. Dog owners need to be aware of the financial as well as physical implications of letting dogs roam free and of not taking precautions to prevent injuries, even at home. It is estimated that 70 percent of attacks occur on the dog owners’ property. Leash and muzzle laws vary from state to state as do owner liability. Consumers should be aware of the presence of such statutes and the potential legal and financial repercussions of disregarding them. In many cases, a dog doesn’t actually have to bite someone for the owner to be liable for a victim’s injury. On the other hand, the owner may not be liable for injuries caused by an animal if the injured party was negligent, if the animal has no history of aggression, or if the owner posts approved warning signs. Most importantly, take precautions to protect others, but don’t forget to protect yourself as well. For more information, contact your insurance agent.
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Community
Ten Tips to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal by Zett Quinn
What does your home’s “curb appeal” say about you? Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or to enjoy it for another decade, you want your home to give a good first impression.
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.qualitycraftsmen.com or contact him at (404) 483-7446.
Here are some tips to improve your home’s appearance: 1. A new front door will create a bright, welcoming feel for your guests. In the Walton community, many homeowners are choosing Craftsman-style fiberglass doors. Composite fiberglass offers the look of real wood, plus it’s rot and water resistant and won’t warp. 2. Replace light fixtures by your front door to brighten, improve and update the entry.
3. Painting the house, windows, shutters and trim will give your home a fresh facelift. 4. If your siding requires considerable repair, replacing it may be a better investment. Options include vinyl, wood, fiber cement from brands such as James Hardie®, and composite siding like Everlast®. This innovative new material won’t absorb water, never needs painting, and is pest resistant. 5. Besides improving your energy bills, new windows will improve your home’s façade. Look for a vinyl window that has double- or triple-pane glass, a low-e coating and is filled with argon or krypton gas. 6. Upgrade the garage door to enhance your entire home, especially if the garage door faces the street. 7. A new roof will make a huge difference. While most roofs in our area are black or gray fiberglass shingles, other colors and architectural designs add dimension and style. If your home isn’t a traditional Colonial style, you could enhance it with a roof made of slate, tile or wood shingles. 8. Add a focal point to your home – and set it apart from the neighbors’ – with a new or revamped porch or portico. Many homeowners are adding decorative stonework in the stairs, landing and surrounding the front door. 22
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9. Create timeless elegance by adding large columns and elaborate moldings around the front door, windows and along the roofline. 10. A new driveway or walkway will make your home feel inviting. Update your front path with paver stones and replace a cracked driveway with one trimmed with stones or bricks. Consider adding decorative retaining walls around flower beds and trees, or transition from old railroad ties to attractive stacked stone.
Ensure that your home’s curb appeal reflects the style and character of your family, making a great first impression.
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Community
Let’s Go Shopping: Impactful Corporate Gift Ideas by Mary-Kathryn Boler
The holiday season has arrived. Are you done shopping, yet? No, me neither.
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 profitably than they thought possible.
According to a survey conducted by Lands End Business Outfitters, 52 percent of businesses will send gifts to their clients this year, and most will spend less than $25 per client. Imagine the typical corporate gift: a trinket with a company logo or a tower of boxes filled with sweet treats. If you have not ordered such a gift already, it is probably too late. Don’t worry, that’s a good thing.
Corporate gifts serve two purposes. The most obvious is as a way to say thank you to our clients. The second is as a way to interact with our clients personally and enhance our relationships. I think the most effective holiday gifts are those that reveal something about you and can be enjoyed by the recipient, not those that overtly remind people how wonderful your company is. Plenty of time exists to send meaningful gifts at all price points. Let’s go shopping. • Gift Cards: According to the National Retail Federation, six in ten people want gift cards for the holidays. Despite their simplicity, they offer a chance to show your creative side. Send a gift card or certificate for $25 or free shipping for a year. Enclose a note such as, “Thanks for being one of our best customers! We look forward to working with you in 2013.” Avoid sending cards which require the recipient to spend significant money to use the gift, such as $25 off a purchase of $100 or more. That’s a sales pitch, not a gift. How about a card from one of East Cobb’s hundreds of restaurants? You could send a card from a local watering hole with a note saying, “This is one of my favorite restaurants. The lunch specials are terrific. I hope to see you there soon.” I bet your client will go there and look for you. • Tickets to Events: I enjoy sending tickets to family activities, such as movies, bowling, and sporting events. An appropriate note for clients with children might be, “We know you work hard. Let us help you kick back and relax with your family this holiday season!”
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Come Get Fit for Life
Photos by Liz Blount Studio 7
and after graduating with a degree in accounting, he discovered that sitting behind a desk all day was not for him. He decided to pursue his passion for fitness instead. Knowing how training made him feel and look great, he wanted to help others achieve the same results. Ty consults with each client to develop an individualized exercise program, specifically aimed at reaching the client’s ultimate goals while taking into consideration any physical limitations or past injuries.
(770) 321-4550 4950 Olde Towne Parkway, Marietta www.FitForLifeAtlanta.com When local residents Ty and Julie Jones started Fit for Life Personal Training in 1997, they chose the name carefully to reflect their commitment to helping clients make permanent lifestyle changes to remain fit for life — healthy, strong, and ready to take on any challenge. Ty has a strong passion for helping people reach their fitness goals and derives extreme satisfaction from watching his clients’ transformations. He loves the “aha” moment when clients realize the amount of stress reduction and the overall increase in energy gained from adding the Fit for Life workout to their schedule. The large yet private and nonintimidating environment of the fitness center at Olde Towne Athletic Club is the perfect fit for getting fit with Ty and his team of personal trainers. Ty played baseball for Mercer University,
later, they both continue to train with Ty weekly. Fit for Life employs a variety of functional tools and equipment including the TRX Suspension Trainer, free weights, kettle bells, stability balls and disks, BOSU balls for balance training, and a Ball Wall to develop core strength and explosive power. Cutting edge equipment available for workouts includes the reACT Trainer used to rapidly increase muscle mass, strength and power, and the Power Plate Trainer. For cardiovascular exercise, the center has Precor Ellipticals, treadmills, and Cybex recumbent bikes.
Clients range in age from 9 to 71 with the majority over the age of 40. Clients come to Fit for Life for a variety of reasons including: increase stamina and core strength, gain muscle, lose body fat, increase flexibility, improve sport performance, improve bone density, prepare for a special event such as a wedding, reunion, or big birthday, or any combination of these. Ty and his staff of certified trainers have more than 60 years combined experience, and they are committed to helping clients safely realize their fitness goals The Fit for Life team of personal trainers (left to right): Jose under the supervision and training Sanchez, Dr. Justin Fierro, Victoria Bradley and Ty Jones. of certified fitness professionals. For a limited time, Fit for Life is offering a Ty realized early in his career that one Fitness Evaluation with Ty, two personal thing missing from personal training was training sessions, and a Tanita body fun. At Fit for Life, the trainers know that composition analysis for $49, allowing working out is hard, and they strive to new clients to learn if Fit for Life will make each session productive and fun be right for them. Fit for Life also is so clients will stick with a program and excited to offer a new program of small make it a habit. Individual programs can group personal training for athletes from involve one to three workouts of half to ages 9–15. The younger group (9–12) full hour sessions per week plus guidance will focus on functional strength while on nutrition and exercise for outside of improving speed and agility. The older the workouts. Ty and his staff are glad to group (13–15) will be introduced to work with a client for only a short time, strength training as well. This program teaching the individualized workout plan will help each individual become a more that can then be continued by the client balanced athlete, prevent injuries, and on his/her own. On the other hand, many develop workout habits that can be kept clients have worked out with the Fit for for a lifetime. Life team for more than eight years and continue to be challenged and motivated. No matter what your fitness level, the One client’s husband thought that it Fit for Life staff can help you reach your was time for her to give up her sessions goals and continue to challenge yourself with Ty. Then, one day the husband, for years to come. Call (770) 321-4550, substituting for his sick wife, went in for a schedule an appointment today, and Get personal training session. Now, ten years Fit. Feel Great. Expect Results! Advertisement
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Feature
Local Author Gail Karwoski Visits Timber Ridge Elementary by Lynne Lysaght
For the third consecutive year, Cobb EMC has hosted a Literacy Week event at local schools to encourage students to develop a lifelong love of reading and to perhaps be inspired to write their own books. This year, Georgia authors Gail Langer Karwoski, Diane Shore, and Robyn Hood Black were joined by New York Times bestselling author Brian Lies to visit several of our local schools during this special week. Prize-winning author Gail Karwoski gave presentations to all the grades at Timber Ridge Elementary School. I had the pleasure of attending her presentation to the fifth graders about her book, Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark. When my son attended Timber Ridge, we had read the book together aloud so that his younger brother could enjoy it as well. I found it interesting to learn more about the author and how the book came about while also witnessing the enthusiasm and excitement she was creating with the children. Gail was a teacher for 13 years before becoming a writer full time. She didn’t like history in school because she found it so boring, and then she had to teach it. She discovered that history is really a collection of stories, and that brought it to life for her and, in turn, for her students. She realized that she wanted to write historical fiction for children to read and enjoy while learning about real things that happened. Seaman is historical fiction that is all about a Newfoundland dog and his escapades while traveling on the most famous outdoor adventure in our history. Gail shared with the children that there really was a Newfoundland dog that made the trip with Lewis and Clark, and her first job in writing the book was to research the history of the event. She also did research on Newfoundland dogs to learn all about her main character. She taught the students about primary documents, which are documents written by someone who witnessed the event firsthand. In this case, both Lewis and Clark had written volumes of 26
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journals on the trip, and Gail used the actual journals for her research. After satisfying her curiosity through research, she told the attentive audience that she had to get inside the story to discover the hearts and minds of the characters. The freedom of writing historical fiction is that the author gets to fill in the gaps. One special feature of Seaman is that every illustration has a caption from the original journals, with any mistakes by the journal author left intact. The students asked many questions after her presentation and obviously wanted to learn more. In addition to bringing the authors to visit local schools, Cobb EMC donated some of the authors’ books to a number of the schools’ media centers so students could become familiar with the featured authors. Authors signed these, along with students’ personal copies, during the event. After the presentation, Mrs. K, as she asked the children to call her, was interviewed by two student reporters for a special School Power, a Cobb EMC publication. The goal of encouraging reading, writing and sparking imaginations was achieved and Timber Ridge students were excited to read more of Gail’s books. For more information about Gail and her books, visit gailkarwoski.com. Left: Two student reporters at Timber Ridge Elementary School interview local author Gail Karwoski during Cobb EMC’s 2012 Literacy Week.
Gail Karwoski speaks to Timber Ridge Elementary fifth graders.
Marlow’s Tavern is the perfect place to spend time with friends and family this holiday season. marlowstavern.com ©2012 Marlow’s Tavern
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Lifestyle
Heather’s Dream by Jennifer Jarosick
Before staying home with her children, Jennifer was a kindergarten teacher and a kindergarten/ first grade reading teacher. She also served as co-president and board member of a local MOMS Club chapter. Jennifer and her husband Martin have four children. If you have any comments, feel free to contact Jennifer at jenniferjarosick@ gmail.com.
She’d collect roly-polies and put them in her pocket, play with her brother and sister and cry when she saw trees being cut down. Heather Thomas was a normal little girl with big dreams of growing up and making the world a better place. When Heather was 11 years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). She spent most of the next eight months, including the 2000 holiday season, in the hospital at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Heather was overwhelmed by the many gifts from friends and strangers alike and was delighted by the volunteers and celebrities who gave their time to fill the kids’ days with special activities. They treated her like a normal little girl, and she loved it. She was always thinking of the other kids, making sure they all received gifts, because she would say they were worse off than she was. Of all the gifts, Heather’s favorite was an angel created from a plastic spoon that a little girl made for the kids on the cancer floor. Deborah, Heather’s mother, still has the handmade angel to this day less than two weeks after the New Year, on January 11, 2001, Heather lost her battle against leukemia. It didn’t take much to brighten Heather’s days in the hospital. Her mother said she was mostly touched by the time people took to volunteer. It made her last holiday a little more bearable, a little more special, and her mother is so thankful for how the community reached out to her sweet girl in her last days and made her smile. As we all prepare to celebrate the 2012 holiday season, many of us search for some way to give back, but often get so caught up in the hectic holiday schedule that it gets pushed to next year’s agenda. This year, think of all the Heathers out there, whether they are sick, injured, financially struggling or affected by Super Storm Sandy. Make this the year you give back to the community, in 28
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any way you can. Create a family tradition and help serve meals at MUST Ministries, turn a play date into a baking experience and deliver cookies to the Ronald McDonald House or add a toy drive to a neighborhood holiday party for the Children’s Health Care of Atlanta or Toys for Tots. To make it even easier, here are a few organizations in our area in need of volunteers, money or gifts. Check them out and pick one that fits you and your family. The Ronald McDonald House: www.armhc.org MUST Ministries: www.mustministries.org Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: www.choa.org/supportchildrens/give-to-childrens/more-ways-to-give Toys for Tots: www.toysfortots.org The Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org One of Heather Thomas’s childhood dreams was to grow up and make a difference in this world. She may not be here to do it herself, but we can do it for her. I hope her story inspires you to give back to the community and help make someone’s day a little brighter and the world a better place. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
EVENT CALENDAR: December 11
Light the Night Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: 736 Johnson Ferry Road Information: Chabad Of Cobb’s Chanukah Menorah Lighting will be held at the Fountains of Old Towne Shopping Center. This is the lighting of Atlanta’s tallest menorah and the event will be free.
December 12
Midwest Preview Concert Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Bailey Center for the Performing Arts, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw Information: The Walton High School Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a preview of the performance it will play for the Midwest Clinic in Chicago later in the month. Performing at the Bailey Center will be the first opportunity for this large group of talented students to play together all on one stage with the incredible acoustics that the Center offers. For free tickets, send an email to waltonhighschoolorchestra@gmail.com.
December 14
WHS Basketball Reunion Time: 6 p.m. Location: Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Road Information: All former Walton High School (WHS) girls and boys players, cheerleaders and coaches are invited. WHS will be playing Spalding County High School. The girls’ game will begin at 6 p.m. and the boys’ game at 7:30 p.m. For more information please contact Larry Pace at email, lengpac@yahoo.com or call (770) 977-2321 or facebook pages, waltonalumni or Larry Pace. All former players, cheerleaders and coaches will be recognized between girls’ and boys’ games (about 7:15 p.m.). There will be a hospitality room in the cafeteria for alumni and family is welcome.
December 15
Swim with Santa Time: 4 – 6 p.m. Location: McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, 1055 East Piedmont Road Information: Santa will be stopping at the McCleskey Y for some water fun before the big night. Children ages 3 – 13 are invited to come take a dip in the pool and share their Christmas wish list with Santa. Photos with Santa will be taken. There will be pool games
December/January
and a special treat after swimming. The cost will be $8 per person and registration is required. Children 10 and under must have an adult in the pool area with them and children 8 and under must have an adult in the pool with them. Call (770) 977-5991 to register.
on physical therapies designed specifically for Parkinson’s Disease and will include two guest speakers who are specially trained physical therapists from PT Solutions. Those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and caregivers are welcome. Call (678) 439-1177 for more information.
December 17
Women’s Circle Book Club Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road Information: Ladies will discuss the book, A Mother in Israel: The Life and Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson. RSVP via email to mandimaloon@gmail.com or stephanierosen@gmail.com.
Send Your Calendar items to lynne@ aroundaboutmagazines.com
Deadline is December 20
December 19, January 3 & January 16
Divorce Support Group for Women Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Location: East Cobb Government Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road Information: Visions Anew, a non-profit organization, facilitates this support group that helps individuals going through the divorce process. The support group meets every first Thursday and third Wednesday of the month. The organization hosts a number of free support groups around the Atlanta area every week. For more information, visit visionsanew.org or call (770) 953-2882.
December 26 – 28, January 2 – 4, 7
Dynamite Days Off Camp Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, 1055 East Piedmont Road Information: During school holiday breaks, the YMCA provides healthy and fun activities for children ages 5 – 12. Qualified counselors will lead activities that include swimming, crafts, sports, group games, and making friends! Pack a lunch, two snacks, swimsuit and towel. Cost for members will be $35/day, prospective members $55/day. Free extended care will be available from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, visit ymcaatlanta.org or call (770) 977-5991.
January 8
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Aloha to Aging, Inc., Mt. Bethel Community Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Road Information: This month’s program will focus Around WALTON | December 2012
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Feature
Operation Homefront Georgia: Holiday Help for Heroes by Lindsay Greene
As many of us prepare for the holidays, gifts are often on the minds of both young and old. One of the greatest gifts we all enjoy is the gift of freedom, and it’s easy in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to forget about the thousands of service members who sacrifice so much to make that privilege possible for us. If you are looking for a way for you and your family to make a difference this holiday season, you don’t have to leave East Cobb. Operation Homefront Georgia, Inc., located on Old Canton Road in East Cobb, is a non-profit that serves military families in financial crisis statewide. Georgia military families, E1-E6 whose primary breadwinner is deployed and are unable to pay rent, buy food, and more, can apply to the Georgia office for assistance. Wounded warriors are served without restriction to rank, as their savings often are depleted as the wait for Federal assistance can take up to 18 months. The organization’s target population is American military personnel and their families who have unmet needs due to death, injury, physical or mental detriment, or financial hardship as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan. Service members who receive help include active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and veterans. You might wonder how the organization chose to locate in East Cobb. Kim Scofi, Chapter President for Operation Homefront Georgia, and four other Operation Homefront team members live in East Cobb. “With the proximity to Atlanta, interstates, airports, and more, we decided East Cobb was a great place to set down roots. The outpouring of support we’ve received from the churches, synagogues, and businesses has been heartwarming. We’ve also had great support from families around town who volunteer one hour a month or every day of the week,” explained Kim. “Operation Homefront provides both financial and morale assistance with the objective of keeping our military families strong, healthy, and ready for each
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new day, whatever it may bring,” she explained. It is Kim’s mission to make sure military families in Georgia have toys under the tree and a holiday meal on Christmas Day. She and a brigade of volunteers work throughout the year to organize Operation Christmas, a toy and food giveaway. In 2011, the Georgia Chapter assisted over 17,000 families, and they anticipate assisting in excess of 17,600 military families by the end of 2012.
Ways to Get Involved: • Join the Volunteer Team working events and working at the office serving military families. • Consider monthly giving—Operation Homefront will be glad to work with you to set up monthly giving that works with your budget. • Spread the word! Tell everyone you know about Operation Homefront! Like the organization’s Facebook page, subscribe to receive the newsletter, and follow the group on twitter! • Stuff the Truck with Toys—Operation Santa’s Call - Toys for Military Girls and Boys - Count on Me! Operation Homefront is now collecting toys to stuff the camouflage truck for military boys and girls this Christmas. Many military families are on a very tight budget, and the holidays only make it more difficult to get by and get ahead. Operation Homefront Georgia receives applications from military families for Christmas assistance. Upon approval, parents are issued tickets for each child where the children select a toy from the “no cost” toy store. Santa needs your help; donate a new, unwrapped $10–$20 toy to Operation Homefront Georgia today and put a smile on the face of the youngest who serve. • See the Trees!—Drive by the Marietta office at 1220 Old Canton Road after dark and see the fabulous Christmas trees! Each branch of the military is represented along with a Veterans’ Tree to remember the Wounded Warriors! Operation Homefront was formed in February of 2002 to support the families of deployed service members immediately following 9/11. Since 2002, Operation Homefront has met over 400,000 military families’ needs nationwide from all branches of service. The organization earned the highest rating of four stars from Charity Navigator, the nation’s top independent evaluator of nonprofit organizations. Nationally, $.94 of every dollar donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs. To learn more about Operation Homefront Georgia, or to make a donation, visit Operation Homefront Georgia, 1220 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30062, or call (770) 973-0014. Visit www.operationhomefront.net/georgia/ or follow Operation Homefront Georgia on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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Lifestyle
Ask Margot by Margot Swann
Margot Swann is the Founder and CEO of Visions Anew Institute. She established this nonprofit to provide resources, education, and support for people going through divorce. Send your divorce questions to margot@ visionsanew.org, call (770) 953-2882 or visit www.visions.org.
Dear Margot, For most of the 30 years I have been married, I have made a very good living. I’ve become an entrepreneur in the last few years after I was downsized and building a business has been tough. Now my wife is the breadwinner, doles the money out by the spoonful, and calls me a loser. I can barely buy client lunches, so how can I afford an attorney? Where can I find legal help in seeking a divorce? Not a Loser
Dear Not a Loser,
I hope you seek marriage counseling. Giving up on a 30 year marriage will cause major trauma to everyone. If, however, you decide that divorce is your only option, I would suggest that you speak with a 32
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family law attorney. The Manely Law Firm might have some suggestions about your initial preparation. Even before you are certain you want a divorce, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced family law attorney. After all, knowledge is power. Some firms may offer free consultations. We can advise you on how choices made now might affect the divorce process and outcomes. For example, if you walk out of your home to bunk with a friend until “things at home improve,” a judge is likely to order that living arrangement be maintained. Or, if your salary from your new venture is accounted for as a deferred liability, your wife may be entitled to a portion of the future earnings. Whereas, if there is no such accounting, it would be difficult to argue she has a future interest. Finding a law firm that only does family law is important. Firms that serve only families must be more sensitive to family budgets to stay in business. Also, look for an attorney who knows that even after divorce, spouses usually remain “in family,” sharing a common history, loved ones, friends and continued on page 68
Gel-Tastic or a Waste of Money? by Kara Kiefer I have hiked, camped (in a tent!), and actually enjoy seeing those big garden spiders and their webs. But truth be told, I’m a girly girl, and I enjoy what comes with that title.
Kara Kiefer is the Executive Editor for Around About Local Media. She lives in southwest Cherokee with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett.
One of the aspects about being a girly girl is getting your nails done. While pedicures are a regular occurrence during the summer, I normally only treat myself to a manicure once or twice a year. Why so infrequently? Because they don’t last.
I could get artificial nails, but they are costly and damage your real nails. I could get weekly manicures like I used to when my husband and I were DINKS (Double Income No Kids), but college tuition, car payments, and insuring teenagers who drive all take a dent out of my “nail budget,” which leaves me with one option: doing my own nails. I’m quite adept at doing my own manicure, but it’s the maintenance that kills me. If I’m lucky, I can make it two days before my manicure starts to chip. After all, I’m typing, cooking, washing my hands, cleaning my house, etc… all of which are antagonists to keeping a pristine manicure. Daily, I have to do “damage repair” on my manicure, and by the fourth day, I’m over it and usually end up removing the polish all together and going with maintenance free color of “clear.”
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To me, this seemed like the perfect solution—the lasting appeal of artificial nails but not harmful to my real nails. Because I didn’t get regular salon manicures, I was not aware of the newest manicure option, Gel Manicures. The polish used is specially formulated not to chip and claims to stay chip-less for up to two weeks. To me, this seemed like the perfect solution— the lasting appeal of artificial nails but not harmful to my real nails. So I gave it a try, and I gave this manicure a work out! I did everything I would normally do without a manicure, fully expecting at least a minor chip. After one week, the manicure was still intact — no sign of wear. By the second week, my nails had grown, which left the base of my nail exposed and unpolished. Had it not been for that, I could have gone another week. There was not a chip or nick to be found in my nails. A gel manicure is more expensive than a regular manicure, and if you do it regularly, it’s probably more than acrylic or gel nails, which require an upfront charge and minimal maintenance every few weeks. However, if you have good nails and don’t want to damage them with acrylics or gel, this is an excellent solution. Of the two or three salons I regularly patronize, they all offer the service, and they are all the same price. So, the answer to the question is definitely “Gel-Tastic!”
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Lifestyle
Everyday
Be an EXAMPLE of giving.
If you would like to make a donation, 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.
Last December, a local third grade class “adopted” a little boy who would not have received anything for Christmas otherwise. The class was told of this child’s situation – he was four years old and lived with his mother and older brother. He had lost his father in a car accident, and Christmas time would be difficult in many ways. Each student was encouraged to do chores around the house to earn money to purchase gifts on this boy’s Christmas list. Each week, the students eagerly brought in their hard-earned money, proudly sharing with the class what they did to earn it. It wasn’t long until enough was raised for the big shopping day. During the class holiday party, the gifts were wrapped and delivered through the school counselor to the boy’s family. After the holidays, the class received a Thank You letter from the little boy, which was proudly displayed in the classroom the remainder of the year. Five months later, at the end of the school year, the students were asked to share what they felt was one of the most important things about being in third grade. Aside from their undying love for their teacher, it was a warm surprise to hear how many of the students said it was helping this child have a memorable Christmas. Many people do wonderful things for the less fortunate during Christmas. Never underestimate the effects of your efforts. You could be lighting a spark for a lifetime of selfless giving in others. Be an example to your children and allow Christ-like compassion to flow through you to others less fortunate, and experience the season’s true meaning. Everyday Angels will be assisting a family of four who has just secured a home but is sleeping on the floor. The mother was married for 20 years before the alcoholic dad left the family. She had left her job of 15 years to move to Cherokee County, and her oldest son is now supporting the family while obtaining his GED. Some people in Cherokee County really do sleep on the floor, and most of them do not ask for help unless it is an absolute emergency. Yes, there are those who abuse the system, but this is not one of those families. Their goal is to get straightened out, have everyone working and be able to support themselves. We have been busy collecting clothing and beds this past month. We are grateful for what we have been able to supply so far, but more is needed - especially grocery gift cards and assistance with utility bills. See the box to the left to see how you can help. Last month, we featured Jonathan, a young boy who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Jonathon needs a service dog to help him with his impulsiveness and anxiety. Everyday Angels would like to thank those who contributed in support of Jonathan and his service dog. We cannot wait to share pictures of him when his new best friend arrives. Without your support, it would not be possible!
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Celebration Time by Peter Allen
Peter Allen lives in East Cobb and has a degree in Business Management and holds several certificates from coaching institutes for life, business relationships and retirement. He can be reached at (770) 9772232.
It’s time to celebrate! No, not the election and not just the holidays. It is time to celebrate your successes. Most of us never take the time to celebrate our successes, challenges that we have overcome, and all of the wonderful things that please us in our work lives and personal lives. We may think it’s just not that important. We’ve got so much to do, family to care for, tasks to complete, fires to put out, customers/ clients to please, cash to manage, sales to increase, and etc... We all know that this is what a responsible business person does if he or she wishes to get ahead.
As the year comes to a close, we should all use the opportunity that this time of year provides to practice celebrating and to be grateful for all that we have, all that we give, and all that we receive. We should learn to make this celebrating a part of our life process and learn to do it often. The more we do this, the more wonderful things we attract to ourselves in the form of health, happiness, and prosperity As business people, we have vision, creativity, passion, drive, and skills that we are constantly improving. This is how we achieve the monetary rewards and the satisfaction that comes from our self expression in our work. We chose this work, hopefully, because we love it. If you are no longer passionate about your work, it is time to step back and take a good look and evaluate where you are. There are many things you can
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When you recall and celebrate all of the wonderful things that happen in your day, you create energy that attracts more of what you want in your life.
do to get the zest back. Taking time to celebrate and being grateful is one of them. That’s one of the things we work with in coaching our clients. When you recall and celebrate all of the wonderful things that happen in your day, you create energy that attracts more of what you want in your life. Just by acknowledging your appreciation for it is a form of celebration. I have a client who looks for at least three things at the end of each day that he can be thankful for and appreciate. Some days finding three things can be difficult. It causes you to look deeper. It could be as simple as getting inspired by a conversation you had or as obvious as the fact that your business just reached its first million in sales. The energy that you create with this habit is a very powerful asset for you in your business life and personal life. Try it out for thirty days. May you be filled with zest, vitality, and more reasons to celebrate! Around WALTON | December 2012
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Feature
A Fresh Look at the Giant World of Possibilities Walk into Brown Elementary School on a Friday morning as the instructors from The Science Chain roll in the supplies needed for Fun Friday Labs, and you’ll feel the pulse of the school go up a measure. Bright-eyed students in the hallway wave in excitement or loudly whisper, “Do we get to do experiments today?” or “Hi Science Ladies! Are you going to be in our room today?” This is how The Science Chain knows it has begun accomplishing its mission to get students and teachers excited about science. This small, not-for-profit company wants to provide portable science labs to as many schools as possible. Its instructors put together plans, bring in supplies and materials, and teach the labs at no cost to economically challenged schools. At first glance, it might not seem to have a huge impact, but take a look at what these labs have fired up. Not only do students get excited about science, but they go home and share what they’ve done with their siblings and families. Some students have initiated family science experiment nights. Students search for answers to science questions that pop up during the labs and eagerly report findings. Classroom teachers get more involved too, and when they are teaching science, they notice students are more interested because of the real hands-on experiences from the labs. The Science Chain creates a palpable buzz about science, and it does matter.
THE SCIENCE CHAIN is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) company A Positive Chain Reaction www.thesciencechain.org thesciencechain@gmail.com Joan Steigerwald Griffith 770.309.3153 Tricia Nodar 678.779.4343 36
Around WALTON | December 2012
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? We’ve all
been asked this question. Of course, the usual answers come to mind: a firefighter, a doctor, a teacher. All are noble professions, but most fortunate students soon realize just how many options there are. The average college student changes majors three to five times. What if the panoramic of options never formed in your mind? What if you never knew you had a choice? What if you thought your options were completely and utterly limited? Or, worse yet, what if you didn’t think you even had any options? How would your attitude, motivation, and interest level in learning and school change?
CONSIDER HOW MANY JOBS INVOLVE SOME SORT OF SCIENCE. There are too many fields to list. Half
of the U.S. economic growth since World War II has come from advances in science and technology. Ten of the top 15 highest paying jobs in 2012 are directly related to science. The top
paying sales jobs are in the fields of science, technology, and scientific research. Think about it. How important is the energy issue or managing natural resources, like water? There is food science, healthcare, personal care, construction, engineering, technology and on and on. Yes, many true scientist careers require higher degrees, but ALL of the top ten fastest growing jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree are in science related fields.
OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE IS FALLING BEHIND. Among wealthy
nations, the United States ranked 23rd in science in standardized tests. We rank 27th in college graduates with degrees in science and math. While across all income levels, there are gaps in science achievement; studies show that poverty provides the greatest barrier to success in science.
HOW CAN WE CHANGE THAT? The Science Chain
believes in reacting now to the world around us. Its mission is to provide hands-on, interactive science labs to as many schools as possible. The Science Chain instructors create a buzz about science with students and teachers. They open up possibilities, give students dreams about solving the energy crisis or finding an economically feasible way to make saltwater (which covers 95 percent of the Earth) drinkable. These are actual conversations that happen with elementary students during a science lab. A whole gamut of jobs, careers, and situations in daily life associated with science comes into focus while students and teachers engage in interactive science labs with explosive enthusiasm. Surprisingly, teachers also come to more fully understand science concepts during these labs. It is amazing to see a teacher connect a science concept to real life once they experience it hands-on. These are bright teachers, but we all have our strengths, and science is not always one of them (just look at the statistics above). Teachers are crunched for time, limited on budgets, and slammed with too many students in a classroom. It is difficult to purchase, organize, and plan for hands-on science lessons, even when the teacher has the desire!
HOW CAN YOU CHANGE THAT? Help The Science
Chain find ways to fund portable science labs. Do you have connections within corporations that have a budget for
community responsibility or sustainability? Sustainability includes sustaining communities and people. The Science Chain creates jobs for those that help implement and teach the labs. It builds a stronger future workforce right here in our local communities. The organization also seeks volunteers from interested companies to get personally involved. Of course, individual donations, sponsorships, and grants are accepted, too. If you cannot directly donate or volunteer time, link the science chain to someone who can and create a positive chain reaction.
HELP EVERYONE VIEW THE WORLD THROUGH A WIDER LENS. Science is in everything, everywhere. On a
larger scale, creating an interest in science opens the gates to the global world. On a smaller scale, creating an interest in science raises students’ test scores. Check in with teachers, administrators, and students at Brown Elementary, where through funding from Eka Chemicals, The Science Chain ran a pilot program with third and fourth grade classes. Ask them if they saw a significant upswing in interest level AND test scores in science in just one year, and the answer is a resounding YES.
REACT AND MAKE IT HAPPEN. Contact The Science Chain to find out more information and to learn how the company makes it easy for the schools and the community to give every student a fresh look at the giant world of possibilities. Around WALTON | December 2012
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Feature
2012 East Cobb Citizen of the Year:
Karen Hallacy Karen Hallacy was named the East Cobb Citizen of the Year for 2012 by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce at a recent East Cobb Area Council breakfast meeting. Karen is the 22nd individual to be awarded this distinction. She is an advocate for local students and public education and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer since she became an East Cobb resident more than ten years ago. Karen was surprised with the award and admitted to the crowd that she is not often at a loss for words. She was nominated for the award by Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, a fellow award recipient in 1997. He said, “Karen Hallacy is someone who gets involved and is making a difference in our community. In any given week, you can find Karen down at the Capitol talking to legislators about a bill that affects children and education, making sure the meetings of various groups are taking place according to Robert’s Rules of Order, leading a committee meeting for the PTA, or simply being a mom cheering on the band at the local high school football game. Karen leads by example and we are fortunate to have someone with her passion and commitment as a resident of East Cobb.”
Johnny Johnson presents Karen Hallacy with East Cobb Citizen of the Year award for 2012. Photo by Marietta Daily Journal staff photographer, Laura Moon.
Over the years, Karen has provided service and leadership to the Eastern Cobb County Council of PTAs, the Georgia PTA, the Neighborhood Safety Commission, the Cobb Chamber’s Partners in Education program, the Cobb Chamber’s Business Education Committee, and the Cobb Board of Education. She served as co-chair for the Cobb County School District SPLOST III committee and currently serves as the Parliamentarian for the National Charity League. She is an active member of the East Cobb Civic Association and a 2012 graduate of the Cobb Chamber’s Leadership Program. Most recently, she worked hard to help the voters understand the true meaning of the poorly worded amendment relating to Charter schools that was on the ballot on Election Day. When not serving on a committee or at the Capitol, you can find Karen serving as one of the photographers for the Walton High School Band where her daughter plays the trumpet, following the Homecoming Parade route, or capturing a performance of the group at a Raider football game. She and her husband Don and their three children live in the Walton community. Congratulations and thank you for your service to education and the children of our community.
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Karen with her husband Don and her daughter, Nikki.
Lifestyle
Raising Money-Wise Kids: The Responsibilities and Costs of Teen Driving by Lisa Malice, Ph.D.
Lisa Malice earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from Georgia Tech. She served as a PTA leader at the local and state levels for ten years. She lives in the Indian Hills subdivision with her husband and two children. Contact her at lisa@ moneywisekids.org.
My 16-year old son, Frank, passed his driver’s license test earlier this month. Some consider this a rite of passage in a teen’s life, but my husband and I consider it a privilege our kids had to earn through responsibility—doing well in school, completing chores, treating people with respect, avoiding drugs and alcohol and saving money for car expenses. As a money-wise parent, that should be your position, too. There are too many costs associated with putting your teen behind the wheel—financial and physical, some life-threatening—to be casual about teen driving.
attendance office) for teens to take permit and license tests. B averages earn insurance discounts. Your standards as a parent should be tougher. Don’t hesitate to suspend privileges if your teen’s attendance and grade reports show evidence of slacking off on schoolwork or skipping.
Your teen’s most important responsibility is school. Even the State of Georgia and insurance companies agree that a good education will take your teen farther than a car will. Georgia requires a Certificate of Attendance ($2; apply at Walton
Some teens wait for their 17th birthday to get their licenses just to avoid the driver’s ed requirement. Condoning this decision is unwise not only for the loss of insurance discounts, but because it reinforces the I-know-it-all attitude that gets teens in trouble. For young drivers, who have more fatal accidents than any other
Your teen also has a responsibility to prepare for written and road driving tests, including taking certified driver’s ed classes. Failed tests cost time and money. Having used both private and public driver’s ed providers, I recommend the Marietta and Cobb County Schools course (30 hour classroom/six hours driving; mariettacobbdriverseducation.com). It provided the best deal ($375), a tough curriculum, and an instructor who thoroughly reviewed Frank’s road performance with me after each lesson.
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Lifestyle
Sweatshirt Chic by Nora Borne
Nora Borne is a personal stylist and has had a passion for fashion her entire life. She lives in the Walton Community with her husband, Darrell, and daughters, Emma and Sarah. She will help you create a look of your own that celebrates your personality and inner beauty. She can be contacted at (678) 4275359 or at noraborne@ bellsouth.net.
Time to get cozy! Sweatshirts have moved beyond athletic wear to fullscale casual glamour. The stylish sweatshirt is a fashion trend that is here to stay. First introduced by Champion in the 1930s, and elevated to “trendy” by Norma Kamali in the 1980s, the sweatshirt has become a mainstay of American fashion. Found not only in gyms and on college campuses, the sweatshirt can be seen for chic daytime looks and glamorous evening wear.
The chilly winter months are a perfect time to experiment with the array of new sweatshirt styles available in stores and online. They are comfortable, laid-back and so easy to wear. A recent shopping venture revealed surprising options offered at every price point from shops such as Zara, J Crew, Neiman Marcus and Target. Fabrics range from brocade and embroidered to leather and lace. Effortlessly chic cashmere and other luxurious fabrics can also be found. They are not only on-trend but very versatile and practical. Wear them with your favorite pair of denim or take it up a notch with a pair of cropped trousers or a pencil skirt. Don’t be afraid to juxtapose a beaded sweatshirt with a pair of jeans or a simple grey cashmere version with a pair of velvet or silk pants. Have fun mixing up the styles and giving your look an element of surprise. Remember, style is about how you feel, and these latest versions feel fabulous!
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Feature
HOT for the Holidays (HFTH) at Our Local Merchants Around Walton has compiled a list of some of the local merchants and what is HOT for the Holidays for our readers. Enjoy stress free holiday shopping close to home and find the best of everything right here for entertaining or gift giving in local shops! Stay calm, be cool with our HOT for the Holidays shopping guide.
Boutiques Fab’rik – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 564, (770) 509-3444. Featuring trendy women’s clothing and accessories. HFTH: Roni & Sam Jewelry Designs by two local East Cobb sisters featuring gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and vintage charms. (See photo page 43 on left) Honey Butter – Pine Straw Place, 4250 Roswell Road, Suite 540, (770) 977-9377. Featuring cute clothes and accessories for women of all ages. HFTH: High-heeled cake cutter, you won’t want to give it away. Lizard Thicket – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 520, (678) 2697930. Featuring fashion forward styles of women’s clothing and accessories. HTFH: Wrap watches. (See photo page 43 on right)
Private Gallery – The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Road, Bldg. 1555, (770) 977-0179. Featuring women’s clothing and accessories for every age. HFTH: Liz Palacios jewelry with Swarovski crystals, much of it under $50. Rhinoceros Boutique – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 538, (770) 565-3434. Featuring Paris inspired women’s clothing. Straw Dog – Paper Mill Village, 255 Village Parkway, Suite 140, (770) 952-8900. Featuring favorite and hard to find brands of women’s clothing and accessories. HFTH: handmade Patience Brewster Christmas ornaments.
Moops – The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Road, Bldg. 1560, (770) 977-8881. Featuring French shabby chic women’s clothing.
The Giraffes Tree House – Merchants Exchange, 4400 Roswell Road, (770) 5093366. Featuring children’s clothing. HFTH: La Petite Couture vintage velour dress with angel sleeves and ivory lace trim, sizes 2T – Girls 8.
Muse Boutique – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 136, (770) 5784344. Featuring New York inspired women’s clothing. HFTH: cozy Aztec travel sweater. (See photo above on left)
The HUB Boutique – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 140, (678) 4838338. Featuring women’s and men’s designer clothing. HFTH: Men’s and Women’s Vineyard Vines designs.
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Gift Shops and Specialty Stores BIG Liquor Wines – Merchants Exchange, 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 156, (404) 5513074. Featuring a large selection of liquor, wines, beer and cigars. HFTH: Grey Goose Vodka and French Vodka. C’est Moi – 1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 345, (770) 977-8468. Featuring European tableware, linens, antique furniture, books and gifts and a Parisian bistro – Café de Paris. HFTH: The Thymes Frazier Fur collection. Casabella – Merchants Exchange, 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 128a, (770) 321-1708. Featuring furniture, gifts, jewelry and home décor. HFTH: Pass Christian products. Haven, the Dog Spot – Fountains of Olde Towne, 736 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-1, (770) 672-7343. Featuring all things dog. HFTH: Adoption Puppy Package – all you need for your new pet and 10 percent off with Mutt Maddness adoption. Hot Dogs Cool Cats – Paper Mill Village, 255 Village Parkway, Suite 730, (770) 858-1000. Featuring dog grooming spa and great gifts for pet parents. HFTH: Bling collars, clothing and artwork.
Kudzu Embroidery & Gifts – Merchant’s Walk, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 204, (770) 565-8500. Featuring embroidery services for Corporate, Team and Monogramming and great selection of gifts. HFTH: Clairebella personalized gifts. Lovin’ Knit – Paper Mill Village, 255 Village Parkway, Suite 610, (770) 612-5648. Featuring a wide assortment of yarn and accessories for knitting projects as well as classes. HFTH: Atenti bags to hold yarn projects (See photo page 42 on right). The Queen’s Pantry – Merchant’s Walk, 4235 Merchants Walk Drive, (678) 483-0900. Featuring British food and gifts. HFTH: Mince meat pies and lovely English chocolate. Simply Fresh Market & Carry Out Café – Paper Mill Village, (770) 952-9010. Featuring freshly prepared food, gifts and gift baskets. HFTH: simply beautiful local food artisan gift baskets. (See photo above in middle) Signatures Gifts & Interiors – Merchant’s Walk, 4235 Merchants Walk Drive, Suite 120, (770) 565-4818. Featuring unique personalized gifts, accessories and home decorating products. HFTH: Personalized serving trays and Aspen Bay candles. Sugar Benders Bakery – Paper Mill Village, 255 Village Parkway, Suite 240A, (678) 4028588. Featuring custom design cakes, freshly
made breads, pastries and deserts as well as breakfast and a light lunch menu. HTFH: gorgeous and incredibly tasty holiday treats for gifts and entertaining. Sweet Spirit – Woodlawn Square, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road , (770) 565-7722. Featuring Christian books, music, and gifts. HFTH: a wide selection of nativity sets. Uppity’s – Woodlawn Square, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 103, (770) 971-1660. Featuring unique gifts and stationary. HFTH: Nora Fleming ceramic serving pieces.
3400. Featuring chiropractic care, massage and nutrition support. HFTH: Anti-oxidant level testing (as seen on Dr. Oz) or nutritional supplements only available through healthcare providers. Mimosa Salon Spa – 590 Mimosa Boulevard, Suite 50, Roswell, (770) 640-9899. Featuring hair care, skin care, makeup, massage and nail care for men and women. HFTH: WEI of Chocolate – organic dark chocolate with flower essence.
Beauty, Health and Wellness
Relax and Wax – Merchant’s Exchange, 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 150, (770) 5754253. Featuring authentic Brazilian wax and skin care for men and women. HFTH: LPG Endermologie – at the core of cellular stimulation.
Fit for Life – Olde Towne Athletic Club Fitness Center, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway, (770) 321-4550. Featuring personal training to Get Fit… Feel Great…Expect Results! HFTH: Fit under $50: a gift certificate for two half-hour personal training sessions for $49
The Bar Method Studio – Merchant’s Walk, 1289 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 440, (770) 5784655. Featuring revolutionary workout that quickly and safely reshapes the body. HFTH: Nancy Rose and Splits 59 high-end fitness apparel.
Hanan Day Spa – 736 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A4, (770) 565-3333. Featuring facials, body treatments and waxing. HFTH: Eminence handmade organic skincare products
Women’s Premier Fitness and Spa – 4961 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 565-5450. Featuring women’s fitness and spa treatments including massage, facials, waxing and more. HFTH: Perfect stocking stuffer or holiday thank you gift: a 12 class fitness card for $50.
HealthQuest Chiropractic – Woodlawn Square, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 122, (770) 509Around WALTON | December 2012
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Health & Wellness
Holiday Hygiene Habits 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 Around Walton Community Board. You may contact her at (770) 993-3775 or visit www.cheekdental.com.
During the holiday season, our bodies are likely to take a battering as we indulge in fatty, sugary rich foods and beverages. Late nights become the norm as we head toward Christmas and New Year’s. Not only do some of us experience the obvious results of this festive season in the form of weight gain, but we often don’t notice the holidays’ effects on our teeth and gums.
This time of year is particularly troublesome for our teeth and our breath. How many of us think about our oral hygiene routine when we are up late wrapping gifts, attending parties and doing that last minute shopping? Not only could we be paying the price in the form of gingivitis and cavities come January, but at the time of the year when we’re likely to be getting up close and personal in the form of hugs, dancing with friends and family and kisses under the mistletoe, many of us could be putting
people off without a second thought. Most people would say that kissing someone with bad teeth or bad breath is a huge turnoff. And if you think you have removed all of last night’s dinner by only brushing, you would be mistaken. There is most likely some food left between those pearly whites which only flossing can reach, so be sure to make flossing part of your nightly hygiene routine. Fizzy drinks served at those holiday meals and parties should be enjoyed in moderation. Whether they are Diet, Lite, or Sugar Free, it does not matter! The real danger of fizzy drinks is acid. The acid that makes a drink carbonated dissolves the enamel of your teeth, which can make them sensitive, prone to decay and can even make them appear more yellow. And when you are out in the malls and shopping centers trying to complete your Christmas shopping lists, think practicality. Many people in these tough economic times prefer to receive useful or needed gifts. How about an electric toothbrush or a gift certificate for professional tooth whitening for your friends and family? No matter how busy you find yourself, do not forget to take care of YOU this busy season. Be sure to brush twice daily, floss each night or morning, and keep your regularly scheduled check-up at your dental office.
Robotic Surgery as a New Innovation for Gynecological Cancers by Gerald Feuer, M.D. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has come a long way since it began more than 20 years ago with laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon makes several small incisions, instead of one large one, for the instruments and camera needed to perform the procedure. Patients benefit from smaller scars, less pain, a faster discharge from the hospital and an overall quicker recovery. Dr. Feuer is a boardcertified GYN oncologist at Northside Hospital. Dr. Feuer practices at Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology in Atlanta and Canton. He can be reached at (404) 459-1900.
However, there are limitations to laparoscopy. Because they require highly technical work, only about 10-15 percent of gynecological cancers have been treated with MIS, instead of the preferred open technique. Robotic surgery is the next generation of laparoscopy. It evolved more than ten years ago, but was only introduced to gynecological oncology within the last five years. With robotic surgery, the surgeon still uses small incisions and similar instruments, but the instruments are connected to robotic arms, which the surgeon manipulates to mimic his movements. Robotic surgery also gives the surgeon a magnified, 3D view of the surgical field and allows him to have the flexibility and 44
Around WALTON | December 2012
dexterity identical to what he would have in an open surgery. More than 25 percent of American women will have a hysterectomy (uterus removal) during their lifetime to relieve problems of the uterus and ovaries, including fibroids, endometriosis, heavy non-menstrual bleeding, uterine prolapse and cancer. Uterine cancer was the first gynecological cancer treated robotically and is usually treated with a hysterectomy. Now, more than 70 percent of uterine cancers are treated with robotic hysterectomy vs. traditional laparoscopy. Cervical cancer can also be treated using robotic surgery. For patients with ovarian masses and some ovarian cancers, new robotic techniques are currently being pioneered in Atlanta and may be an option in many situations. Despite its name, robotic technology does not make decisions or operate on its own. The surgery is 100 percent controlled by the surgeon. That’s why it’s important to seek an experienced robotic surgeon and hospital surgical team for your surgery. Experience, teamwork and expertise, with state-of-the-art technology, work together to achieve the critical level of success needed to optimize use of robotic technology.
Detecting and Correcting Scoliosis by Dr. Christopher Rechter and Dr. Justin Fierro
Dr. Christopher Rechter and Dr. Justin Fierro are owners of HealthQuest Chiropractic Center, 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 122. They may be reached at (770) 509-3400 or at info@ healthquestchiro.com. Visit their site at www. healthquestchiro.com.
Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine that, if left untreated, can lead to deformity of the spine, cause pain and breathing difficulty and impact quality of life. Diagnosing and treating scoliosis can help manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening over time. However, there are safe and effective ways to target and treat scoliosis without pain or surgery. Who is at risk for scoliosis? Though it can result from degeneration of the spine in old age, or as a result of osteoporosis, the truth is that most cases of scoliosis are actually seen in young females. That being said, scoliosis is actually rather rare and afflicts only two percent of the population.
How is scoliosis diagnosed? Scoliosis produces an unnatural curvature of the spine in a C or S shape, which medical professionals are trained to spot using a diagnostic test called The Adams Forward Bending Test. This simple test requires patients to bend forward at the waist, revealing the shape of the spine. If a suspicious curvature is evident, a referral to a chiropractor is provided. Chiropractors use a variety of tests to determine the extent of scoliosis and to devise an effective treatment plan, including leg lengths, range of motion, shoulder height, and in some cases, x-rays may be required. How is scoliosis treated? The type of treatment for scoliosis depends on the extent of the curvature. For mild cases, spinal adjustments may be sufficient to correct the condition. In more pronounced cases of scoliosis, an orthopedic brace may be needed to correct the curvature. These braces are lightweight and do not interfere with normal activities. In fact, many can be worn discreetly
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Chiropractors use a variety of tests to determine the extent of scoliosis and to devise an effective treatment plan, including leg lengths, range of motion, shoulder height, and in some cases, x-rays may be required. under regular clothing! In extreme cases, spinal surgery is required to correct scoliosis, but this usually is reserved as a last resort. When back braces, therapeutic exercises and spinal adjustments do not prove effective over a long period of time, doctors will only then recommend spinal surgery to correct the condition. Can scoliosis be cured? When scoliosis in young people is closely monitored, and spinal adjustments are used to control the progression of the condition; many cases of scoliosis can be slowed or eliminated entirely. Scoliosis cases in the elderly, or scoliosis due to bone degeneration, can be slowed and controlled at the hands of a skilled chiropractor. In many cases, physical therapy exercises are coupled with chiropractic care to help scoliosis patients strengthen their back muscles to stay strong and prevent injury, strain or fracture. When patients are diagnosed with scoliosis, they are carefully treated and monitored with regular appointments in which changes in curvature are noted. Spinal adjustments, back bracing (when necessary) and complete spinal care are all part of a comprehensive scoliosis treatment plan. With proper treatment, scoliosis is a manageable condition that will not interfere with active lifestyles.
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5 Feature
tips
for Keeping Off Santa’s 17 Pounds This Season by Alex Ho
Let’s just put it out there. The holiday season’s upon us, and, like last year, you’re probably going to gain some extra weight; in fact, we’re all probably going to gain some extra weight. Both fortunately and unfortunately, the holiday season is filled with cookies, Christmas ham and all the other delicious, fattening foods of the sort. As a high school student, however, I don’t complain about good food – actually, no one complains about good food. But when push comes to shove, most of us would prefer to keep our weight down and our confidence up En masse, the “experts” in the fitness industry are absolutely right – it’s never too late to start taking care of your body and make positive decisions that lead to a better, more fulfilling life. Unapologetically, however, I’m not going to choose kale over my aunt’s Christmas pie, and neither are you. Now is not the best time to start a new health plan or to try and lose weight before the party; what you and I both need is a damage control guide for this winter. Consider this the holiday version of the book that you read four days before the SAT; the get-it-together-and-go guide with all the hints, tips and Jedi mind-tricks to help you keep off your hibernation weight for this winter. Here are five helpful tips to help keep off Santa’s 17: 1) Eat before you arrive. One effective way to taper the amount of food you eat at a party is, well, to eat before the party. To be clear, I am not encouraging you to show up to a party too full to eat anything – doing so would not only be a disservice to the people who made the food, but a disservice to yourself for not eating at a holiday party… that’s just not cool. Instead, try having a healthy mid-sized meal one to two hours before the party; it will lower your cravings for food at the party as well as ensure some balance of quality nutrients in your diet that day.
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2) Take your time. This one is plain and simple. For many people, a table full of conversation and laughter can turn into a silent, group food binge once everyone starts eating. Obviously, when we chew our food quickly and mindlessly stuff it down our mouths, we end up eating more food than we are aware of. When you get your food, chew it slower, think about the taste and texture, and finish each bite with a sip of your drink. Science-jargon aside, your body will release hormones that make you feel fuller more quickly if you take your time when you eat according to research on hsph.harvard.edu. 3) Whip out some reps In a recent experiment by fitness professional Shaun Hadsall, it was concluded that performing a 90 second bout of a simple bodyweight exercise (push-ups, lunges, etc.) activated metabolic glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT 4), which aids in transporting sugars from carbohydrates into muscles instead of fat. Put simply, if you whip out some reps 15-20 minutes before the feast begins, your body will be less likely to store certain nutrients as fat. As you may look ridiculous, you may want to do these in private. 4) Chew gum while you cook. Cooking can be a silent killer, especially if you’re the chef in the family. To prevent the “taste testing” and “sampling” that often occurs when cooking, chew a piece of your favorite flavored gum while you cook. Doing so will keep your mouth busy and your tastes buds satisfied and prevent snacking. This tip is also useful any time that a food craving occurs. 5) Hydrate. There are already a countless number of benefits that occur when you drink water and keep your body hydrated. In the case of the holidays, however, drinking lots of water can serve as a special damage control tool if you’ve eaten an abnormal amount of carbohydrates (cookies, breads, cake, etc.) according to the Harvard School for Public Health website (hsph.harvard.edu). For every one gram of carbohydrates you digest, your body retains three grams of water, which can often lead to a bloated look. In its simplest form, drinking lots of water the day after can reduce the bloated appearance by “flushing out” the digestive system.
Alex Ho is a senior at Walton High School who writes health and “helpful tips” articles for the Walton News Magazine. He is always learning about health and fitness through research, experimentation and personal mentors. He wants to share real tips that work for real people.
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Feature 2000, said that he has enjoyed watching families returning to his restaurant and seeing the children grow up. He even has customers who came as children with their family, who now come with dates to continue enjoying the great food, service and atmosphere. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and offers a Hibachi Early Bird special with lower pricing on selected items from 4:30 to 6 p.m., daily for dine-in only. Right now, Fuji Hana is offering a special of $20 off dinner tonight with the purchase of $100 gift certificate to use in the future. There are no fees or expiration dates with gift certificates, ask for more details.
Family Feast and Fun at Fuji Hana
www.FujiHanaEastCobb.com 1255-1 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30068 • (678) 560-8071 Lunch: M-F, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Sat/Sun, 12 - 3 p.m. Dinner: M-Th, 4:30 - 10 p.m. • Fri/Sat, 4:30 - 10:30 p.m. • Sun, 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.
preparation for some is trying to catch a few carefully tossed bites of food by the chef when he has finished cooking for the table, showing off the chef’s arm and the diners’ eye-mouth coordination. Moms say, “Only at Fuji Hana!” Fuji Hana is a Japanese steak house offering hibachi, sushi, traditional Japanese food such as tempura (deep fried), yakitori (shish kebab), rice and 48
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noodle dishes, and some Thai dishes. At the hibachi tables, guests can choose from steak, chicken, seafood and vegetarian choices such as tofu or one of many combinations. The dinner meal comes with a choice of soup, salad and steamed rice. Fried rice, a guest favorite, also is available for an additional cost. To start the meal, a variety of hot and cold appetizers are available. Diners also can choose a more private setting by being seated in the dining room while enjoying all items on the menu, including the hibachi selections. Fuji Hana has an extensive sushi menu featuring a la carte items, special signature rolls and sushi combinations. A customer favorite is the signature Super Crunch Roll that has tempura flake, masago, and mayonnaise inside and is topped with smoked salmon and eel sauce. On Monday and Tuesday nights, Fuji Hana features $1 sushi and on Wednesday night, the restaurant offers $1 beer. The restaurant also offers Thai food and the most popular dish is Pad Thai which is stir fried noodles with the Chef’s three flavor sauce and choice of meat or tofu. Fuji Hana is family friendly and a great place for a special celebration with room for parties of all sizes. Daniel Wu, part owner and manager since the location at 1255 Johnson Ferry Road opened in Advertisement
Photos by Dan Carmody Studio 7
The flames leap toward the ceiling and the diners lean back as they feel the heat when the Fuji Hana Chef first sets the hibachi grill afire. This starts the show he will perform while expertly preparing the diners’ meal choices right in front of their eyes. Returning guests watch closely to see if the chef will include old favorites like the erupting volcano or if something new has been added to the routine. The favorite part of the entertaining meal
Daniel loves East Cobb and hopes to be serving its residents for many more years — so come join Daniel and his staff at Fuji Hana and enjoy great Japanese and Thai food and a superb selection of sushi every day of the week. Fuji Hana accepts reservations at (678) 560-8071 and wants the community to know that it will be open on December 25 for your dining pleasure. Come see why Around Walton readers chose Fuji Hana as the Best Oriental Restaurant in the 2012 Readers’ Choice awards.
Schools & Sports
Growing Trend: Tiger Parents by Claudia Aguirre with C2 Education, East Cobb
Through my personal experience at C2, I have seen a new group of parents that is growing in number. They are well known for their high standards, strict rules, and unyielding ways of approaching education. They proudly go by the name, tiger parents. Claudia Aguirre has been an education specialist and director at C2 Education in East Cobb for the past four years. You may contact her regarding ideas for future articles at eastcobb@ c2educate.com.
They are parents with one goal in mind, to get their child the best education possible, even if it kills them. So, how do they differ from other parents? They start by tutoring their children during the early ages of 3-5 years old, and they push them to stay ahead of the national norm.
They are forbidden from having sleepovers, going out on weekends, watching TV or playing video games on school nights, and for some, even playing team sports. They insist their children take on a new language such as Spanish and play a musical instrument such as piano. They do not allow their children to quit their academic extra-curricular activities (Science Olympiad and Math Team) simply because they do not enjoy them, unless of course their grades are starting to suffer. For tiger parents, an 89 or below is grounds for a reprimand. As one tiger mom put it, “Bs are dangerous because they can quickly go down to a C,� and tiger parents absolutely cannot have a C on their conscience. What are the benefits of being raised by a tiger parent? In my experience
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In my experience with children brought up by tiger parents, these children are accustomed to high standards. with children that are brought up by tiger parents, these children are accustomed to high standards. Therefore, when they go to high school they are able to load up on advanced classes. They have been trained to cut out distractions and minimize socializing so that when it comes to staying up all night to write a term paper, they are able to do it with ease. They have no qualms about the heavy workload given from Advance Placement classes since they have always had to take extra notes, read double the assigned course load, and do extra homework not previously required by their teacher, but by their parents. These students flourish in tough school environments, which in turn groom them for college. I have spoken to many tiger parents over the years who have shared that they want what all parents want, for their children to excel at the best college that they can get into. These tiger parents believe that children must be pushed in order to succeed and to make that happen, only the highest standards will do. Once college acceptance letters come in, their job is done.
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Schools & Sports
Technology Inspired Changes for the New Year by Nicholas Perry New Year’s is a time for eliminating old habits and adopting new ways to carry out our lives. Here are some good technology related changes you may want to try for 2013.
Nicolas Perry is a junior at Walton High School (WHS) and a gifted pianist. He serves as the assistant executive director of the WHS robotics team, Team WALT. Visit waltonrobotics. org for more information or to contact Team WALT.
1. Create an Email Filter: Everyone receives marketing emails or recruitment emails from colleges. Create a filter that will move all emails from a defined sender or with specified keywords into a separate inbox. 2. Put the Phone Away: Dinner is a time to communicate with your family. Put the phone away so you can focus on your family.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat: You can save a significant amount of money by lowering your thermostat when you are away from your house. A programmable thermostat will adjust the temperature throughout the day as the user chooses.
4. New Year Cleaning: Go through your electronic files and move important files you want to keep to an external hard drive. Then reformat/reimage your computer to clean out all the junk that has accumulated in your computer’s hard drive. 5. Boost Your Internet: If your wireless internet is not performing as well as it used to, try repositioning your router. Walls and ceilings can hinder the connection from your computer to your router. 6. Boost Your Internet Continued: You can also try changing your wireless channel. Just like radios, wireless routers broadcast on various channels. Try changing the channel to see if the signal improves.
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An easy way to make your computer faster is by changing your startup programs, those that start working when you log into your account. 7. Call Instead of Text: Texting has become a common aspect of many people’s lives. If you exceed your plan’s allowable messages, or if you just want to try something “new,” give your friend or family a call. 8. Save Battery Life: If your electronic device battery keeps dying, try adjusting the screen brightness. It can significantly increase your battery’s duration. 9. Make your Computer Faster: An easy way to make your computer faster is by changing your startup programs, those that start working when you log into your account. To change them go to:
Start (Lower left hand corner) search: Run Click “Run” Type in: msconfig Go to Startup tab The programs checked are the programs that automatically run upon start up. Be careful because some programs are necessary to keep your computer working. 10. Hunt for Malware: Malware such as trojans and worms can infest your computer causing programs to malfunction and corrupting your hard drive. Download or purchase a malware fighter such as: Iobit Malware Fighter, Malware Bytes or Bitdefender. Happy New Year from the Walton Robotics Team!
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Feature
Miss Raider 2012 It was a “Tropical Night in Paradise” at this year’s Miss Raider pageant at Walton High School. Fifty-eight students participated in the sold-out event which raised funds for the Walton Facilities Foundation. The annual pageant competition focuses on the well-rounded contestant, beginning with an interview with the judges before the event. At the pageant, contestants showed off their style in an evening gown, modeled their interview casual outfit, performed a dance routine and answered an interview question. For the freshman class, Audience Favorite was awarded to Meredith Lischer, who also was crowned Miss Freshman Raider.
Sophomore Raider Rae Grant, who also took the title of Miss Congeniality for the freshman and sophomores.
The junior class Community Service Award went to Honey Chawla, Audience Favorite to Virginia Wyckoff, who was also crowned Miss Junior Raider. Miss Congeniality for juniors and seniors went to Sapeideh Jahangard. The senior class awards went to Community Service Winner Haerin Im, Audience Favorite Assata Hefner and Miss Senior Raider Ana Sofia Saldivarcano.
The sophomore class awards went to Community Service Winner Kelly Griffin, Audience Favorite Olivia Baddour and Miss
The Mr. Raider award went to Andrew Peterson. The evening ended with Sepeidah Jahangard being crowned as Miss Raider 2012.
Meredith Lischer, Miss Freshman Raider.
Virginia Wyckoff, Miss Junior Raider. Photo by Kaitlin Nam
Rae Grant, Miss Sophomore Raider.
Miss Raider 2012 Contestants. All Photos by Susan Petersen/Artesma Photography except where noted. 52
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Ana Sofia Saldivarcano, Miss Senior Raider. Photo by Kaitlin Nam
Sapeideh Jahangard, Miss Raider 2012.
Anna Pidgeon answers her interview question.
Kelly Griffin models her casual attire.
Kylie Holthaus escorted by Andrew Peterson.
Escorts entertain the audience.
Honey Chawla models her casual outfit.
Bailey Thompson, Miss Raider 2011, performs “Sea Cruise” to get the audience in the spirit.
Contestants’ dance.
Bridget Seery escorted by DeFord Smith.
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Schools & Sports
School/Sports News Hooks Win League Championship The Hooks won the East Side Baseball Association Mustang League Fall 2012 Championship. In a double elimination tournament, the Hooks lost in the first game and then came back to win seven games in a row to be declared league champions. Congratulations!
Walton Robotics Debuts T-Shirt Cannon The Walton Robotics Team debuted its new student-designed and built pneumatic t-shirt cannon at a recent football game. The device, which launched 65 Robotics team t-shirts into the stands to eager fans in Raider Valley, will be deployed at Walton home sporting events and other community gatherings to promote interest in the robotics team as well as engineering and technology careers. “The cannon exceeded all our expectations,” noted senior team member and Communications Director Olivia Malice. “It was really exciting hearing the crowd chanting, ‘Robotics! Robotics!’ and seeing our fellow students wearing the shirts the following week. It made me feel as if our school was not only aware of us as a team, but taking pride in us as well.”
WHS Holds Memorial Garden Dedication East Side Baseball Association Mustang League Champs—The Hooks. Front row (left to right): Michael Fu, Ryan Bitter, Noah Clark, Gavin Sollenberger, Wesley Beisel, and Owen Marler. Middle Row: Sam Baumgarten, Scott Dobo, Peyton Benson, Alex Packman, and Fabian Guillen. Back Row: Coaches Yiping Fu, Mike Baumgarten, Rich Benson, Josh Packman, and Mario Guillen.
MBCA Middle School Surpasses Collection Goals The middle school students of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy (MBCA) set a goal to raise $300 and donate food items to the Backpack Blessings Ministry. The Backpack Blessings Ministry gives 200 backpacks of food to students who qualify for the federal free and reduced price meal program at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Marietta each Friday. “The middle school students, families, and staff exceeded many expectations by raising $2,177 and bringing 4,251 food items to school for the Backpack Blessings Ministry,” said Jim Callis, MBCA’s Head of School. “This is enough to sponsor seven students for a month. We are thankful for the generosity of our students, their families, and our staff.” For more information about MBCA, visit www.mtbethelchristian.org.
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Walton High School (WHS) held a dedication ceremony for the new Dr. Hugh C. McLeod III Memorial Garden. Dr. McLeod was the team physician for WHS for 29 years, and in 2001, WHS named the Hugh C. McLeod Sports Medicine Center at Walton High School the sports medicine program in his honor. His wife of 31 years, Leslie, and their daughter, Lauren, WHS graduate of 2004, donated the garden to the school in Dr. McLeod’s memory. Speakers at the ceremony included U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, U.S. Representative Tom Price, President and CEO of AdvancED Mark Elgart, Ph.D., Tony Arasi, and WHS Principal Judy McNeill. Missy Arasi sang “God Bless America” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” for the event. Judy stated, “Walton will forever be grateful to Leslie and Lauren McLeod for the gift of the Dr. Hugh C. McLeod, III, M.D. Memorial Garden.”
Missy Arasi sings “Let There Be Peace on Earth” at the dedication ceremony for the Dr. Hugh C. McLeod, III, M.D. Memorial Garden at WHS.
School/Sports News Teachers of the Year Honored Teachers of the Year from every Cobb County public school were honored by the entire community during the 24th annual Give Our Schools A Hand (G.O.S.H.) pep rally. The day began with a special breakfast for the teachers provided by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. The teachers then entered the Roswell Street Baptist Church auditorium to find hundreds of students, fellow staff members, and community supporters cheering for them. Each CCSD Teacher of the Year was individually honored and awarded a commemorative plaque by Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa. The Ed Voyles Automotive Group also awarded a one-year lease on a new car to each of the Districtlevel winners, Dr. Rick Kaht, Carolyn Davis, Beth Morgan, and Marietta city winner David DuBose. Teachers of the year for our local Cobb County schools are:
“Warm Water Therapy” Water Aerobic Classes Sterling Estates Senior Living offers Water Aerobics Classes in its 92 degree pool for the East Cobb community on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Many physicians recommend warm water therapy for joint and muscle pain. Classes are $45 a month. Register to join a class by sending an email to cwalsh@sterlingestates.com, or by visiting Sterling Estates Senior Living at 4220 Lower Roswell Road (just down the street from Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church). For more information, call Christine at (678) 946-4454, or Louise Butts at (770) 378-9416.
Richard Kaht — Dickerson Middle School Kari Viland — Dodgen Middle School Joy Lee — East Side Elementary School Julia Schoeb — Mount Bethel Elementary School Marilyn Charles — Murdock Elementary School Becky Johnston — Sope Creek Elementary School Leslie Graska — Timber Ridge Elementary School Dr. Davis Smith — Walton High School
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Feature
Lady Raiders Win Third Straight State Title The Walton High School (WHS) Varsity Volleyball team won the AAAAAA GHSA (Georgia High School Association) State Championship for the third straight year. The championship game played at McEachern High School was a rematch of last year’s final with the Lady Raiders facing the Harrison High School Lady Hoyas. The Lady Raiders had to work hard, but were able to win the tight match in four sets (25-22, 2325, 25-22, 25-11). From the beginning of the season, some were predicting the rematch. Just hours before the state match, WHS player and the leading hitter for the team, Chloe Cook was given the go ahead to play after sitting out the three weeks before with an ankle
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injury. With great teamwork and strong serving from the Lady Raiders, they pulled away in the fourth set, capitalizing on errors by the Harrison team. Coach Suzanne Fitzgerald stated that the team’s goal was to get back to the state championship game and play “our best volleyball.” Which they did! The Lady Raiders have won the state championship eight times since the GHSA began giving one out for indoor volleyball in 1993. The team finished the season with a (34-7) record. Congratulations! Seen below are the Lady Raiders after winning the state title and in action along the way. Photos courtesy of Trey Schwartz.
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Faith
Mary’s Response by Bryant Wright And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38 Picture the scene: An angel had just informed Mary that she, a virgin, was now pregnant and, as a matter of fact, was carrying the Son of God. Not the sort of news Bryant Wright is a woman hears the Senior Pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist everyday and Church and the founder certainly not the kind and chairman of of news a woman in Right from the Heart first century Israel Ministries. He currently would welcome. She serves as the President knew she would soon of the Southern Baptist face the wrath and Convention. He can be scorn of her friends reached at (770) 973and family and 6561 ext. 2962. society in general – not to mention the man she was engaged to! Think about what Mary could have done. She could have run away. She could have had an abortion. And, like many unmarried pregnant women in that time, Mary could have taken her own life. But how did Mary respond? She chose a different path. Folks, if ever you want to see a clear profession
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And, like many unmarried pregnant women in that time, Mary could have taken her own life. But how did Mary respond? of faith, look at the next words from her mouth. Mary said, “I am willing to be a voluntary slave of the Lord. I am willing to be a servant of God. May what the word of God has said, may it come true!” What a woman! What a faith! Truly the greatest woman who ever lived, for nothing any woman has ever done or will do is more important than what Mary did. So as you think about the significance of the Child she gave birth to and what He came to do – do you believe it? If not, will you choose to believe? Will you choose to follow the example of Mary and believe what God’s word says about her Son? Let me assure you, you will never truly experience Christmas until you do. Copyrighted material. Used by permission of Right From The Heart Ministries, Marietta, GA
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Around WALTON | December 2012
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Faith
WALTON AREA Houses of Worship Anglican The Church of Our Redeemer 2625 Canton Road (770) 421-1928 Rector: Fr. James Danford www.ourredeemeracc.org
Apostolic 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
Mt. Arbor Baptist Church 2235 Morgan Road, NE, (770) 971-9339
Christian and Missionary Alliance
New Life Baptist Church 4010 Canton Road, (770) 592-6880 Pastor: Roger Brink www.thenewlife.org
Marietta Alliance Church 1787 E. Piedmont Road, (770) 973-2189 Pastor: David Hayes www.macweb.org
New Providence Baptist Church 3740 Providence Road, (770) 971-3519 Pastor: Charles Whittaker www.newprovidencebc.com
Christian Science
Northside Primitive Baptist Church 5265 Roswell Road, (678)481-2793 Pastor: Jason Solomon www.northsidepbc.org
Church of Christ
Bible Baptist Church 2025 Eula Drive, NE, (770) 592-2660 Pastor: D.L. Cooper
Piedmont Baptist Church 570 Piedmont Road, Marietta, (770) 422-2566 www.piedmontchurch.tv
Chattahoochee Baptist Church 375 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 977-2058 Pastor: Rick Shoup www.chattahoocheebaptistchurch.org
Sandy Plains Baptist Church
Cornerstone Baptist Church 1506 Sawyer Road, (770) 422-3579 Pastor: Carl George
Sewell Mill Baptist Church 2550 Sewell Mill Road, (770) 971-3746 Pastor: David Watson www.sewellmill.org
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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2825 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 971-8525 Pastor: Dr. Alvin Southerland www.sandyplains.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
Atlanta Chinese Christian Church Northwest 1837 Bill Murdock Road, (770) 971-1837 Pastor: Rev. Christopher Pu Chestnut Ridge Christian Church 2663 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 971-8888 Pastor: Byron Wells Walking By Faith Christian 1821 Kinridge Road, (678) 560-1144
Christian Science Churches & Reading Rooms 2641 Old Sewell Road, (770) 565-7271
Church of Christ-Piedmont Road 1630 Piedmont Road, (770) 971-9933 Minister: Neil Richey www.pr-coc.com East Cobb Church of Christ 5240 Roswell Road, (770) 587-5888 Pastor: Ray Hawkins www.eastcobbcoc.org Emmanuel Tabernacle Christ Church 2692 Sandy Plains Road, #A32, (770) 422-3268 Pastor: Dwight Graves North River Church of Christ 320 Austin Avenue, (770) 792-8133 www.nrcoc.com
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
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
Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul 1795 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 977-7473 Rector: The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Certain www.peterandpaul.org
Lutheran Church of Incarnation 1200 Indian Hills Parkway, (770) 971-2738 Pastor: Rev. Jerry Reynolds www.lcilutheran.org
Orthodox
Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, (770) 928-7916 Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org
Lutheran Church of Resurrection 4814 Paper Mill Road, (770) 953-3193 www.lcrmarietta.org
Episcopal
St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church 571 Holt Road, NE, (770) 971-2839 Rev. Jim Nixon www.stcatherines.org
Greek Orthodox
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
Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Road, NE, (770) 924-8080 Rev. Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou www.HolyTransfiguration.info
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
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
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
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
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
Jehovah’s Witness 2065 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 427-1881 Pastor: Hope Torkornoo www.watchtower.org
Jewish Chabad of East Cobb 4450 Lower Roswell Road, (770) 565-4412 Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy, (770) 973-0137 Rabbis Shalom Lewis and Paul Kerbel www.etzchaim.net Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, (770) 973-9205 Rabbi: Stephen Lebow www.kolemeth.net
Korean Bethany Korean Presbyterian Multi-cultural (Korean, Brazilian and American) 4644 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 643-1459 Pastor: Byeongho Choi www.bethanykorean.org 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
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 3455 Canton Road, (770) 926-4961 St. Paul United Methodist Church 244 Kurtz Road, (770) 422-1089 Pastor: Dana Overton-Garrett Wesley Chapel United Methodist 4495 Sandy Plains Road, (770) 993-4919 Pastor: Jimmy Hood www.wesleychapelumc.com
Non-Denominational Marietta Vineyard Church 1492 Roswell Road, (770) 977-9496 Pastor: Jeremy Graves www.mariettavineyard.org North Atlanta Church 2800 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 518-0303
Overcomers World Church 2300 Shallowford Road, (770) 924-0607 Pastors: Allison and Isaac Crawford overcomerswc.org
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
Unity Unity North Atlanta Church 4255 Sandy Plains Road, (678) 819-9100 Acting Spiritual Leader: Rev. Richard Burdick www.unitynorth.org Around WALTON | December 2012
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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: (404) 816-3377 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, Inc. 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: Judi Rogers, missiontur@aol.com 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 and 4th Sundays at 1:30 p.m. If new to club, call contact below. Location: Atlanta Ballet Studio, 2000 Powers Ferry Rd. 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: 1st Monday at 6 p.m. Facilitated by Dawn Reed of Aloha to Aging Location: Arbor Terrace at East Cobb, 886 Johnson Ferry Road Contact: Shelly Ealey, (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 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 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 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: Chapter Phone Line (404) 539-4287 or email 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 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
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
Grief Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: Aloha To Aging, Inc. , Mt. Bethel Comm. Center, 4608 Lower Roswell Rd. Contact: (678) 439-1177.
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
JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent, and Significant Others) Meeting: 1st and 3rd Tuesday Location: Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy., in the library Contact: (770) 928-2523, teshuva12@aol.com
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
Job Seekers Meeting: 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 8 a.m. Location: Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3125 Sewell Mill Road Contact: (770) 977-2976 Moms In Prayer (formerly Moms In Touch) for parents of East Side Elementary students Meeting: Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact: Rachel Bloom, (770) 973-4705, familybloom@gmail.com 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 National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays, 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin (770) 928-2762, Terri (678) 497-5657 Website: www.nami.org 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
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: Marie Mertilus, (770) 423-3589 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 Women’s Divorce Support Group Meeting: 1st Thursday & 3rd Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m. Location: East Cobb Government Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Rd. Contact: Facilitated by Visions Anew, (770) 953-2882 Website: www.visionsanew.org Around WALTON | December 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 McNeill
School Websites: School District Website Pinnacle Picasso Meal Pay 64
Around WALTON | December 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 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
2012-2013 School Calendar at-a-Glance December 21 Student Holiday/Furlough Day December 24 – January 4 Winter Holiday January 7 Student Holiday January 21 Martin Luther King Holiday February 15 Student Holiday/Furlough Day February 18 Presidents’ Day Holiday April 8 – 12 Spring Holiday May 23 Last Day of School
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
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Around WALTON | December 2012
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Reference
COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • Around Walton (770) 615-3311 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:
66
North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital Atlanta WellStar Kennestone Hospital Around WALTON | December 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 Cobb Library East Marietta Library Gritter’s Library Mountain View Regional Library
(770) 509-2730 (770) 509-2711 (770) 528-2524 (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
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 in East Cobb.
Your Friends at Around Walton
The Walton Community in East Cobb
Around WALTON | December 2012
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Ask Margot
continued from page 32
sometimes property. Firms that do only family law often work to keep the family as intact as possible in the wake of a divorce. Dear Not a Loser, you might want to get a financial expert to work with you. No one ever expects to divorce. If it is unavoidable, do it with good information, with integrity and with a team of experts. You don’t have to divorce alone.
Raising Money-Wise Kids: The Responsibilities and Costs of Teen Driving continued from page 39
category of drivers, trouble is too often spelled “D-E-A-T-H B-Y C-A-R.” Defensive driving courses are money-wise, too. With 35 years of accident-free driving on my record, I was amazed at the knowledge and skills my daughter Olivia and I gained from the Accident Avoidance Workshops offered frequently throughout the year at Walton. A three-year ten percent insurance discount pays for the course ($225 for teen and parent), but the biggest savings may be your teen’s life. As a money-wise parent, you have the ultimate responsibility for your teen driver. Don’t put an irresponsible teen on the road to avoid serving as chauffeur. Trading convenience for safety has a high opportunity cost that you may pay for with your teen’s life.
Send Us Your Birthdays, Community News, School News, Calendar Events, Fundraiser Info and we’ll publish it for free! lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com. January deadline is December 20.
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Let’s Go Shopping: Impactful Corporate Gift Ideas continued from page24
• Books: Send a copy of the best book you read this year. Include a note indicating why you enjoyed the book so much, i.e., “I found the chapter on marketing very helpful and look forward to hearing your thoughts.” • Magazine Subscriptions: Periodicals have the advantage of reminding your clients about you on a regular basis throughout the year. Send your client a note letting him/her know the subscription is on its way and why you picked the magazine for him/her. • Holiday Cards with Personal Notes: I am a huge fan of holiday cards although I rarely finish mine until January. Personalized notes allow us to speak to our clients directly and are worth the effort. No email blasts for me, please.
Regardless of what you send, remember— it is the thought that counts. If you are genuinely thankful for your clients, they will get the message. Happy holidays and safe travels.
After Elections, What Now For Real Estate? continued from page 19
be part of a plan to streamline the tax code. This deduction costs the government about $90 billion a year and is likely to be scaled back. And hopefully some attempts will be made to address the high number of sales contracts that are falling through prior to closing, which many experts attribute to the overly stringent underwriting standards in lending. While there is still much uncertainty in the real estate market across the country, homeowners in the Walton community have fared very well. Sales prices have held up nicely in most neighborhoods, and if priced correctly, Days on the Market remain low. The national debates on the fiscal cliff, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and the scaling back of the Mortgage Interest Deduction will have very little impact on most homeowners in the Walton community.
Lucy
We need a home!
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 vice versa. New adoptive dog owners will also need a home check before they can take their new dog home.
Pebbles
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.
Serena
Blanche
Progresso
CATS: Our adoption fee for cats is $125. 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.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP: Please visit our wish list on Amazon at www.humanecobb.com. It is a fast and convenient way to support the pets at our shelter. Items chosen can be shipped directly to our shelter. Use the, “this is a gift� section to let us know your name and address so we may acknowledge your kind gift(s).
Around WALTON | December 2012
69
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
Around WALTON | December 2012
(770) 528-2200
Commissioners: Tim Lee, Chairman tlee@cobbcounty.org
70
(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
Around Walton
Is Your Magazine in East Cobb!
Please continue to send in your stories and photos, the content of this magazine is 100 percent reader-driven and advertiser supported. We welcome your feedback and suggestions! We are the only magazine in the area to be directly mailed to everyone in the Walton school district (14,900 homes and businesses, a distribution map is provided on page 67). Additionally 1,600 magazines are placed in racks at strategic locations around East Cobb, see page 71 for rack locations. Editorial: lynne@aroundaboutmagazines.com Advertising: joan@aroundaboutlocalmedia.com
Call Michelle at 770-615-3307 or email aroundaboutadvertising@gmail.com to place a classified ad.
Where to Find the Magazine Around Walton is mailed free directly to homes and businesses in the Walton community in East Cobb. If you do not receive a copy and would like to pick one up, you can find us at any of these fine establishments: Johnson Ferry Road: Houlihan’s Restaurant J Christopher’s Restaurant Wells Fargo Bank Nail Eagle Publix Wellstar Physician’s Group North Atlanta Women’s Specialists Platinum Auto Spa Arbor Terrace EH Sellars Dr. Cristi Cheek, DMD Jazzercise Kids R Kids Shallowford Road: Berner Family Chiropractic
Need an Extra Copy?
Roswell Road: Panera Bread at the Avenue Dance Stop LGE Community Credit Union Marietta Eye Clinic Rick’s Farmer’s Market Frankie’s Italian Restaurant HealthSource Chiropractic Atlanta Communities Real Estate Parc at Piedmont Robinson Road: Fullers Recreation Park Lower Roswell Road: Johnny’s Pizza Legends Elite Aloha to Aging
Piedmont Road: YMCA
Let us know if you would like some at your place of business. Around WALTON | December 2012
71
Help Support Local Business Owners and this Magazine Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in Around Walton!
Advertisers Directory attorneys/legal services Rohan Law, P.C. (404) 923-7570, www.rohanlawpc.com
58
15
Home & gARDEN
Banking/Financial Services Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Ben Clark 23 (770) 977-4229 1050 East Piedmont Rd Suite 122, Marietta
Findlay Roofing Inside Front (770) 516-5806, www.findlayroofing.com Plumbing Doctor, The (770) 516-9000
27
Quality Craftsmen 5 (404) 483-7446, www.quality-craftsmen.com
chiropractic HealthQuest Chiropractic Center, PC 15 (770) 509-3400, www.HealthQuestChiro.com 1205 Johnson Ferry Rd, Suite 122, Marietta
Cleaning Services Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991
11.
Image Maids (770) 627-4670
23
Dentists Cristi Y. Cheek DMD, P.C. (770) 993-3775, www.cheekdental.com
Women’s Premier Fitness 4961 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta (770) 565-5450
51
Education/ Instruction/ Youth Connective Tutoring 32 (470) 377-4809, www.ConnectiveTutoring.com 255 Village Pkwy, Ste 520 Eye Level Inside Back Cover (770) 578-6317 1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Ste. 140, Marietta 2550 Sandy Plains Road, Ste. 141, Marietta www.eyeleveleastcobb.com
Insurance Keeton Insurance Services (770) 971-8900
24
Greg Cavellier Back cover (678) 403-1825, gregcavellier@allstate.com 3535 Roswell Rd., Suite 49, Marietta
Pets East Cobb Veterinary Clinic (770) 973-2286, www.eastcobbvet.com
23
Hot Dogs and Cool Cats (770) 858-1000
15
Humane Society of Cobb County (770) 428-5678, www.humanecobb.com
69.
Photographers Studio 7 (770) 685-7391, www.studio7hub.com
41
Physicians & Medical Services Northside Hospital Cancer Institute www.northside.com
7
The Science Chain Cover, 36, 37 (770) 309-3153 or (678) 779-4343
Northside Hospital Pediatric Imaging (770) 667-4340
11
Upward Sports Baseball/Softball (678) 784-5317 johnsonferry.org/baseballandsoftball
Pearle Vision 1401 Johnson Ferry Road, (770) 509-8480
1
Plastic Surgery Center of the South (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net
33 .
Resurgens Orthopaedics (770) 423-2172, www.resurgens.com
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27
Health & Beauty
Fit for Life 25 (770) 321-4550, www.FitForLifeAtlanta.com Get In Shape for Women 27 (770) 605-8788, www.getinshapeforwomen.com 3822 Roswell Road, Ste. 114, Marietta Franco 4961 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta (770) 977-4747 Hanan Day Spa (770) 565-3333, www.hanandayspa.com
5
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Around WALTON | December 2012
Real estate
17
REstaurants/Food/Beverages
11
Big Liquor Wines (404) 551-3074
Hong Kong Star Chinese Cuisine II 9 (770) 509-2129, www.hongkongstarmenu.com 4719 Lower Roswell Road, Ste 110, Marietta Marlow’s Tavern 27 (770) 977-7747, www.marlowstavern.com Shari’s Berries 1-877-893-5423, www.berries.com/all
65
Sugar Benders Bakery (678) 665-2211 255 Village Parkway, Ste. 240A, Marietta www.sugarbenderscakes.com
32
The Queen’s Pantry 17 (678) 483-0900, www.thequeenspantry.com
Retail /Miscellaneous services Bethany Christian Services 27. (770) 455-7111, www.bethany.org/atlanta DISMERO 470 Chambers Street, Woodstock www.DISMERO.com
19
Edward Johns Jewelers 20 1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 124, Marietta (770) 977-2026 My Computer Works 1- 877-371-6442
65
IFN Modern 1-866-541-4866 www.ifn-modern.com
59
Quick Lube (770) 973-1643
5
The Gifted Ferret (770) 693-5889
17
Senior Services Parc at Piedmont — East Cobb 999 Hood Road, Marietta, GA 30068 (770) 565-8828
51
Sterling Estates 35 4220 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, (678) 946-4454, www.sterling-estates.com
3
Atlanta Communities Real Estate 39 (770) 240-2000, www.atlantacommunities.net
Mimosa Salon Spa 21 (770) 640-9899, www.MimosaSalonSpa.com 590 Mimosa Blvd., Suite 50, Roswell Nail Eagle 1255 Johnson Ferry Road #32 (770) 565-5634
WellStar (770) 956-STAR, www.wellstar.org
Fuji Hana 48 (678) 560-8071, www.fujihanaeastcobb.com
Inside Front
Chocolate Wishes & Candy Kisses 24 (770) 594-2496 www.chocolatewishesandcandykisses.com
To Advertise Call Joan 770-615-3311 For Rates & Info Today!