Progress Edition 2010 Part 2

PROGRESS 2010

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SECTION EE / 5 OF 8

CITIES & COUNTY

STEPPING IN, STEPPING OUT TUMLIN JUST GETTING STARTED, OLENS SEEKING HIGHER OFFICE PAGE 2EE

ACWORTH MAYOR TOMMY ALLEGOOD RUNS THRIVING CITY PAGE 8EE INSIDE

COMMISSIONERS KEEP EYE ON ECONOMY

PAGE 4EE

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 2EE

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Building a legacy, leaving a legacy New mayor takes helm in Marietta as Cobb Commission chairman steps down

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — For the first time in eight years, the City of Marietta has a new mayor in charge, touted as a consensus-building optimist who is determined to ride out the bad economy without sacrificing quality for a quick buck.

A down economy, Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin said, is no reason to cave to substandard redevelopment efforts. The important thing is to look long term. And while the city’s key redevelopment projects, such as the Marietta Walk development on Powder Springs Street, the Meeting Park development on Roswell Road near the Square, and the Hedgewood development were all brought to a screeching halt by the recession, that doesn’t mean Tumlin is going to allow shabby apartment buildings to rise in their place just to fill a bunch of empty lots.

“I don’t want to us to panic and put something in there that won’t help Marietta in the long run.

You’ve got to think long term and hold the line because things will come back,” Tumlin said.

An example of not thinking long term, Tumlin said, was the council’s decision last August, before he was mayor, to approve an extendedstay motel to replace the boardedup Holiday Inn off Delk Road between Franklin Road and Interstate 75. Not a wise move for one of the major gateways to the city, Tumlin said.

Tumlin also intends to hold the city accountable in spending the $25 million bond for park improvements that voters approved in November, which actually turned out to be $26.8 million since the city earned an extra $1.8 million through low interest rates. Tumlin is aware that the public is watching how the city spends that money.

“I think it’s going to show our ability to work together, our ability to balance expenditures throughout the city,” he said.

The council’s Feb. 3 decision to spend the first $2.7 million to buy a dilapidated 200-unit apartment complex on Franklin Road, in order

With his family by his side, Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens, above, announced last June he would run for state attorney general while, in November, Steve ‘Thunder’ Tumlin, left, was getting a victory hug from his wife, Jean Alice, after winning the Marietta mayoral race. With Olens are his wife Lisa, right, and children Lauren, 19, and Jonathan, 16.

Staff/Laura Moon

to raze that complex and turn the 13.2-acre site into a public park, is an excellent start, he believes.

“That was an esprit de corps type vote. It was good for the city, and I think it helped people with the least amount of voice in the city,” he said.

The state’s recent approval of a tax-credit incentive for businesses locating in Marietta or existing businesses that expand here is

another bonus to luring quality development. Qualifying businesses must hire at least two employees and then receive tax credits of $3,500 per year per employee for up to five years.

Turning to public safety, Tumlin said residents can sleep soundly at night knowing their fire department is one of the best in Georgia. The Marietta Fire Department performed so well on a recent inspec-

Meeting and exhibition facilities in Cobb Cobb County Civic Center/Hudgins Hall, located at 548 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta. Established in 1975, it has two meeting/event rooms, 800 maximum reception capacity, 2,700 maximum seated capacity and 15,000 square feet of exhibit space. There is no outdoor area and outside caterers are allowed.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in the Atlanta zip-coded portion of Cobb County. Established in 2007, it has four meeting/event rooms, 1,200 maximum reception capacity, 600 maximum seated capacity and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space.

There is an outdoor area and only exclusive in-house catering is allowed. Target markets include corporate, social galas and wedding receptions.

Cobb Galleria Centre, located at 2 Galleria Parkway in the Atlanta zip-coded portion of Cobb County. Established in 1994, it has 35 meeting/event rooms, 11,200 maximum reception capacity, 12,000 maximum seated capacity and 144,000 square feet of exhibit space.

There is no outdoor area and only exclusive, in-house food and beverage is allowed. Target markets include tradeshows, conventions, corporate meetings, special events and weddings.

The Gallery at the Galleria Specialty Mall, located at 2 Galleria Parkway in the Atlanta zip-coded portion of Cobb County. Established in 2000, has one meeting/event room, 300 maximum reception capacity, 180 maximum seated capacity and 3,600 square feet of exhibit space. There is no outdoor area and only exclusive in-house food and beverage is allowed. Target markets include corporate meetings, weddings, reunions and special events.

The Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, located at 500 Powder Springs St. in Marietta. Established in 1996, it has 20 meeting/event rooms, 550 maximum reception capacity, 400 maximum seated capacity and 6,534 square feet of exhibit space. There is an outdoor area and only in-house food service is allowed. Target markets include corporate functions, wedding receptions and tradeshows.

Holly Crest Hall, located at 2235 Sewell Mill Road in

Marietta. Established in 2004, has two meeting/event rooms, 300 maximum reception capacity, 225 maximum seated capacity and 4,000 square feet of exhibit space. There is an outdoor area and A Deliteful Biteful catering is the exclusive caterer.

Target markets include wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions and corporate functions.

Olde Towne Athletic Club, located 4950 Olde Towne Parkway in Marietta.

Established in 1982, has four meeting/event rooms, 550 maximum reception capacity, 300 maximum seated capacity and 4,500 square feet of exhibit space. There is an outdoor area and only in-house food and beverages are allowed. Target markets include corporate functions, tradeshows, public consumer shows, weddings, banquets and conferences.

The Pavillion at East Cobb, located at 736 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta. Established in 1984, has one meeting/event room, 400 maximum reception capacity and 250 maximum seated capacity.

There is an outdoor area and

only in-house food service (Kosher and non-Kosher) is allowed. Target markets include all markets.

Six Flags Over Georgia, located at 275 Riverside Parkway SW in Austell. Established in 1967, has five meeting/event rooms; 20,000 maximum reception capacity; 2,000 maximum seated capacity — while Southern Star Amphitheatre has an additional, separate area that can seat 8,000; and 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. There is an outdoor area and only in-house food service is allowed. Target markets include corporate functions, family reunions, group outings, church and youth groups and school trips.

The Vinings Club, located at 2859 Paces Ferry Road, Club Level in the Atlanta zipcoded portion of Cobb County.

Established in 1987, it has four meeting/event rooms, 250 maximum reception capacity and 150 maximum seated capacity. Target markets include corporate functions, weddings, wedding receptions, tradeshows and private parties.

tion that its rating with the New Jersey-based Insurance Services Office was raised to a level enjoyed by only a handful of Georgia’s 1,100 fire departments. The improved ranking will have a monetary effect by lowering insurance premiums for both commercial and residential property owners.

“We’re in an elite group there.

There is the economic benefit and also the peace of mind. A good fire department saves lives and property and we have one of the best,” Tumlin said.

The mayor credited the nearby county fire stations for helping the city with the good rating.

“One of the reasons for the good rating is that Cobb stations are near the city limits. I’m proud of our system and it also comes from our brothers and sisters in the county,” Tumlin said.

Another positive improvement in public safety has been the city’s alarm ordinance, requiring owners to register their alarms. Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn said the ordinance, adopted a few years ago, has freed up his 138 officers to fight crime. Before the ordinance took effect, officers spent at least 10 percent of their time responding to alarm calls, 99 percent of which were false, Flynn said.

At the request of the police department, the City Council adopted the alarm ordinance in July 2007 that contained progressive fines for violators to cut down on the false alarms. In a report compiled for the council in January, Flynn said alarm calls in Marietta fell from 9,287 in 2006 to 8,667 in 2007, and from 4,994 in 2008 to 3,254 in 2009.

Councilman Van Pearlberg called that a terrific response to the ordinance.

“The citizens of Marietta should be applauded and complimented for their observance of the ordinance, which permits the police department to be more efficient and effective in enforcing laws and protecting the public,” Pearlberg said.

Marietta as county seat As the county seat, Marietta receives benefits over and above

The cover

Staff/Mike Jacoby

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens, left, and Marietta Mayor Steve ‘Thunder’ Tumlin in front of the new Cobb Superior Court Building currently under construction. those enjoyed by other Cobb cities.

For instance, while the recession has brought development across the state to a halt, the county broke ground on a new, 229,000-squarefoot Cobb Superior Court building on Haynes Street in 2009. The courthouse will have 11 courtrooms, including one large courtroom for high-profile cases. It is seven stories tall with the fourth floor an empty shell that can be finished as needed. The $63 million courthouse is being funded through the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that voters approved in 2005. Completion is scheduled for March 2011.

The new courthouse, which is right outside Tumlin’s city hall window, is not only aesthetically pleasing, Tumlin said, but it will bring more people to the Square.

See Legacy, Page 11EE

Powder Springs: A Great Place to Work...

A Better Place to Live

Mayor: Patricia C. Vaughn

Council Members: Thomas D. Bevirt Albert L. Thurman Rosalyn G. Neal Cheryl Sarvis Nancy J. Hudson P.O. Box 46 • Powder Springs, GA 30127 • 770-943-1666

www.cityofpowder springs.org

You don’t have to just walk away anymore...

Let us help you say goodbye with dignity.

Dear Citizens of Cobb County On behalf of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, we thank you for visiting the City of Acworth to shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants. These are challenging times and we ask for your continued patronage in this new year 2010.

Happy New Year and Shop Acworth!

Thank You, Mayor Tommy and the Aldermen and 1,000 Business Owners in Acworth

CREMATION SERVICES & PRODUCTS

(678) 594-0041

DreamLandPetCremation.com

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Government Services Animal Control — 770-499-4136 Auto Emission Inspections —

800-449-2471 Auto Tags — 770-528-4020 Better Business Bureau — 404688-4910 Board of Health — 770-5142300 Business License — 770-5288410 Cobb Community Transit — 770-427-4444 Cobb County Government — 770-528-3305 Cobb County State Court — 770-528-1761 Department of Sanitation — 770-794-5595 Drivers License Office — 770528-3251 Georgia Department of Labor — 770-528-6100 Landfill — 770-528-2500 Recycling — 770-528-1135 Senior Services — 770-5285355 Social Security Office — 800772-1213 Solid Waste — 770-528-2500

Hospitals Children’s Hospital of Atlanta — 404-785-7312 Emory Adventist Hospital at Smyrna — 770-436-3162 Northside Hospital — 404-8518000 WellStar Cobb Hospital — 770732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital — 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital — 770-644-1000

Politics Democratic Party Headquarters — 404-885-1998 Republican Party Headquarters — 404-257-5559 Voter Registration — 770-5282300

Public Schools Marietta City Schools — 770422-3500 Cobb County Schools — 770426-3300

Utilities Cable and phone AT&T — 404-810-8070 Comcast — 404-266-2278 Charter Communications — 770-333-6400 Electricity Acworth Power — 770-9178903 Cobb EMC — 770-429-2100 Georgia Power — 888-660-5890 Greystone Power Corporation — 770-942-6576 Marietta Power — 770-7945150 Atlanta Gas Light — 877-4272464 Austell Gas Systems — 770948-1841 Gas South — 866-762-6427 Georgia Natural Gas — 888442-7489 Water City of Austell — 770-944-4300 City of Kennesaw — 770-4248274 City of Powder Springs — 770943-1666 City of Smyrna — 770-434-6600 Cobb County Water System — 770-423-1000 Marietta Power and Water — 770-794-5150 Source: Cobb Chamber of Commerce

About Cobb: Cobb County encompasses 340 square miles. The 2008 population was 674,200, which had a 10.9 percent change in population between 2000-08. Projected population in 2030 is 763,889.

The 2008 employment was 326,951, which had a 4.2-percent change in employment between 2000-08. In 2008 housing units were 278,391, with 197,873 single-family and 75,653 in multi-family.

The county, formed in 1832, was originally part of Cherokee County and named after Judge Thomas Willis Cobb, a U.S. senator. It is the fourth most populous county in Georgia.

Spreading the wealth Four Cobb County zip codes were ranked among the Metro Atlanta’s 25 Wealthiest Zip codes by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, as compiled by ESRI’s 2009 Wealth Rank Indicator. The top two were: Ranked No. 5 was the 30068 zip code, which has a Marietta post office name. It had a 2009 average household income of $148,481 and an average net worth of $1,427,582. The 2009 population was 33,313 and had 12,439 households. The 2009 average home value was $286,304.

Ranked No. 16 was the 30152 zip code, which has a Kennesaw post office name. It had a 2009 average household income of $127,094 and an average net worth of $1,055,005. The 2009 population was 41,098 and had 13,756 households. The 2009 average home value was $202,855.

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 3EE

Citizen of the Year

2009 was huge year of achievement for county manager Hankerson tem earn a AAA bond rating. In 2004, Georgia Trend magazine honored Hankerson with its Excellence in Public Service Award.

MARIETTA — For his many However, 2009 was also a year years of service to the county, Cobb County Manager David Han- that brought a remarkable amount of success for the veteran county kerson was chosen as the Marietta Daily Journal’s 2009 Cobb Citizen manager, who resides in west Cobb and is an avid gardener. of the Year.

For his role in leading the counHankerson was presented the ty in educating Cobb students in award in January at the Cobb safety through the new, state-of-theChamber’s annual gala at the Cobb art Cobb Safety Village, he was Galleria. The identity of the award’s recipient is kept secret until awarded SafePath’s Crystal Gavel in December. it is presented. Hankerson was surLast May, Hankerson spent two prised, but acknowledged he should’ve known something was up weeks in Beijing, teaching Chinese university students how government when his entire family, including works in Cobb County. The trip is his wife, Janet, volunteered to was an exchange program through attend the event. the Carl Vinson Institute at the Uni“I have admired all the previous recipients of this award and I would, versity of Georgia.

Hankerson was one of three for my 35-plus years in Cobb, say to metro Atlanta leaders invited by myself, ‘What would it take to for Vice President Joseph Biden to a me to become one of those distinguished individuals?’ And here I am daylong White House Recovery and Reinvestment Act Implementonight,” said Hankerson after tation Conference last March, accepting the award.

“Thanks to the MDJ. It’s easy to where attendees heard from various federal agency officials about do something that you love.” implementing the $787 billion fedIn 1993, Hankerson was first eral stimulus package. appointed county manager by then A native of Waynescounty chairman Bill Byrne. During his tenure, Cobb has earned a AAA boro, Hankerson moved to Cobb in 1974. He first began working in bond rating since 1997, something Cobb government as manager of few counties have received. And in 2001, Cobb became the first county the Development Control Department. He previously served as a in the nation to have its water sysdistrict conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.

Hankerson is a graduate of Fort Valley State College and earned a law degree from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law. He has been active in the American Public Works Association, Soil Conservation Society of America and 100 Black Men of Cobb County.

Hankerson thanked the Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen board of commissioners, the In a poignant moment, Cobb Manager county’s staff and his family David Hankerson wipes a tear from his in brief remarks at the event. eye last July when he is surprised by “I just want to say thanks the naming of the new Cobb County again to the community for Safety Village in his honor during the allowing me to be a part of ribbon-cutting ceremony. such a great communiBy Marcus E. Howard mhoward@mdjonline.com

Lake, bathhouse handed historic status in Acworth Site added to national register

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

The Lake Acworth Beach and Bathhouse has finally been added to the National Register of Historic Places after an almost five-year push by the city and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

“We’re extremely excited about it,” Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood said. “Our city is all about historic preservation, so this is just a continuation of our continued efforts to keep us known as historic Acworth.”

Steven Moffson, an architectural historian with the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia DNR, said the city’s historic preservation commission first submitted an application for the bathhouse in 2004, and the completed nomination was submitted in August 2005. The bathhouse was finally accepted and listed in the register in January.

“It’s not typical for an application to take almost five years, but we’re thrilled that it finally got approved,” Moffson said.

“This is an honorific designation, which can incur certain tax and grant incentives if cities choose to, but being named to the register is mainly substantial because it establishes a property as being historic and worthy of preservation.”

The bathhouse first opened on Aug. 12, 1953, three years after Lake Acworth was created by Mayor Hilton Nichols’ closing of the Lake Allatoona floodgates. City leaders hoped that Lake Acworth would boost the city’s economy and reduce the destructive

‘Our city is all about historic preservation, so this is just a continuation of our continued efforts to keep us known as historic Acworth.’

Tommy Allegood, Acworth mayor

effects of seasonal mud flats. As then-Governor Herman Talmadge toured Acworth on a campaign visit in 1950, he promised the city $25,000 to build the bathhouse, but later gave $100,000 for the project. The Marietta architectural firm of Bothwell & Nash was hired to design “a large, rustic beach house” with an accompanying man-made beach, and the bathhouse continues to be used to by residents more than 50 years later.

Moffson said the bathhouse is significant for its architecture because it includes elements of the Colonial Revival style and the long, rectangular form characteristic of mid-century modern design.

He said there are 2,028 listings in the historic register in Georgia, and 74,000 properties listed.

Many of the listings include historic districts, while historic properties are those, such as the bathhouse, that stand alone in the register. The city of Acworth now has four listings in the historic register, as the bathhouse joins the Cowen Farmstead, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Collins Avenue Historic District.

Staff/Laura Moon

Cobb County Manager David Hankerson, left, was presented the Marietta Daily Journal Citizen of the Year award by Journal General Manager Otis Brumby III in late January at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala at the Cobb Galleria Centre. ty,” Hankerson said. “I love this community. I love what I do. And I just love, love working with our youth.”

This is the 47th year the Journal has presented the Cobb Citizen of the Year award. The newspaper has traditionally done so at the Chamber’s annual dinner. Former Cobb County School board chairman Lindsey Tippins received the award for 2008.

“Previous recipients have all had one thing in common: a commitment to the betterment of Cobb

County,” said Otis A. Brumby III, Journal general manager, who presented Hankerson with the award.

“There is no question Cobb County is regarded as one of the best run, best governed counties in the state,” Brumby said.

“The success of Cobb does not happen overnight and cannot be attributed to one individual. But, tonight’s recipient has played a critical role in making Cobb County a great place to do business and makes us proud to call Cobb County home.”

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 4EE

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Doing more with less Facing tough economy, Cobb Commission Chairman Olens says ‘goal is just to be stable’

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

Cobb County commissioners and department heads have resolved to do more with less in these lean budget times.

“I think we need to look at all the resources we have so that we can accomplish our goals. We need to look at how we move people from organization to organization to work together and share resources, so we have the maximum gain from the people we’ll have left,” said Bob Ash, the county’s public services agency director.

County Manager David Hankerson agreed that changes need to be made, but added that those changes should carry into future operations.

“It’s not just the tough times. It’s

making the decisions that need to be made in this new era to have sustainability and make sure we keep our AAA rating,” Hankerson said.

The county executives met for a two-day retreat in early February at Lake Lanier. Chairman Sam Olens paid the tab out of his campaign funds.

Olens said he had one goal for this year — to “maintain fiscally conservative budgetary policies.”

“You have the opportunity to not be like other counties with layoffs and tax increases,” Olens told the county’s commissioners and department heads. “You will be the decision if we start talking about layoffs or not. You get to decide how many service cuts are needed. The commissioners say continuously that we have a fantastic staff, and we really

do. But department heads can be part of the problem because you keep promoting the issues. The more you give folks, the more tough decisions you will have to make.”

Sam Olens Although some of the goals other commissioners discussed would cost the county money, saving money was still integrated into the 2010 goals.

Commissioner Helen Goreham suggested the county set up a cost saving hot line, where residents and business owners could suggest ways the county could save money in their neighborhoods. Commissioner Bob Ott would like to investigate the feasibility of a high-

deductible insurance plan for county employees and to continue to look for ways to use retired and part-time personnel to fill positions that could come open from early retirement or other positions.

Commissioner Woody Thompson said the county needs to focus on doing more with less people by cross-training employees and sharing technology. Commissioner Tim Lee wants to strengthen the county’s economic development programs and find a way to protect the county from losses at the Mable House Barnes Ampitheatre.

“The commissioners have had the armor in place where they’ve literally said no to constituents far more than they wanted to. It’s going to get tougher,” Olens said. “But a millage increase is not an option, so you

suck it up and do the best you can.

When Cobb does 90 percent of what you want them to, that’s so much better than other counties.

“DeKalb is $84 million less now, Gwinnett increased millage 20 percent this year. You have to just continue saying no. The goal is just to be stable. It’s not to do anything cute.”

“The decisions we make now are going to have a lasting impact.

I think years from now it’s going to be clear we either got it right or we didn’t do enough,” said Brad Bowers, the county’s finance director. “This is a once in three years career opportunity, and it’s going to be hard, but I think we’re getting it right. It’s going to be our legacy, what we do in just the next six months.”

Let Our Qualified Professional Staff Assist You in Fabric Selections & Window Treatment Styles

Affordable Fabrics & Trim

Labor on Panels = $50 (up to 100” long/width)

Exp. 3-31-10

Window Treatments • Bed Ensembles Home Decor • Finials & Hardware

LARGE

Custom Upholstery • Blinds/Shutters

Fabric & Trim Selections

3595 Canton Rd., Suite C-3 Marietta, GA 30066 Corner of Chastain & Canton Rd. In Kroger Shopping Center

Superstore: 770.794.8106 2440 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066

770-516-3600

needfulthingsonline.net Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-6

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

COBB BOARD

CITIES & COUNTY

OF

PAGE 5EE

COMMISSIONERS

HELEN GOREHAM: DISTRICT 1

TIM LEE: DISTRICT 3

Email: hgoreham@cobbcounty.org phone: (770) 528-3313; (770) 528-2606 fax

Email: tlee@cobbcounty.org phone: (770) 528-3318; (770) 528-2606 fax

Safety Village and multipurpose trail have been Goreham’s main focus

East Cobb’s Lee will be running for commission chairman’s post

By Katy Ruth Camp

ing my time as commissioner that I would like to see finished and in operation.”

Two of those projects include the plans for Although District 1 Commissioner Helen a multipurpose trail off Dallas Highway and Goreham was born and raised in Long Island, to see the new Cobb Safety Village develop N.Y., she and her husband, Len, have lived in into full operation.

Cobb for 23 years now.

“I’ve been there since the ground level Goreham, a physical therapist, holds an with the Safety Village, and … I’d love to undergraduate degree from Upstate Medical see the impact it makes in the future,” GoreCenter in Syracuse, N.Y., and a masham said. ter’s in health care administration from The District 1 commissioner also National University in San Diego. said the commissioners are there to But in recent years, community serve their constituents, and that she service has been Goreham’s occupaalways takes their concerns into contion. She is a former president of Peosideration. ple Looking After Neighborhoods “It’s very important for me to be (PLAN), is a founding member of the open to my constituents, to talk with Kolb Farm Coalition, a former steerHelen Goreham them whether it’s by phone, e-mail, ing committee member of Homeownin my office, or out in the communiers Opposed to Power line Encroachment ty,” Goreham said.

(HOPE) and she has been active in her chilGoreham’s northwest Cobb district is one dren’s educations with leadership positions in of contrasts, with a rural, picturesque area not local PTSA’s. Goreham also is a 2004 gradufar from one of Georgia’s largest retail shopate of Leadership Cobb and a 2005 graduate ping districts around Town Center Mall. of the Regional Leadership Institute.

The region is home to a growing number On being a commissioner, Goreham said: of international corporations, including “Some days are great and some days are not Yamaha and Cryolife, and to Georgia’s third so great, but I feel like I’m making a differbusiest airport, Cobb County Airport-McColence as a commissioner. I decided to run for lum Field. re-election because I enjoy what I do and “As long as I’m doing an effective job, work hard at it, and there are several projects and my vision and standards are upheld, then that have been discussed or were started durwho knows how long I’ll be here,” she said.

By Katy Ruth Camp

krcamp@mdjonline.com

krcamp@mdjonline.com

BOB OTT: DISTRICT 2 Email: bob.ott@cobbcounty.org phone: (770) 528-3316; (770) 528-2606 fax

While career has been up in air, Ott keeping feet on ground in S.E. Cobb dor Study and as president of the East Cobb Civic Association. He is also a member of Mount Bethel United Methodist Church.

Many public officials hold positions in the Ott received a bachelor’s degree in biology private sector, as business owners, lawyers or from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., consultants. But Commissioner Bob Ott’s job in 1979 and a master’s degree in systems is literally up in the air. management from the University of Southern As an international and domestic pilot for California in 1990. He and his wife, Judy, Delta Air Lines, Ott has been across the world have two children, daughter, Katie, 12 and and back. He is also a senior instrucson, Christopher, 10. The Ott family tor and evaluator for the Atlantaresides in Marietta, and Ott and his based airline. He is also president and wife will have been married 16 years owner of DBO Software, which he in April. He has been a resident of said mainly assists with computer Cobb County for 19 years. investigations.

Ott’s district is an industrial hub, as Previously, Ott was an instructor it is the home to major corporations and evaluator in the U.S. Air Force such as Home Depot, IBM and US for 8½ years, where he also flew the Sprint. It also includes the nationally FB-111, and he taught science to sev- Bob Ott ranked convention center, Cobb-Galleenth- and eighth-graders in New Jersey for ria Center. Upscale residential development two years. Ott said he still holds his K-12 cer- has also emerged in the district, which includes tification as a math and science teacher. the Vinings and Smyrna communities.

Ott has been active in the Cobb community Ott has been commissioner for a little over for years, once serving on the Cobb County a year, but the grassroots politician said he Planning Commission and Board of Zoning has found fulfillment in his short time.

Appeals, on the board of trustees for Friends “I think probably my proudest moments for East Cobb Park, and on the Terrell Mill as commissioner came through the opportuniHomeowners Association, Transportation ties it gave me to help the people of Cobb SPLOST Oversight Committee, Neighborhood during the floods,” Ott said. “I was glad that I Safety Commission, Vinings Corridor Study, could really get in there and help them cut Blueprint Cumberland and Powers Ferry Corri- through all the red tape.”

By Katy Ruth Camp

krcamp@mdjonline.com

WOODY THOMPSON: DISTRICT 4 E-mail: woody.thompson@cobbcounty.org phone: (770) 528-3312; (770) 528-2606 fax

Vet S.W. Cobb commissioner to step in as interim chair when Olens exits ly be busy with the overlap of serving my district and taking on all of the tasks of chairman,” Thompson said.

Commissioner Woody Thompson of DisThe last time that a vice chair has served trict 4 is no stranger to south Cobb. Or to as chairman was in 2002, when Joe Lee Cobb County as a whole, for that matter.

Thompson took over after Chairman Bill Thompson grew up in East Point but Byrne resigned to run for governor. moved to Cobb as a child in 1956.

Thompson is a licensed real estate He served as District 4 commisbroker for Thompson Realty Advisioner from 1997 to 2004 and was sors and is also the company owner. again elected in 2008. Thompson first Thompson has been active in served on the board of commissioners numerous community and business as a Republican, but now sits on the organizations, including the Cobb board as a Democrat as he said he felt County Planning and Zoning Commission before becoming a commishe could reach more of his consioner, the Cobb Convention and Visstituents with the switch.

Commissioner Thompson holds a Woody Thompson itors Bureau and the Powder Springs Downtown Development Authority. significant seat on the board of commissionThompson has held leadership roles as ers, as he has been appointed by Chairman director of Cobb Chamber of Commerce Sam Olens to be the interim chairman when Board of Directors, unit board director and Olens steps down at the end of March to focus on his run for the state’s attorney gener- project chairman for the American Cancer al. A special election is expected to be held in Society, director of Cobb Boys Club Board of Directors, is immediate past president of the July, so Thompson will serve as the board’s South Cobb Business Association and an chair for three months. elder and immediate past chairman of the “I’ll be glad to serve, and was happy to board of Southwest Christian Church. take the chairman up on his offer,” ThompHe is also on the board of Habitat for son said. “It’s a team effort with what we do, but there has to be someone to officially sign Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta.

Thompson is a graduate of Leadership the documents and attend all the meetings Cobb, the Regional Leadership Institute, the that are expected of the chairman, so that’s Realtors institute, and holds a bachelor’s what I’ll do.” degree in business administration from West Thompson said he will also have to serve as the county’s representative for such author- Georgia College.

Thompson, 61, has two adult children. ities as the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.

He and his wife live in Mableton where “I’m just getting around to finding out some of his hobbies include bicycle riding what all will be needed of me, but I’ll certain- and gardening.

By Katy Ruth Camp

krcamp@mdjonline.com

ation for 10 years.

Lee also served on the Atlanta Regional Commission, and he graduated from the Commissioner Tim Lee hopes to no ARC’s Regional Leadership Institute in longer simply be called “commissioner” 2004. after July’s special election. That is Lee serves on the boards of the North because he is currently running unopposed Georgia State Fair, the Cobb Symphony for the commission’s chair spot, which is Orchestra, and the MUST Ministries expected to be vacated at the end of Advisory Council. He also serves the March when current chairman Sam Olens Association of County Commissioners’ of will resign to run for the state’s attorney Georgia (ACCG) as their appointment to general. the advisory board of the North “I look forward to the race and Central Georgia Law Enforceam excited at the chance to ment Academy. He is also a become the county’s next commismember of the Marietta Kiwanis sioner,” Lee said.

Club and Marietta First United Lee represents District 3, northMethodist Church. east Cobb. He lives in Marietta From 1975 to 1987, Lee with Annette, his wife of 20 years, worked his way up from mailand they have three children and room assistant to vice president Tim Lee five grandchildren. Cobb County of Scali McCabe Flose, an adverhas been Lee’s home for 22 years. tising agency in New York, Lee took office as commissioner in where he was in charge of $70 million in November 2002. He oversees the county’s advertising revenue. Through his advertiscommunity development, transportation ing work, Lee said he introduced the Unitand extension services departments. ed States to Marriott and was in charge of Lee said one of his proudest achievethe Castro Motor Oil campaigns. ments as commissioner has been to use his Lee is a graduate of the Chamber of marketing knowledge to help the county’s Commerce’s 2004 Leadership Cobb class senior services department. and Honorary Commanders program, and “Next to public service, taking care of has completed advanced training offered by our senior citizens is one of the highest the University of Georgia and the Associapriorities we have as far as county sertion of County Commissioners of Georgia. vices, and we have to really pay attention In May 2009, Lee was selected as one to what we can do to help them both now of 25 commissioners from across the and in the future,” Lee said. country to participate in the County Lead“Cobb County is one of the greatest ership Institute program offered by the places to live and I absolutely enjoy living National Association of Counties and the and serving here,” Lee added. “Being part Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of of a team that is at the cutting edge in Public Service in New York City. every regard imaginable is really someHe is the owner of Summit View Marthing. It’s uplifting, encouraging, fulfilling keting, Inc. and important to so many, so I always keep “I work with companies who have a that in mind as I serve the community as business plan, and I help to develop a their commissioner. It’s really a great, strategic plan to help their business grow. though challenging, position to have.”

That’s really something I get excited Before being elected, Lee served as about, enjoy, and take great pride in when president of the Northeast Cobb HomeI help them reach their goals,” Lee said. owners Group for two years. He has also “If they want to grow their circulation by served on the board of the Cobb County 100 percent, increase their Web usage by Civic Coalition, and as director of the East 300 percent, whatever it is, I then sit down Cobb Civic Association. He was president and help them get that done. It’s challengof his neighborhood homeowner’s associing, but also exciting.”

PAGE 6EE

CITIES & COUNTY

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 7EE

The buzzword in Powder Springs: Expansion Expansion projects include new entranceway into city, police station and bridge for Silver Comet trail

By Jon Gillooly

$800,000.

The city is also spending $348,180 on sidewalks for Pinegrove, Carter Road, North Avenue, Sailors Parkway, Florence and POWDER SPRINGS — Mayor Pat Macedonia roads as well.

Vaughn says Powder Springs residents will Powder Springs is slowly recovering from see a number of enhancements this year, the September floods, which damaged 92 including a new police station, a new bridge homes. It was the second flood to hit the city for Silver Comet Trail users and a revamped in five years. entrance to the city.

“Many of the same people in 2009 lost The city of 15,936 residents has 33 fulleverything again,” Vaughn said. time police officers, and the department has The cleanup would have outgrown its station on Jackbeen more than the city could son Way, she said. afford had the county not City officials purchased stepped in to help, she said. the former Ace Hardware “In two days they had this building, next to the Publix city cleaned up of the flood at Richard Sailors Parkway debris. I am very grateful to and New Macland Road, at David Hankerson and the foreclosure, and are making Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen county commission,” Vaughn $4.2 million worth of renoNot only is Pat Vaughn the mayor of Powder Springs, she also has served as city mansaid. vations, she said. ager since 2008. The city is looking for a new manager, but is taking its time. The canCommunity groups such “The location is wonderas Sweetwater CAMP Min- didate has to be the right fit, Vaughn says, for a city a lot like ‘Mayberry.’ ful, right in the heart of istries, Cobb Disaster things,” Vaughn said. The ‘It’s as close to MayRecovery, McEachern old police headquarters will berry as you get. It’s Methodist Church, First continue to be used for the Baptist Church of Powder city’s municipal court. the hometown feel. It’s Springs, the Salvation Army, Vaughn, whose city has a the people. It’s the lovTrinity Chapel and the Menfiscal 2010 budget of $7.6 ing compassion of nonites, also provide invalumillion, is also excited about able assistance, she said. the $24 million Lewis Road people that come “I tell you, it was comproject, which is creating a together. It’s just the munity pulling together,” new entranceway to the city people that make the she said. by connecting CH James Vaughn has pulled douParkway to Lewis Road to city special.’ ble duty herself, serving as Marietta Street, the city’s both mayor and acting city main street. That entrance— Mayor Pat Vaughn manager since the previous way should open in Decemcity manager was fired in ber. The new entranceway December 2008. It’s taken a will solve the problem of while to find a replacement because she wants traffic stopping at the train tracks by creating to make sure the next city manager is a good an overpass over the tracks. fit for the city. But she loves serving her city.

“We had to have a way over the railroad “It’s as close to Mayberry as you get. It’s tracks to come over the city,” Vaughn said of the hometown feel. It’s the people. It’s the the project, which has been 10 years in the loving compassion of people that come making. together. It’s just the people that make the Safety on the Silver Comet Trail is the city special,” she said. impetus behind the trail bridge over the interCity voters elected two new council memsection of Old Lost Mountain Road and bers who took office this year. Cheryl Sarvis Richard Sailors Parkway, Vaughn said. The $550,000 bridge will open later this year. The is a retired principal from the Atlanta Public Schools, where she worked for 12 years. And project includes a small parking area at Old Nancy Hudson is a student information clerk Lost Mountain Road. at Birney Elementary.

“There have been many, many near missVaughn served on the City Council from es. That’s the reason for it. The whole reason for it is safety,” she said.

1995 to 2003, before being elected mayor.

Atlanta Street will also see new sidewalks, She is married to Ray Vaughn, pastor of Flint landscaping, lighting and curb and gutter Hill United Methodist Church in Hiram. installations in a project work nearly Powder Springs has 90 fulltime and 20 jgillooly@mdjonline.com

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 8EE

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Northern cities on move

Mirror images: Acworth, Kennesaw reflect strong growth, tradition

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

Acworth and Kennesaw have been the landmarks of tremendous growth throughout the years, bringing thousands of families and businesses to the metro Atlanta area.

Here’s a look at the past, present and future of Cobb’s northern cities:

Kennesaw Today and Tomorrow: Kennesaw has grown to be an educational hub, existing as the home of one of the state’s largest universities, Kennesaw State University, and the economic development, Town Center.

The city had a $100,000 budget surplus in 2009 and business revenue exceeded projections by 9 percent, bringing in $867,000. The city is governed by Mayor Mark Mathews and five city council members.

The city’s police department was one of only 38 in Georgia and 760 in the nation to be certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in 2009, while the parks and

recreation also saw a 7 percent increase in participation from 2008.

One of the biggest projects under construction that is expected to bring more consumers and event-goers to the downtown district is the city’s pedestrian underpass that will run under the nowCSX railroad.

“The vision of a pedestrian underpass began in 1996 when Atlanta hosted the Olympics. While it was scheduled to open in January, weather issues held it back. It will definitely be open by the end of March and for the Big Shanty Festival,” Mathews said.

The L-shaped underpass is expected to be 115 feet long and 8 feet tall, with sloped ramps leading into it with no steps.

“I know everyone felt the effects of the recession, but we are at a point now where we can start fresh,” Mathews said during his January State of the City address. “We live in the best community in the world. Thanks to involvement by people like you, I see 2010 as a prosperous year for all of us and look forward to a better tomorrow.”

Kennesaw’s Past: Kennesaw also originated as a railroad town when the Georgia Legislature authorized the construction of a rail line through Cobb County in the 1830s. The railroad that cut through Kennesaw was known as the Western and Atlantic Railroad, and included 20 miles of track from Terminus (Atlanta) to Cartersville by 1846.

Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews

Marietta Police rolling out messaging system

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — The Marietta Police Departm ent has a new communication tool that will allow residents to receive immediate public safety information by e-mail or text message.

“Any time we can enhance our service by putting information out to the community, we’re going to do it,” Marietta Police Chief Dan Flynn said.

With offices in San Francisco and New Jersey, the Nixle company offers a service that enables users to receive up-to-date public safety alerts and advisories.

The information is sent directly from the Marietta Police Departme nt to a user’s phone, e-mail or Web browser.

Since its public launch in March, more than 3,000 public safety and community agencies across the country have signed up to use the free service.

Flynn said the tool can be used to get the word out about anything from a missing child to a gas leak or closed road. The customized messages are based on the user’s geographic preference so that if, for example, only alerts about the Marietta Square area are

wanted, that’s all that will be sent to the user’s phone.

To sign up, visit the Nixle Web site, set up a user name and Dan Flynn password, enter an address or the nearest cross-street, and choose how to receive the messages.

There are four types of messages: alerts, used in emergencies; advisories, which are less urgent need-to-know information; community information, such as day-today neighborhood to community-level information; and localized traffic information.

The goal is to get accurate information into the hands of residents as soon as possible, Flynn said. Recipients cannot respond to the messages like they can with e-mail.

Smyrna Police Officer Mike Smith said his department began using Nixle over the summer. The Cobb Police Department uses its own system called Police Email Notification System, which has a similar end result in direct contact with citizens. Cobb breaks down its system, which has been in place two years, based on precinct area.

For more information, visit www.nixle.com.

Fuller, the conductor of the General, chased the men first on foot until he was able to run them down just outside the north Georgia town of Ringgold.

Two battles occurred at the Big Shanty site, both in 1864. The railroad was destroyed by Sherman’s troops, but was later rebuilt.

In 1887, the city was incorporated.

2010, and Allegood said he expects the city to end its fiscal year

Acworth Today and Tomorrow:

Staff/file

The Acworth Opry always provides a lot of fun for residents. Here, Wayne Hawthorne of Kennesaw spins his wife, Edyie, as they square dance for the audience.

The abundance of high ground and water adjacent to the railroad led to the construction of workers’ shanties near the present day Kennesaw. This area became known as the “big grade to the shanties” and was later shortened to “Big Shanty Grade.”

In 1861, Camp McDonald, a training camp for soldiers, was established near Big Shanty, where the men lived in tents and had access to fresh water and the railroad.

Camp McDonald was named for former Governor Charles C. McDonald, who was a resident of Marietta.

The railroad’s most memorable point in history came when a band of Yankee spies boarded a northbound train at Marietta. Powered by the locomotive, the General, the men arrived at a stop at Big

Shanty where they stole the General and headed north to the destroy the Western and Atlantic Railroad. William

Acworth’s government leaders include Mayor Tommy Allegood and five city aldermen.

Acworth had no millage tax increase in 2009, and was the only city in Cobb County whose property tax revenues grew in the past year.

Mayor Allegood said the city also saw a 24 percent drop in violent crimes, a 12 percent decline in property crimes and an 81 percent drop in robberies from 2009 to 2008. There were no bank robberies in Acworth in 2009.

The city is $300,000 under budget for fiscal year

Staff/file

The annual Taste of Kennesaw outing always provides a scrumptious treat for those in Kennesaw. Mark Lupo, left, and Jurell Holbrook get the steaks going.

Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood $500,000 under its $26 million budget.

A 100-acre redevelopment plan has been turned over to the Marietta Housing Authority, and the authority plans to take its first steps in 2010 to build a 108-unit senior apartment housing development with Walton Homes. According to Ray Buday of MHA, they have applied to the federal government for permission to tear down the 25-unit housing project at Carrouth Street, and will apply for low-income housing tax credits to help finance the project.

Acworth will celebrate its 150th birthday in December.

“We have so much to be thankful for and hopeful for, and I hope you remember that God has blessed us and See Northern, Page 10EE

Meet in Atlanta with New South Style...

Celebrating 26 Years of Inspired Atlanta Events Since opening in 1983, the AAA 4 diamond Renaissance Waverly Hotel has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s meetings and hospitality industry, bringing people together for special events ranging from conventions to weddings; tradeshows to local galas, and everything in between. Connected to the 320,000 square foot Cobb Galleria Convention Centre, and adjacent to the fabulous new 2,700 seat Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and the newly renovated Cumberland Mall, the Renaissance Waverly Hotel is truly perfect for any occasion!

Shopping centers rank in Top 25 Three Cobb shopping centers were ranked among Atlanta’s Top 25 Shopping Centers, ranked by total square footage.

Ranked No. 9 was Town Center at Cobb mall, located at 400 Ernest Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. The shopping center, established in 1986 and renovated in 2008, had 1,252,000 total square feet and 174 stores.

The number of parking spaces was 6,580.

Ranked No. 12 was Cumberland Mall, located at 1000 Cumberland Mall SE in the Atlanta zip-coded portion of Cobb County. The shopping center, established in 1973 and renovated in 1990, 2000 and 2007, had 1,050,000 total square feet and 150 stores. The number of parking spaces was 4,877 Ranked No. 18 was Barrett Pavillion, located at 740 Barrett Parkway NW in Kennesaw. The shopping center, established in 1998, has a 672,377 total square feet and 22 stores. Parking spaces number was unavailable.

770-953-4500 Renaissance Waverly Hotel • 2450 Galleria Parkway • Atlanta, GA 30339 • www.renaissancewaverly.com © 2008 Marriott International, Inc.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 9EE

Austell rebuilding after flood rebuilding the school, several parents were slightly concerned that the land near Cooper Middle is too close to the same flood plain that housed the old Clarkdale building.

Pritz also summarized the funding sources to rebuild Clarkdale, reiterating that the district expects an estimated $10 million from FEMA, GEMA, insurance and SPLOST III dollars. But he told parents not to worry about funding now, and that they certainly would not be looking to them to foot the bill for rebuilding.

Residents discovering that recovery will be painfully long process

By Brandon Wilson bwilson@mdjonline.com

“Buyouts” was the buzzword in south Cobb during the last few months of 2009, and FEMA, GEMA, CEMA, SBA, HUD and WRC were among the slews of acronyms residents became all too familiar with following September’s record flood. Those agencies and groups, along with local governments, have been working with homeowners and assiduously trying to rebuild an area that was drowned by waterway overflow after two days and 21 inches of relentless rain.

But the buyouts and reconstruction are going to take some time.

In the city of Austell, roughly 220 residents applied through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have their homes bought out after sustaining heavy flood damage, Mayor Joe Jerkins said.

However, Jerkins believes only 22 to 23 of them will actually be purchased through the program. FEMA pays 75 percent of purchasing flood-ravaged homes, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency pays 10 percent and the city pays 15 percent.

The city will hear from FEMA in March whether homes on the Tier 1 list will be bought out, Jerkins said. After hearing from FEMA, the city will contact homeowners, then funding with the federal agency, GEMA and the city will have to be solidified.

“So it will be a while before the actual money changes hands,” Jerkins said. “But we’ll at least know where we’re at in March ... I don’t know about Tier 2.”

A number of federal and local agencies held Q&A meetings throughout the end of ’09 and into 2010 regarding the buyout program, loans and assistance for homeowners.

Aubrey Jordan, 35, of Austell, attended a workshop in late January to speak with Housing and Urban Development representatives by the

nnn

Staff/file

Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins — here surveying the damage done to the Cypress Club subdivision during the flood — is helping residents recover after 21 inches of rain fell on the Atlanta area in September. dents and teachers. Since Septemcity’s maintenance facility, “The entrance of Austell’s Threadmill ber, students and teachers have Barn,” sustained most of the $3 complex. Jordan’s $155,000 home been divided between Compton million in damage. Fortunately, on Locust Lane was completely Austell has $10 million in insurance Elementary and Austell Intermediruined in September. Since then, ate schools. to cover those expenses. Legion she had been living with her grandThe first option is to not rebuild Field and “The Barn,” which housmother in Powder Springs. the school, and just absorb the es offices and heavy equipment, “I wasn’t on the Tier 1 list of were still being repaired and rebuilt Clarkdale population into several of the homes for the buyout program, nearby schools, somewhat like the in February. but I am on there,” Jordan said in current situation students and teachNearby Clarkdale Elementary January. “But I really am lost as to ers are experiencing now. The secSchool was another victim of the what to do from here because I ond option would be to rebuild the can’t go back to my home, but I’m flood. school on the current Clarkdale site, On Feb. 2, hundreds of constill paying my mortgage each month. I’m not sure what I’ll find cerned parents and Austell residents at an elevated ground level. out here, but I got an e-mail from The third, and seemingly most packed the Ewing Street Baptist the city talking about this so I’m popular option among the district Church to hear the Cobb County hoping I can find out either ways School District’s proposal to rebuild employees, would be to rebuild on to get help with my current morta different site, adjacent to Cooper Clarkdale. gage or just something that may Following a Clarkdale PTA meet- Middle School. The district already keep me afloat until my home is owns this land, and it has received ing, district spokesman Jay Dillon, bought out and I look for another.” along with Associate Superintendent mandatory pre-approval from the Powder Springs Mayor Pat state to build on the site.

Dr. Gordon Pritz, Chief AdministraVaughn said the flooding damaged Preliminary plans for the project tive Officer for SPLOST Doug 92 homes in her city, 16 of those estimate that a new, larger 53-classShepard and risk manager Sandra substantially, meaning they cannot room school would cost the district Elliott outlined several options for $20 million.

Clarkdale students and faculty. be rebuilt unless elevated.

Pritz said the district is exploring As for city property, Jerkins said While an overwhelming majority several options for Clarkdale stuAustell’s Legion Field and the of parents seemed in favor of

From emergency response members to business leaders to a beauty pageant winner, the outpouring of support flooded south Cobb as quickly as the waters did.

More than 7,000 volunteers reached out during the flooding to help those in need, Cobb Chairman Sam Olens said, and more than 950 Community Emergency Response Team members were activated to assist in any way they were needed.

The Cobb County Civic Center was turned into a Red Cross shelter, which was visited by Vice President Joe Biden, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss and U.S. Rep. David Scott, who represents that area.

“It’s not Katrina in its scope by any stretch of the imagination, but the impact on their lives, on your lives, we understand that it is Katrina,” Biden told reporters after flying over the flooded area. “What impresses me most is how strong the communities down here seem to be. You all kind of banded together inside and everybody acted as one.

Telling me stories about what your neighbor did, not just what you did.

A community like yours may have lost a lot of physical structure, but it seems to me, you’ve kept a great determination.”

After the flood, thousands of others raised money and offered assistance.

One of those was Mrs. GeorgiaAmerica Jennifer Everett, of Acworth. Shortly after competing in See Austell, Page 10EE

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 10EE

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Smyrna: Downtown makeover a success Image change ignited massive growth trend

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

SMYRNA — Among the items in Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon’s office is a gift from former Marietta Mayor Victoria Chastain pertaining to a story that ran in National Geographic in the late 1980s, disparaging Smyrna as a “redneck” town.

The gift is a wicker basket filled with a copy of the shredded National Geographic article.

Smyrna native Julia Roberts added to the slight when she described Smyrna as a city that stood still in time to a Rolling Stone interStaff/file viewer, Bacon recalled.

The Village Green was the hub of the downtown redevelopment Mayor Max Bacon, “That’s what sort of got above, and the Smyrna City Council planned as the magnet to draw residents to the area. people riled up a little bit,” Bacon said. ize other parts of the city, the insurance rating agency the downtown with a town But he and other residents center that offered shops and although those efforts have as a rare Class 2, which have made a concerted effort been stalled by the recession. restaurants as well as housing, means it is among the top to improve their city’s image. with a community center, One major project he 628 safest communities out “Our goal initially was to intends to see through is the of 48,086 in the nation, city town fountain and village bring people back to the redevelopment of the former green all nearby. The redevel- spokeswoman Jennifer Bendowntown. If you asked 1950s era Belmont Hills nett said. opment efforts brought famisomebody 20 years ago Smyrna has also seen Shopping Center at the corlies back to the downtown. where downtown Smyrna improvements to its park sys- ner of Atlanta and Windy “We get a ton of families was, you’d probably get Hill roads. The property is tem, thanks to a $22 million down here now, and that’s South Cobb Drive. You owned by Jack Halpern, presbond voters approved in what it’s all about. I think might get Cumberland. They 2005, which resulted in seven ident of Halpern Enterprises, that makes communities sure as heck 20 years ago and when Belmont opened in new parks in the city. Smyrwhole,” Bacon said. wouldn’t bring you to downthe 1950s as the “premiere Smyrna has nearly 50,000 na expanded or improved 12 town Smyrna because it was shopping center in the southexisting parks and purchased residents in its 15 square a mess, and when I say a east,” Bacon said it drained miles. The median age is 34, eight properties totaling 17.5 mess, it had the old telephone and the median household business from downtown. acres for new park construclines, old buildings — it was “When they did that, that tion, Bennett said. income is $54,806, accordwhat it was,” Bacon said. was the beginning of the With the success of the ing to the latest Census Bacon and the City Coundeath of the downtown. That downtown redevelopment Bureau data. cil set about changing this was the first shot fired,” efforts, Bacon and the CounThe Smyrna Fire Departimpression by redeveloping cil looked for ways to revital- Bacon said. ment was recently ranked by

Austell Continued from Page 9EE the Mrs. America pageant in September in Arizona, Everett aimed her sights on assisting those in southwest Cobb. As a result of her subsequent fundraising, she’s raised $7,500 to help flood victims.

To prevent another flooding event, Austell’s mayor proposes building an underground tunnel to carry the water away from Sweetwater Creek. Cobb County built one by Cumberland Mall a few years ago, and it’s building another one in southern Cobb that’s six miles long and 27 feet high, at a cost of $300 million.

“That’s a big tunnel going about six miles underground and they go down approximately 200 foot,” Jerkins earlier said. “If we could get that put in the right place when Sweetwater Creek got to a certain level, it would start going in that tunnel and it never would get high and you’d have two ways for the water to leave. But you’re looking at a couple of hundred million dollars probably,

Northern Continued from Page 8EE will continue to bless us,” Allegood said during his State of the City Address in January. “This is the greatest community because we have the greatest people.”

Acworth’s Past: Acworth, about 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, was incorporated as a city in 1840 as a typical railroad town.

The downtown district once thrived as the city’s primary central business district, before automobiles made it possible for other areas of the city to be developed.

Today’s Main Street is located on what began as a trading route used by the Cherokee Indians, and by the 1920s, it had evolved into a major North-South thoroughfare known as the Dixie Highway (later replaced in the modern era by Highway 41 and Interstate 75).

The Dixie Highway, “the granddaddy of Interstate 75,” was the first interstate to reach into the South.

Acworth’s downtown buildings still retain many of the architectural details com-

but look at the damage done, there’s probably more than that done this time.”

In early February, Cobb 911 executives launched a program called Code RED that will help communication in case of future disasters such as September’s flood.

Once registered, county officials would have alternate numbers to notify residents when they could return home if they had been evacuated because of an emergency.

“It doesn’t do anyone any good to call their home to tell them everything is OK or that it’s OK to go back to the office or home when the only line we have is one they obviously can’t reach,” said Tammi Conniff, Cobb County senior 911 analyst. “We’ve always had a database with published phone numbers, but needed a way to get any phone numbers that weren’t published or cell phone numbers to be able to reach people in case of an emergency, so we came up with Code RED. “This will also help with missing children reports, if prisoners have broken loose and are in someone’s area, and especially if we have another disaster like September’s floods,” Conniff said.

monly associated with commercial buildings constructed in the late 19th and early-20th centuries, and serve as a physical reminder of a point in time when the downtown was the focus of small town life.

Acworth currently has four listings in the historic register, including the Lake Acworth Bath and Beachhouse, Cowen Farmstead, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Collins Avenue Historic District.

Acworth is surrounded by two lakes, Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona. According to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, Lake Allatoona was constructed in December 1949 and was in full operation by January 1950. The total cost of the Allatoona project for construction, land, clearing and relocation was $31.5 million. Allatoona was authorized for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, water supply and water quality, recreation and fish and wildlife management.

Lake Acworth was created that same year by Mayor Hilton Nichols’ closing of the Lake Allatoona floodgates.

City leaders hoped that Lake Acworth would boost the city’s economy.

A few months ago, Halpern bulldozed the Belmont Shopping Center in preparation of its redevelopment. With the new downtown and the leveling of Belmont, the city has in a way come full circle. Bacon said the latest proposal for the redevelopment of Belmont Hills, a 48 acre property currently valued at $15 million, is to build it out at a future value of $250 million by building 130,000 square feet of commercial space, with 164 senior and 274 luxury rentals, 338 town homes and flats and eight single family houses.

Another project Bacon intends to see finished is the proposed Jonquil Village at the corner of Atlanta and Spring roads, which would be anchored by a 40,000 square foot Publix, with 120,000 square feet of office space, 30,000 square feet of Class A office space, 300 condos and senior housing, and 1,300 deck and surface parking spaces. The Jonquil developers have spent $17 million on the project, but intended to borrow $110 million, Bacon said.

Both Belmont and Jonquil were approved by the county and city as Tax Allocation District projects. Jonquil was approved for TAD bonds, and Belmont was approved to be reimbursed for TAD eligible expenses as TAD revenues increase on the property. To date, neither of these projects has received any TAD funds, Bennett said.

A third project Bacon is excited about is The Crossings at Four Corners, slated

for the corner of South Cobb Drive and Concord Road.

Bacon said the $24 million project would be anchored with a 95,000 square foot Kroger store.

Renovations to the old Winn Dixie building and construction on the new retail center are to begin this summer, the mayor said.

Bacon was elected mayor in 1985, after his father, Arthur, the previous mayor, died while in office.

“He sort of had the same philosophy of being mayor, and that is you get everybody on the same sheet of music. It doesn’t make any difference who gets the credit, as long as the job gets accomplished,” Bacon said of his father.

“I’ve never been the one who said, ‘Hey, I’m the mayor.’ It just don’t work that way. This is my 30th year. I got elected (to city council) in 1980. I’ve had a number of council member and a number of councils, and they’ve all been good to work with. You just have to have an approach to let folks be involved,” Bacon said.

Bacon said he’s proud to be able to maintain a high level of service to his citizens throughout a devastating economic crisis.

“Our citizens understand the economy, and they understand just like any other business we’re struggling too. This is probably the most challenging time that I’ve had in 30 years.

We’ve only got so much money. And if we run out of money, we don’t go back in the back and start printing more,” he said.

EXPERTS IN COBB SIDING UNLIMITED SPECIAL! QUALITY WORK AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

1000 SQ FT OF

HARDIPLANK SIDING INSTALLED W/ PAINTING

FOR ONLY

*$3995.00

*Includes Tyvek house wrap, Hardie Corner boards, window flashing and painting of hardiplank siding. Come with 50 yr labor & material warranty.

10 HD ENERGY STAR

WINDOWS INSTALLED FOR ONLY

Lee Borden

(678) 209-9432

*$3995.00 *Qualifies for energy tax credit. All windows include low E and argon gas, 50 yr glass & window warranty.

770-592-2008

BOBCAT WORK • Grading & Drainage Solutions • Pools filled in

FREE Estimates

• Sink Hole Repair • Storm Water Control • Driveways & Retaining Walls CALL DANNY 7 DAYS A WEEK

678-938-0056 770-426-8063 www.regalstone.net

Spring Special

AC

Tune-up

$

69

.99

tem Special s y S C A

3495

$

.00

Includes 70,000 BTU Amana Furnace, 2 Ton 13 Seer Amana AC, 2 Ton Amana Evaporator Coil and White Rogers Programmable Thermostat

678-324-8210

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

CITIES & COUNTY

PAGE 11EE

Legacy Continued from Page 2EE

Staff/file

The historic Archibald Howell Home located at 303 Kennesaw Ave. in Marietta.

Mayor uses first veto to halt historic district Action gives council time to revise plan for another vote

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — New Mayor Steve Tumlin quickly used his veto power in January to kill the City Council’s vote approving Marietta’s first local historic district along Kennesaw Avenue.

The veto, Tumlin’s first as mayor, was made on the recommendation of Gregg Litchfield, an attorney with Haynie, Litchfield and Crane, the Marietta firm that represents the city.

Before approving a local historic district, a certain number of public hearings must be conducted. Litchfield said one of those hearings was not conducted or properly advertised, rendering the ordinance unenforceable.

“If we can’t enforce it, it’s not valid,” Councilman Van Pearlberg said during a special called Judicial Legislative Committee meeting.

“It’s the notice to the public that’s the problem,” Litchfield said. “It was overlooked.”

Two other flaws in the process, Councilman Philip Goldstein said, were that while most property owners received notice

of some of the hearings, a few property owners did not. Moreover, the ordinance requires that the “occupants” of the homes impacted receive notices, which doesn’t just cover the property owners, but anyone who lives there, such as renters. And only property owners were sent notices, Goldstein said.

The City Council approved the district on Jan. 13 in a vote of 4-3 with Goldstein, the Rev. Anthony Coleman and Annette Lewis voting against.

Goldstein said he didn’t closely examine the checklist of required steps for approving the historic district until after the vote, when two Kennesaw Avenue residents spoke out against the district. Goldstein then alerted Tumlin to the errors, prompting the mayor to ask city attorney Doug Haynie for advice. Tumlin said Haynie advised him that the ordinance was indeed unenforceable.

Tumlin’s veto restarts the process of creating a historic district along Kennesaw Avenue, Goldstein said, estimating the soonest it could now be approved would be in March. Tumlin pledged that he would bring the district back after the ordinance was properly revised.

To accommodate the larger building, the county is also building a five floor, 534space parking deck next to Marietta City Hall on the site of the former Fulton Federal Savings & Loan building. Of the 534 spaces, 230 will be for public parking and 304 for county employees. The exterior will be designed to match the new Superior Court building. The latest cost of the deck is projected at $7.7 million to be financed over 25 years, county officials say.

The cost of public parking will be $5 per day and the parking deck is scheduled to open in February 2011.

“The county has been a good neighbor. County government is a clean industry.

They don’t pollute. They don’t make a lot of noise.

We’re delighted to have them in the city,” Tumlin said.

County employees and residents who use the downtown county services keep the shops on Marietta Square alive by dining and shopping there. Being the county seat also helps Marietta attract banks, Tumlin said, citing Ron Francis’s First Landmark Bank nearing completion on North Marietta Parkway.

“First Landmark Bank and three or four others, they come where the county is.

Law offices come where the county is. They keep both the historic district and property values up around the Square,” Tumlin said.

In 2005, city voters approved a number of road improvement projects in the SPLOST referendum. Among them was widening most of the stretch of Roswell Street from the Big Chicken to the Marietta Square to four lanes as well as installing sidewalks, new streetlights and landscaped medians at that city gateway. Improvements to Roswell Street are expected to be finished in early 2011.

“The Square has great

Staff/file

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens — here with his wife, Lisa, taking his oath of office in 2008 after being reelected for his second full term — says Cobb has been a role model for other local governments and the state, mainly because he and his board have balanced the budget every year without using rainy day reserves. for children and adults, a potential. Restaurants, the 127-seat theater, and is the arts and office buildings help first of its kind of Georgia. create a complete communiOn transportation, the ty,” Olens said. county is working to provide While Tumlin is stepping west Cobb motorists a more into office, Olens is stepping direct route to Interstate 75 down this year to run for by connecting Macland Road Georgia Attorney General. at Powder Springs Road to Olens points to the counWindy Hill Road at Austell ty’s declining millage over the years as a source of pride. Road. The Windy Hill Road/Macland Road ConnecIn 1991, for instance, it was tor project, which will create 12.22 mills. In fiscal year a new four-lane highway 100 2009, it was 9.6 mills. He is feet from Milford Elementary also proud that he and his School on Austell Road, is board have kept the budget scheduled to open in May balanced and not had to fur2011. C.W. Matthews Conlough or lay off any of the tracting Company has the $27 county’s 5,000 employees.

Olens said the county has million contract to build the been a role model for other two-mile road. local governments and the Both Tumlin and Olens state. He and his board have are realistic about the state of balanced the budget every the economy. Tumlin menyear without using rainy day tioned the latest monthly reserves and have maintained foreclosure figures hit 1,300. high standards in local gover“We have not been nance. Olens is also proud of exempt from it. We still have his transparent and accessible 10 percent unemployment. government “with excellent But have we done better than municipal and regional relamost? Yes. Our high was tionships due to the great higher and our low is not as work of our employees and low as other people. We’re elected officials.” still in good shape. When the Last year, the county economy turns we’re going to opened the Public Safety Vil- be in good shape again,” lage, a 27,500-square-foot Tumlin said. “When I hear interactive facility designed the name Marietta I feel pride to teach children about public and joy, and I would like that safety. The $5 million facility we do such a good job that when people hear that they built on eight acres on Al have the same pride and Bishop Drive near Jim R. respect of Marietta that I do.”

Miller Park has classrooms

PAGE 12EE

CITIES & COUNTY

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PROGRESS 2010

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SECTION FF / 6 OF 8

HEALTH & FITNESS

ZUMBA

THE HOT NEW ‘NUMBAH’ FOR EXERCISING / 2FF

SHE RELIED ON FAITH IN BATTLE AGAINST CANCER 7FF INSIDE

COBB BOASTS RECREATION BONANZA

PAGE 9FF

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 2FF

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Dancing their way to fitness Zumba, a Latin hybrid aerobic workout, offers a fun way to get in shape

By Kathryn Dobies

Zumba instructor Claire Dunaway leads her class in upbeat exercise routines at the Health Place at WellStar Kennestone in Marietta.

Dunaway teaches two classes a week and says the Zumba routines ‘really takes your mind off the fact that you’re exercising.’

kdobies@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Walk into Claire Dunaway’s Zumba class on a Monday night in Marietta, and you would think you’ve stepped into a lively nightclub in Miami — a crowd of women clapping, cheering and swaying their hips to the beat of the music. But these women aren’t just dancing for fun; they’re dancing for fitness.

Zumba, a hybrid of Latin dance and aerobics, is not just a workout, it’s a party.

Dunaway, 29, has been teaching classes for two years.

“Honestly, it never seems like an hour. It really takes your mind off the fact that you’re exercising,” Dunaway said.

Founded in the mid-1990s by celebrity fitness trainer Alberto Perez in his native Cali, Colombia, Zumba has grown in popularity over the last decade. The Zumba Fitness Web site (www.zumba.com) boasts more than five million participants as of July 2009.

Zumba Fitness has even launched several variations of its program, including ZumbaAtomic, a DVD course for children ages 412; Aqua Zumba, water exercise classes; Zumba Gold, courses for adults 60 and older; and Zumba Toning, a strength-training class that integrates weights into the Zumba exercise.

A quick search on the site’s, “find a class” feature, and you will find more than 35 locations in the Cobb area that offer a Zumba class.

Dunaway teaches two classes per week, on Monday and Thursday evenings at the WellStar Health Place and

one at Georgia Ballet on Tuesday night. While all Zumba instructors receive the same training, DVDs and CDs, Dunaway emphasized that every teacher has a different style.

Dunaway has taught group fitness classes for several years. Although she was certified and teaching Latin cardio, the 29-year-old became weary of the direction that fitness business was headed and switched her focus to Zumba.

“When Zumba hit the scene I liked the style of Zumba, I liked the whole world approach,” Dunaway said. “I saw a lot of flexibility of Zumba in that they let me be sort of my own teacher.”

While instructor DVDs

COVER STORY

Staff/Laura Moon

From left: Zumba instructor Claire Dunaway, with participants Clara Howell of Marietta, left, and Rachel Kling of Acworth, both of whom have both been taking the classes for the past two years.

and CDs have helped Dunaway craft her routines, she said she likes to add her own twist to her classes, infusing Latin dance music with popular hip hop songs such as Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and Flo Rida’s “Low.” Dunaway says she finds inspiration for her dances from all kinds of places, including popular TV shows like Dancing with the Stars, and even from people out in clubs and bars. She even keeps a Zumba notebook of moves with drawings so she doesn’t forget any of her ideas.

“I dance in my den by myself a lot, I really do. I think my neighbors think I’m crazy,” she said.

Zumba classes feature a mix of Latin-style dances such as the salsa, rumba and cha-cha. Dunaway say she also throws in hip-hop moves, using both low-andhigh-impact exercises.

Another Zumba instructor, Cindy Comstock, 45, of Acworth, teaches classes at the Health Place and Bally’s and also attends Dunaway’s classes occasionally. Comstock says that other instructors, including Dunaway, help inspire her to use different steps in her routines.

Comstock has been teaching Zumba for about a year and a half and said her style differs from Dunaway in that she uses more a reggaeton and hip-hop style — a style,

she explains, that involves more hip swaying and “booty shaking.”

“I tell my class it’s all about fun. And if they don’t get it, I tell them to put in their own flair,” Comstock said.

Dunaway agrees. While she does use many of the same steps in different routines, she also tries to make sure that no class is ever the same. She said she doesn’t generally go into a class with a set routine, but likes to ask her students for their requests.

“I’m a big proponent of

not having to think as much.

Just enjoy it. It’s a release, it’s just for fun,” the instructor said.

Although most of Dunaway’s students are women, she does usually have several men in each of her classes. Her students range in age and ability, and she says that she has taught students from ages seven to 82. Dunaway, who teaches art at Ford Elementary in Acworth, said she has even taught some of her second and third graders Zumba moves.

Clara Howell, of Marietta,

GETTING YOUR RATE UP TO 150 BPM

FIVE TIMES A WEEK:

said she never misses Dunaway’s evening classes at the Health Place.

“We love her,” Howell gushes of her instructor.

“She’s so enthusiastic and she motivates us. She’s just such a fun person and the class just flies.”

Howell, a self-proclaimed gym rat, says she spends about two hours a day at the gym five days a week and swims and walks on the weekends. She has been doing Zumba with Dunaway for two years and before that took her Latin rhythm classes.

The two instructors attribute Zumba’s popularity to the fact that it’s a fun workout that makes you forget you’re burning calories.

Dunaway says that she and her students think of Zumba as a release.

“I think that Zumba also kind of allows you to almost express yourself a little bit and let out that stress a little more,” Dunaway said. “It’s fun, period. And it’s definitely not intimidating, like a step class.”

Comstock said she encourages new Zumba students to just let go and be themselves.

“Don’t worry about anybody else,” Comstock advises. “And if there’s a move that you’re like, ‘oh I can’t get that,’ don’t worry about it, just move your hips.”

To get your hips moving at your nearest Zumba class visit the Zumba Fitness Web site at www.zumba.com and click on the “Find a Class” tab.

SMART.

Own Your Own Business Become a franchise owner $1,450 down to get started Call Linda at

770-859-9922

BRILLIANT.

You know how important it is to take care of yourself. But do you know how healthy your heart is? Do the smart thing and find out.

Piedmont Hear t Institute is the Southeast’s destination for world-class heart care with more than 85 cardiovascular specialists and over 30 physician offices around the metro region. It’s also where you can get a heart scan for only $125. Being smart has never been easier. To learn more, visit piedmonthear t.org © 2010 Piedmont Healthcare

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 3FF

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 4FF

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

In Honor of Hands that serve, a heart that loves This best describes the kind of physician \RX ZLOO ÀQG DW (PRU\ $GYHQWLVW +RVSLWDO DW 6P\UQD 7KDQN \RX SK\VLFLDQV IRU KHOSLQJ XV SURYLGH TXDOLW\ KHDOWKFDUH WR RXU FRPPXQLW\ We appreciate you!

Allergy& Immunology

Family Practice

Internal Medicine

Erinn Gardner, MD John Halwig, MD Eugene Hurwitz, MD Lily Hwang, MD

Karen Artress, MD David Clifford, MD David Kim, MD Sam Peng, MD Radhika Rao, DO

Anesthesiology

Gastroenterology

Karina Belinfante, MD Rose Briglevich, MD Michaele Brown, MD Thomas DeMarco, MD Indira Devu, MD Tina Jones, MD Sanjay Khant, MD Joseph Khouri, MD Radhika Mudiyala, MD Yahya Siddiq, MD Madhu Vishwanath, MD Alexander Voljavec, MD Warren Weber, MD Wanika Williams, MD

Richard Jarell, MD Jeffrey Rubin, MD Vinai Vishwanath, MD

Breast Surgery Anita Johnson, MD

Harold Asher, MD Alan Fixelle, MD Eugene Hirsh, MD Jasmine Jeffers, MD Edward Layne, MD Lee Oberman, MD Girish Pore, MD

Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Cardiology J. Corso, MD John Merlino, MD Zaur Mirzoyev, MD Michael Morris, MD Robert O’Donnell, MD Randolph Patterson, MD Dan Sorescu, MD David Vadnais, MD Byron Williams, MD

General Surgery Russell Pruitt, MD Baheeg Shadeed, MD Uy Vu, MD

Gynecology Bryan DeMarco, MD

Hand Surgery Viralkumar Patel, MD

Cheryl Buck-Patterson, MD Carla Neal-Haley, MD

Interventional Radiology John Lipman, MD

Nephrology Mohammad Anjum, MD Srinadh Palacharla, MD

Dentistry Page Barden, DDS Jason Turner, DMD

Dermatology Martin Goldstein, MD

Emergency Medicine John Blasingame, MD Ilene Brenner, MD Ozita Cooper, MD Judith Dennis, MD Timothy Everett, MD Robert Halpern, MD Baber Rathur, MD Reginald Warren, MD

Hospitalists Luckana Chaya, MD Saurabh Dhawan, MD Michael Gibson, MD Igor Lacmanovic, MD Payam Mehranpour, MD Shreedhar Nagnur, MD Nicole Nunga, MD Samantha Storey, MD

Infectious Disease Eileen Dunne, MD Steven Marlowe, MD James McMillen, MD Shalini Patel, MD Philip Peters, MD Lisa Rotz, MD

Neurological Surgery James Wood, MD

Neurology David Anschel, MD Robert Bashuk, MD Saba Bejanishvili, MD Jeffrey Charpentier, MD Thomas Conley, MD Dhiraj Jeyanandarajan, MD Gary Kaplan, MD 6DQG\ 0F*DI¿JDQ 0' Richard O’Brien, MD Marvin Rachelefsky, MD Grant Warmouth, MD

OB/GYN Thermutus McKenzie, MD

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 5FF

our physicians. . .

The area’s ONLY Faith-Based Hospital Ophthalmology

Podiatric Surgery

Rheumatology

Tina Lucas-Glass, MD

Adrienne Atkinson, DPM Evan Brody, DPM Michael Dixon, DPM Barron Elleby, DPM Brian Harley, DPM David Helfman, DPM Norman Kornblatt, DPM Michael McGlamry, DPM Spencer Misner, DPM La’Genia Mitchell-Smith, DPM Jennifer Price, DPM Allen Raphael, DPM Alan Rothstein, DPM Nathan Schwartz, DPM Jeane Watson, DPM Steven Weiskopf, DPM Kevin Whitton, DPM

Dania Masseoud, MD

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Manuel Davila, DMD Brad Harris, DMD Robert Hunt, MD, DDS Charles Middleton, DDS David Nadler, DMD, MD Scott Rose, DMD, MD Lee Vandewater, DMD Clarence Worley, DMD

Orthopaedic Surgery Anthony Cabot, MD Jon Hyman, MD Miguel Jimenez, MD Jeffrey Kovacic, MD Michael Morrison, MD Neil Negrin, MD Frederick Wener, MD Jeffrey Wener, MD

Otolaryngology Mark Beaty, MD Jeffrey Gallups, MD 7KRPDV *XIÂżQ 0' Jahmal Hairston, MD Joel Hoffman, MD Neil Persaud, MD Earnest Riley, MD

Pain Management Jay Bender, MD Shawn Cable, MD Alison Drake-Barrack, MD Kamal Kabakibou, MD Yong Lee, MD Jeffrey Rubin, MD Kevin Sheahan, MD

Pathology Jerome Abramson, MD John Cochran, MD Robert Harrell, MD Michael Koch, MD Alan Stevenson, MD

Urology Thomas Chun, MD Thomas Emerson, MD Paul Espy, MD Deena Evans-Theiss, MD Ramzy Haj-Murad, MD Bruce Kyburz, MD Bradley McCowan, MD George Mygatt, MD David Perlow, MD Philip Rast, MD Ronald Roper, MD Kenneth Rutledge, MD David Schmidt, MD Nikolas Symbas, MD Murphy Townsend, MD

Psychiatry Jeffrey Klopper, MD Gary Weichbrodt, MD

Pulmonary Disease David DeRuyter, MD Andrew Zadoff, MD

Radiation Oncology Laura Allen, MD Shelley Machuta, MD

Radiology Jacob Abraham, MD Jose Arjona, MD Amanda Bauer, MD Udaya Chintalapudi, MD Francis Ferraro, MD Martha Garrison, MD Diane Jensen, MD Gautham Mallampati, MD Ashford McAllister, MD Stanley Nyarko, MD Terence O’Loughlin, MD Raul Paraliticci, MD Eugene Pretorius, MD Timothy Ramsey, MD Robert Roche, MD Patricia Turner, MD Almass Welji, MD

Guided by COMPASSION . INNOVATION . FAITH

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Robert Colgrove, MD

3949 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 770-436-3162 www.emoryadventist.org

PAGE 6FF

HEALTH & FITNESS

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

WellStar boasts 3-D imaging system Cutting-edge technology improves doctors’ ability to analyze and diagnose

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — This is not your average 3-D modeling.

WellStar Health System has the largest 3-D imaging system in the Southeast, and Kennestone Hospital is the only non-academic medical facility in the world with a 256-slice scanner, which can take 256 images in one rotation of the scanner.

Three-dimensional imaging of the body was developed less than a decade ago, said Jeff Kostick, chief technician of 3-D Imaging Services for Quantum Radiology. But WellStar came together with the radiology group to bring 3-D imaging to Cobb five years ago.

“Many of our radiologists were prior heads of radiology departments or academic institutions and knew that this type of imaging was cutting-edge and could really enhance their work,” Kostick said.

One of the radiologists who helped bring 3-D modeling to WellStar, Jaydip Datta M.D., was an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University and worked with Dr. Jay Cinnamon, a former assistant professor at Emory University. Together, they, along with Dr. Steve Brantley and Kostick, used their prior relationships with Philips Healthcare to bring the software and equipment to the hospital.

“If you imagine the body as a loaf of bread, the scanners take each individual slice and allow you to rotate the slice and view it from every angle,” Datta said. “This gives you more views of the organ or body part you are analyzing, and allows me to be more confident and comfortable with what I tell the cardiologists or surgeons who ordered the tests.

I can tell them exactly what’s wrong and the exact location of the problem area, all in a more cost-effective, timesaving, almost non-invasive way.”

Datta said a patient being scanned for possible heart problems during a Computed Tomography Angiography, will be injected with a dye through a vein in the arm, hold his or her breath for a few seconds as the scanner takes its images, and the process is completed. This is far less invasive and risky than a Cardiac Catheter Angiography, which requires the artery in the groin area to be cut so

Staff/Mike Jacoby

Jeff Kostick, chief 3-D imaging technologist at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, left, discusses a patient's scan with cardiovascular imager Dr. Jaydip Datta as they work on a set of scans taken from the imaging system that helps doctors visualize patients' internal physiology. that a catheter can be fed through the artery and into the heart for analyzation.

Quantum, which operates WellStar’s radiology department, has 42 radiologists on staff, and an average of 300 to 400 3-D images are analyzed each month. Each radiologist has a checklist of items to rate and comment on, with the specifications varying depending on what is being analyzed. For example, the heart is examined for wall thickness, chamber size and functional data, such as cardiac output. Datta said this helps with continuity amongst the radiologists and assists the radiologist in case he or she has to watch a patient’s results for growth or changes in the future.

The 3-D technology is also used for judging whether patients need stints in their legs or amputation, for detecting growing lung nodules that may be cancerous, for analyzing bone fractures and helping to determine the best way to put the bones back together, or for whether a pancreatic tumor has invaded blood vessels or other structures. This also assists the surgeons who may need to operate on a patient, as the surgeon can determine the best way to get to the problem and where exactly it is before any incisions are made.

But not everyone can get a 3-D scan, Kostick said. “Physicians will first analyze patients, and if they feel there is a moderate chance something may be

wrong, that’s when they will request the scan from us,” Kostick said. “The radiologist will look over the images and make a recommendation back to the physician. So you can’t just walk up and say you want a scan. There has to be a red flag that goes up in your doctor’s mind, and that decision is up to them.”

Kostick also said the computerized technology has transformed the hospital’s data collection protocols. “Before, you’d have a huge, huge room with files and files of scans and images, because legally, you have to keep them for a certain amount of time,” Kostick said. “But now, everything is stored on hard drives and that can be kept in an average-sized room. And because the doctors can log on from anywhere to analyze the scans through the system, there is no need to spend several minutes hanging images in front of a light to analyze them.

“Say you’re taking a scan of the brain and you’re looking for possible aneruysms. With a click of the mouse, it’s almost like you’re rolling around inside of the brain — finding that spot where there is a problem. And figuring out where exactly it is helps the surgeons to know how to best access the tumors and helps the patient to know where and what exactly they have.”

Datta said, “Who knows where we’ll be years from now, as technology changes and improves each year.”

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 7FF

She put God in control Marietta woman fought breast cancer with faith, courage

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

In July 2005, 32-year-old Allison Gruehn was eight months pregnant, expecting her second child. What she wasn’t expecting was to be diagnosed with stage three breast cancer two weeks before her daughter, Cate, was due.

“It was a whirlwind, certainly overwhelming,” Gruehn, a 1991 graduate of Marietta High School and longtime Marietta resident, said. “I remember when I found out, the doctor called around dinnertime and told me. I was just in complete shock. That night, I turned to my husband and just said, ‘I can’t handle all this.’ But he told me I wouldn’t be handling it by myself, and to trust God and put Him in control. So I did,” Gruehn said.

Eight months earlier, in November of

‘I have to say, you have hard times and better times, but it is not the end of the world. I hope I can show people that, yes, the disease is terrible, but my experience is proof that it’s not gloom and doom.’

— Allison Gruehn ACS Cobb Office: 1825 Barrett Lakes Blvd, Ste 280, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Phone: (770)429-0089 Fax: (770)429-9824

2004, Gruehn noticed a lump in her breast and immediately visited a special-

ist. A biopsy was performed on the lump, and the results came back clear of cancer. But the doctor advised Gruehn to come back a few months later for another checkup, just to make sure it hadn’t grown.

It had. “I wasn’t sure if it was just because I was pregnant, because everything had grown at that point,” Gruehn said, with a laugh. “But they did a biopsy, and I had cancer. But I have to say, you have hard times and better times, but it is not the end of the world. I hope I can show people that, yes, the disease is terrible, but my experience is proof that it’s not gloom and doom,” Gruehn said.

By the end of August, Gruehn found herself juggling a newborn, a 2-year-old son, recovering from a lumpectomy and beginning chemotherapy treatments. But the positive attitude that has followed Gruehn throughout her life helped her at

Breast cancer strikes men, too Marietta’s Ralph Bell goes through same ordeal as many women

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

Ralph Bell of Marietta has a message for men: You, too, can get breast cancer.

“It’s rare, but it is possible,” said Bell, who is himself a survivor. “I’ve spoken to women’s groups since my recovery about the importance of early detection, of doing self exams, and there are always some who look at me like I couldn’t understand. But I went through the same sort of protocols and ups and downs as women who have had breast cancer. It’s not just a woman’s disease.”

On a Friday afternoon in April 2004, Bell, then 56, was sitting on his livingroom couch. He had recently been laid off from his job as a senior executive at a health-care support firm. He was contemplating his future, praying for God to give his life a purpose.

He happened to run his right hand along his left chest muscle when he felt something odd.

“It felt like a pimple, but it was too

deep in the tissue to be a pimple. I don’t know why, but I just knew at that moment it was cancer,” Bell said.

And he knew he had found his purpose.

With only two weeks of health insurance left, Bell immediately called the doc- Ralph Bell tor and by 3 p.m., he was sitting in a patient room. The doctor agreed the bump was suspicious, and helped fasttrack further tests.

Bell had a mammogram the following Monday, a surgical consult on Tuesday and a lumpectomy on Wednesday.

“As I was laying on the gurney being rolled out of surgery, the doctor told me not to worry, that he still didn’t think it was cancer. But something just told me that it was. So when he brought me in his office the next Thursday and gave me the news that it was Stage 1 breast cancer, I was prepared because I knew already,” Bell said.

Staff/Laura Moon

Allison Gruehn of Marietta was eight months pregnant See Faith, Page 11FF when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

The lump had grown to over half a centimeter in size, and had spread to some of his lymph nodes. The next month, all of the tissue in his left breast, as well as 14 lymph nodes, were removed in a mastectomy.

“Men don’t really say we have breasts, though. I like to say I had my chest tissue removed,” Bell said, with a laugh.

He was then told he would have to take medication every day for five years. It would target the cancer cells and shrink his chances of developing the cancer again to 10 percent. He was also given the option to undergo chemotherapy, which would further reduce his chances to 5 percent.

“I had heard about chemotherapy and what it can do to you. I thought, if it’s not going to help that much, I don’t want to do it,” Bell said.

But when he began speaking to a friend about his plans to lead a cancersupport group, he changed his mind.

See Men, Page 11FF

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 8FF

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

F ITNESS C ENTERS I N C OBB Acworth Workout Anytime 3335 Cobb Parkway NW in Acworth (678) 574-4453 Gym type: Fitness/health ATA Taekwondo Center 3940 Cherokee St. NW in Kennesaw (770) 427-840 Gym type: Martial arts/fitness American Body Works 2851 Cobb Parkway NW in Kennesaw (770) 420-0080 Gym type: Fitness/health Anytime Fitness Vinings 4500 West Village Place SE in Smyrna (770) 431-9470 Gym type: Fitness/health

Staff/Mike Jacoby

Marietta Rotary club past president Dr. Bob Harper of West Cobb, left, and current president Rene Lanier pour donations into their collection bin as the club works toward its national goal of raising $200 million for its global polio eradication project.

Marietta Rotarians raise funds to fight polio worldwide

By Kathryn Dobies kdobies@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — The Marietta Metro Rotary Club, in connection with its international parent organization, Rotary International, have teamed up with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in what they hope will be the final push to eradicate polio worldwide.

Since 1985, Rotary International’s PolioPlus project has worked with UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help vaccinate children worldwide for polio. Rotary’s current challenge is to raise $200 million by the end of June 2012 to match the Gates’ promise of two grants totaling $355 million.

For its part, Marietta Metro Rotary Club members have been collecting spare change in mason jars decorated by fifth graders from Sawyer Road Elementary School since August. The club’s goal is to raise $6,000 by the end of the drive.

According to Dr. Bob Harper, Marietta Metro Rotary Club member and chairman of the organization’s Polio Campaign Committee this campaign is considered to be the Rotary’s final push in its 25 year effort.

Harper said, as a kid he can recall his own parents’ fear of debilitating disease.

“It’s burned deeply in the memories of those of us who grew up in the 50s,” he said.

Amy Knudson, co-chair of the Marietta Metro Rotary Club’s Polio Campaign Committee, said that each of the club’s 80-plus members has their own adorned jar with their name on it courtesy of the fifthgrade students. The jars

have been decorated in a stained-glass motif, symbolizing the different nationalities and ethnicities that have and will be affected by the polio vaccine.

“It’s a pretty simple concept,” Harper said of the pocket change fundraiser.

Collections are done the second Monday of every other month.

Harper said they have raised a total of about $2,800. Of that amount, a little more than $1,400 has come from members’ pocket change, about $1,000 has been raised in pledges from members and several hundred dollars has been collected from the club’s high school Interact programs at Pope, Lassiter and Marietta High Schools.

Rotary has collected more than $107 million toward its $200 million goal.

Marietta Metro Rotary Club president Rene Lanier, who has been to India to help vaccinate children, said that although there are only a few countries left to get the vaccination, these countries have been the most challenging. Health workers and Rotary volunteers have met with a lot of religious and political resistance in these countries, as well as issues vaccinating children in areas with poor sanitation.

“The push is still on, but there’s just been so much resistance,” Lanier said.

To contribute online to the Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge please visit the Marietta Metro Rotary Web site at mariettametrorotary.org or the Rotary International Web site at www.rotary.org. All money given to the PolioPlus fund through June 30, 2021 will be counted toward the $200 Million Challenge.

Axcess Fitness 2535 Hickory Grove Road NW in Acworth (770) 975-9960 Gym type: Fitness/health Bally Total Fitness 2211 Cobb Parkway in Smyrna (770) 988-0000 Gym type: Fitness/health Bar Enterprises Dba IQ Fit 5200 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs (678) 401-6395 Gym type: Fitness/health Bodifit by Mercedes 1720 Mars Hill Road, Ste. 8, #128 in Acworth (678) 522.2572 Gym type: Fitness, private membership/training Butterfly Life 3960 Mary Eliza Trace NW in Marietta (770) 499-5061 Gym type: Fitness/health Catalyst Fitness 3939 Royal Drive NW in Kennesaw (770) 499-9143 Gym type: Fitness/health Coffee’s Gym 1800 Lower Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 321-6900 Gym type: Fitness/health Cosmos Fitness Center 2745 Sandy Plains Road NE in Marietta (770) 579-3488 Gym type: Fitness/health Curves for Women/Acworth 3451 Cobb Parkway NW, Ste. 8 (770) 974-3922 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Acworth 5330 Brookstone Drive NW, Ste. 240 (770) 422-9744 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Kennesaw 3600 Cherokee St. NW, Ste.

102 in Kennesaw (770) 426-0033 Gym type: Fitness, women only

Curves for Women/Kennesaw 1635 Old 41 Highway NW in Kennesaw (770) 426-0033 Gym type: Fitness, women only

Curves for Women/Mableton 4875 Floyd Road SW, Ste. 104, Mableton (770) 819-3636 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Marietta 2209 Roswell Road, Ste. 100 in Marietta (770) 977-7187 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Marietta 1690 Powder Springs Road in Marietta (770) 426-0165 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Marietta 2650 Dallas Highway SW, Ste. 220 in Marietta (770) 426-4677 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Smyrna 1385 Highlands Ridge Road SE in Smyrna (770) 434-4006 Gym type: Fitness, women only Curves for Women/Vinings 2810 Paces Ferry Road SE in Atlanta (770) 434-9034 Gym type: Fitness, women only Women’s Premier Fitness 4961 Lower Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 565-5450 Gym type: Fitness, women only Fit & Fine Wellness for Life (678) 290-3160 Gym type: Private membership/training Fitness 19 1812 Powder Springs Road SW in Marietta (678) 354-8919 Gym type: Fitness/health Fitness Together 1675 Cumberland Parkway SE in Smyrna (770) 436-1381 Gym type: Fitness, private membership/training

Gym type: Fitness/health

Jazzercise Center/Acworth 3330 Cobb Parkway NW in Acworth (678) 574-7177 Gym type: Jazzercise/aerobic dance

Gym type: Fitness/health

One to One Health Centers 700 Sandy Plains Road NE Marietta (770) 795-0091 Gym type: Fitness/health

Just Fitness 4 U 3101 Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 565-6330 Gym type: Fitness/health

Peachtree Gymnastics & More 1255 Johnson Ferry Road NE in Marietta (770) 977-5557 Gym type: Gymnastics/fitness

Knuckleup Fitness 440 Ernest Barrett Parkway NW in Kennesaw (770) 792-7925 Gym type: Fitness/health

Quick Gym of Georgia LLC 2500 Dallas Hwy. SW in Marietta (770) 422-4646 Gym type: Fitness/health

LA Fitness Sports Clubs 1025 East-West Connector, Austell (770) 432-4262 Gym type: Fitness/health

Snap Fitness Kennesaw 3425 Old 41 Hwy. NW, Ste 630 in Kennesaw (770) 529-6690 Gym type: Fitness/health

LA Fitness Sports Clubs 4400 Roswell Road NE in Marietta (770) 973-3370 Gym type: Fitness/health

Stack’s Gym 2375 Hwy. 92 in Acworth (770) 974-5986 Gym type: Fitness/health

LA Fitness Sports Clubs 2801 George Busbee Parkway in Kennesaw (770) 427-9668 Gym type: Fitness/health LA Fitness Sports Clubs 2995 Cobb Parkway in Vinings (770) 956-9093 Gym type: Fitness/health Little Gym 1295 W. Spring Street in Smyrna (770) 434-6661 Gym type: Gymnastics/children Main Event Fitness 2000 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta (770) 951-2120 Gym type: Fitness/health Midtown Athletic/Windy Hill 135 Interstate North Parkway NW in Vinings (770) 953-1100

WellStar Health Place 330 Kennestone Hospital Blvd. in Marietta (770) 793-7300 Gym type: Fitness/health Workout Anytime 800 Whitlock Avenue NW in Marietta (678) 355-5530 Gym type: Fitness/health Workout Anytime 1600 Kennesaw Due West Road NW in Kennesaw (770) 422-2279 Gym type: Fitness/health X 3 Sports 2343 Windy Hill Road SE in Marietta (678) 903-0100 Gym type: Fitness/selfdefense training Your Body Fitness 3895 Cherokee Street NW in Kennesaw (770) 428-8856 Gym type: Fitness/health

WellStar among top metro hospitals Ranked No. 3 recently among Atlanta’s Top 25 Hospitals by the Atlanta Business Chronicle is WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. The hospital, established in 1950, had a 2008 total net revenue of $566,916,000 and a 2008 total gross revenue of $1,763,007,000. The 2008 total expenses were $506,886,000. Uncompensated indigent and charity care was $76,390,000. Medicare adjustments were $520,101,00 and Medicaid adjustments were $104,441,000.

Other contractual adjustments were $419,967,000. Total beds approved were 633.

Gold’s Gym/Acworth East 5505 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth (770) 592-4950 Gym type: Fitness/health Gold’s Gym/Kennesaw 3161 Cobb Parkway NW in Kennesaw (770) 529-7200

We never advertise... our customers do it for us!

Evelyn W. Kirkland,

NW Georgia Family Practice Now Accepting New Patients Preventative Medicine • Urgent Care • Well-Child Visits DOT Physicals • Smoking Cessations • Weight Loss • Aesthetics Annual Exams • Comprehensive Health Care

45 years experience

Most Insurance Welcome

3515 Dallas Hwy • Suite B • Marietta, GA 30064

Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., & Fri.: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tues. & Sat.: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Eric Williams

770-427-6053 Guaranteed to match or beat all prices!

2513 Shallowford Road, Bldg. 100 • Marietta, Georgia 30066

770-516-3500

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

HEALTH & FITNESS

PAGE 9FF

Recreational choices abound in Cobb Contacts:

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

Cobb County has something for everyone when it comes to recreational programs.

The county’s parks and recreations department offers classes to “anyone who wants to join, pretty much regardless of age,” programs director Terrence Ramsey said.

“We offer swim lessons to children as young as 18 months, our gymnastics programs start at 4 and our summer camps start around age 6. But then we also offer adult programs, such as tennis, and senior programs, such as the water aerobics and other therapeutic programs,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said the county’s programs are diverse and are constantly evolving.

“We offer archery classes, BMX motocross biking, equestrian lessons, natural resource programs at our nature centers, which bring in a lot of scouts and schools, and arts programs such as finger-painting, pottery making and theater classes,” Ramsey said.

“We have high standards for our department, and are continuously looking back at a program when it’s finished to understand what worked and what could be improved. When we create a program, it is because we are filling a need for residents and have looked at what they may want to do that is currently not offered,” he said.

“Some programs, such as the camps, are done by outside groups, but even with those we are staying on top of them and staying involved in the management process,” he said.

Ramsey said the county’s most popular programs are the aquatics leagues and classes, tennis leagues and the gymnastics instruction.

“I think probably our top program is water aerobics, because many people find that soothing, and with our aging population, more and more people are taking advantage of it. It’s unbelievably popular,” Ramsey said. “Our gymnastics program is very popular for our youth, and we have always had a lot of turnout for our summer camps.

As far as adults go, Cobb has the largest contingency of recreational

Here’s how to get more information on county and city recreational programs:

Staff/Laura Moon

Cobb aquatics manager Bob McCallister stands inside the South Cobb Aquatic Center, which features a 150-foot-tall slide, play station, diving board, the lazy river, geysers and a zero-depth entry into the water. tennis players, so our tennis leagues have several participants.”

The county also tries to facilitate memorable athletic experiences to those who may not be able to or want to compete at their schools’ high levels.

Cheerfest is one of the events implemented to fill such a need.

“We had our second Cheerfest this past year, which is a cheerleading competition for our rec cheerleaders who may not get to cheer competitively with their schools but still want that competition excitement. Our first was extremely popular, and our second brought even more people. They love it,” Ramsey said.

City recreation departments are also growing.

Kennesaw spokeswoman Pam Davis said her city saw an almost 8 percent growth in participation in 2009, with 5,690 registrants.

Davis said that Kennesaw also strives to offer programs to anyone who may be interested.

“The city offers a wide variety of recreational programs for all ages, interests and levels, including sports leagues, exercise classes, cultural and art classes, entertainment pro-

grams and events. There is something to appeal to anyone. And they are all high-quality, affordable, and conducted in first-rate facilities and parks,” Davis said.

Davis said the most successful program in 2009 and 2008 was gymnastics, which is offered for toddlers to age 12.

Two programs the city added in 2009 were Zumba Fitness and Brazilian-style soccer camps.

Zumba, which Davis described as the latest exercise craze sweeping America, is a dance class which combines salsa, merengue and other Latin-infused styles for a fast-paced, fat-burning exercise. Davis said the class “motivates your body to efficiently burn calories, tone muscles, increase range of motion, and improve your cardiovascular system.”

Davis said the new soccer camps focus on not only improving skills, but also on building self-esteem and confidence in students by maintaining a low student-instructor ratio of 10:1 for younger players and 12:1 for older students. Games are used to teach the sport to beginners, whereas advanced players are trained in techniques and tactics.

The city of Acworth opened Horizon Field in April 2009, to provide a safe, accessible field for children with special needs.

Acworth parks and recreation director James Albright said the field was built to serve an area of the population that he and other community leaders felt was not being fully served.

“We had leagues for several years at our regular fields for special-needs kids, but this field has a synthetic rubber surface so that kids in walkers or wheelchairs can glide across it so much easier than grass or dirt, and it is also much softer in the event there is a fall,” Albright said. “There is also a playground there that is wheelchair accessible and specifically built to accommodate those who may not be able to play on a normal playground at other parks.”

Albright said that in the field’s first year of operation, 140 specialneeds children participated in the department’s baseball league and 100 participated in the kickball league. Albright added that participants do not have to be residents of Acworth to be involved in the programs.

COBB COUNTY: http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/ or (770) 528-8800 MARIETTA: www.mariettaga.gov/department s/parks_rec/default.aspx or (770) 794-5601 KENNESAW: You can subscribe to the Program Guide, which is published three times a year and can be picked up at the Community Center or at City Hall. Or visit the Web site, www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec, or call (770) 422-9714 ACWORTH: Follow on Twitter at APRD, become a fan on Facebook, visit the Web site at www.acworth.org/aprd/ or call (770) 917-1234 SMYRNA: www.ci.smyrna.ga.us/index.php? prParks_And_Recreation or (770) 431-2842 AUSTELL: www.austell.gov or (770) 944-4309

Acworth also saw more participants in almost every program in 2009, Albright said, particularly in basketball and youth football.

Albright said the city’s beach and lake activity on Lake Allatoona saw a large increase in 2009, and he credits the growth of the department’s programs to their quality and the economic recession.

City of Marietta parks and recreation director Rich Buss said the city’s recreational programs have a popular focus on senior citizens, a population that is expected to grow tremendously in the near future as the “baby boomer” generation enters retirement.

Cobb County Senior Games began in 1991 by the Marietta Parks and Recreation with Cobb Senior Services, Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Smyrna Parks and Recreation, Brunswick Cedar Creek Lanes and WellStar Health Place.

The event is conducted annually each spring at various locations across Cobb.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Parks Civic Center

Concession Golf Gymnasium Music Track Stand Gazebo

Acworth Sports Complex (770) 917-1234 Old McEver Road, Acworth Adams Park (770) 422-9714 2600 Park Drive, Kennesaw Al Bishop Softball Complex (770) 528-8860 1082 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta A.L. Burruss Nature Park (770) 794-5601 1485 South Cobb Drive, Marietta Amos Durr Field (770) 917-1234 Intersection of Hwy. 92 and McClain Road, Acworth Bells Ferry Park (770) 591-3160 2334 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta Big Shanty Park (770) 528-8890 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw Brinkley Park (770) 431-2842 1270 Hunters St., Smyrna Bobby Van Newberry Park (770) 917-1234 South Main St., Acworth Burrell Field (770) 422-9714 Moon Station Road, Kennesaw Cheyenne Park (770) 944-4310 1146 Pontiac Circle, Austell Clarkdale Park (770) 528 8890 5195 Clark St., Austell Collar Park (770) 944-4310 2526 Joe Jenkins St., Austell Custer Park (770) 528-8810 602 Hyde Road, Marietta Dallas Landing Park (770) 917-1234 Allatoona Drive, Acworth East Cobb Park (770) 591-3160 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta Elizabeth Porter Center (770) 794-5691 370 Montgomery St., Marietta Fair Oaks Park & Tennis Center (770) 528-8480 1460 West Booth Road, Marietta Fullers Park (770) 509-2737 3050 Robinson Road, Marietta Harrison Park & Tennis Center (770) 591-3151 2653 Shallowford Road, Marietta Henry Memorial Park (770) 794-5601 81 Reynolds St., Marietta Hickory Hills Park (770) 794-5601 400 Chestnut Hill Road, Marietta Hurt Road, Park (770) 528-8890 990 Hurt Road, Marietta Jim R. Miller Park (770) 528-8875 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta Home of the North Georgia State Fair held in Sept.

Jonquil Park (770) 431-2842 2411 Spring Road, Smyrna Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (770) 427-4686 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw managed by the National Park Service Kennworth Park & Tennis Center (770) 917-5160 4100 Highway 293, Acworth Lake Acworth Beach at Cauble Park (770) 917-1234 Beach St., Acworth Lake Acworth Regional Park (770) 917-5151 Ragsdale Road, Acworth Larry Bell Park (770) 528-8450 592 Fairground St., Marietta Laurel Park (770) 794-5601 151 Manning Road, Marietta Lawrence Street Recreation Center (770) 794-5601 510 Lawrence St., Marietta

6 2

1

4 1 4 5 2

9

1 1

5

1

2

1 1 1 1

1 .5 4

1 1

1 1 2

1

8

4 1

1

1 1

2 1 1

1 1

3

1

1

1

1 1

1

3 1 1 1 1 1 2

1 1

6

4 1 1

7

4

1

1

2

3 2 1 2 12 1 1 2 2

4

1 2

8

1

1 1

5

1 1

2

4 1

4

1 4

2

2+ 2+

1 5 2

1 1 1

8

1 1 1

1

1

1

1

4

1 2+

2

13

1

Civic Center

Concession Golf Gymnasium Music Track Stand Gazebo

Lewis Park (770) 794-5601 475 Campbell Hill St., Marietta Legion Field (770) 431-2842 American Legion, Post 160, Smyrna Legion Park (770) 944-4310 5514 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Austell Lions Park (770) 528-8810 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton Logan Farm Park (770) 917-1234 Logan Road, Acworth Lost Mountain Park (770) 528-8885 4845 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs Merritt Park (770) 794-5601 501 Wallace Road, Marietta Mount Bethel Park (770) 691-3160 4777 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Nickajack Park (770) 528-8810 3630 Oakdale Road, Mableton Noonday Creek Park (770) 591-3160 489 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw Oregon Park (770) 528-8890 145 Old Hamilton Road, Marietta Perry Parham Park (770) 528-8810 550 Fairground St., Marietta Pine Street Park (770) 944-4310 6040 Pine St., Austell Powder Springs Park (770) 528-8890 3899 Brownsville Road, Powder Springs Rhyne Park (770) 528-8810 4145 King Springs Road, Smyrna Rose Garden Park (770) 431-2842 1870 Teasly Road, Smyrna Sandy Plains Park (770) 591-3160 2977 Gordy Parkway, Marietta Sewell Park (770) 591-3160 2055 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta Shaw Park (770) 591-3160 3016 Canton Road, Marietta South Cobb Recreation Center (770) 819-3240 875 Six Flags Drive S.W., Austell South Shore Park (770) 917-1234 Ragsdale Road, Acworth Sweat Mountain Park (770) 591-3160 4346 Steinhauer Road, Marietta Sweetwater Park & Tennis Center (770) 819-3221 2447 Clay Road, Austell Tanyard Creek Park (770) 917-1234 Cherokee St., Acworth Terrell Mill Park (770) 644-2771 480 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta, GA Thompson Park (770) 819-3215 570 Nickajack Road, Mableton Tolleson Park & Pool (770) 431-2844 3530 McCauley Road, Smyrna Tramore Park (770) 528-8890 2150 East-West Connector, Marietta Victory Park (770) 794-5601 820 North Park Drive, Marietta Wallace Park (770) 528-8810 6289 Pisgah Road, Mableton Washington Park (770) 944-4310 2981 Landers St., Austell Ward Park (770) 431-2842 2602 Ward Park, Smyrna West Dixie Park (770) 794-5601 125 West Dixie Ave., Marietta Wildwood Park (770) 794-5601 1050 Barclay Circle, Marietta Wild Horse Creek Park (770) 528-8890 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Bas e Bas ball/So ftb ke Bat tball C all Fie ting lds ourt C s a Com g mun es Foo tb ity/R Han all Fie ecreat ion lds dc Cen Lak apped ter - Ac e/B ces Mul each s tipu i b l e Picn rpose T i Play c Pavil rails grou ion San nd d Soc Volleyb cer all C Fi Swi ourt mm elds ing Ten Poo nis ls Cou rts

Cobb County

Bas e Bas ball/So ftb ke Bat tball C all Fie ting lds ou C Com ag rts mun es ity/R Foo tb e Han all Fiel creatio ds nC dca ente ppe Lak d r e Mul /Beach -Acces tip sibl e Picn urpose ic T Play Pavilio rails n grou San nd dV Soc olleyb all C cer F Swi ourt mm ields ing Ten Poo nis ls Cou rts

PAGE 10FF

1

1 1

1 1

2

1 1

9

1 2

1 1

2

1

1

and is staffed by registered nurses and masters degree counselors.

The CSB also operates a wide variety of behavioral health programs: The Crisis Stabilization Unit, a sub-acute residential facility in south Cobb, provides treatment for clients with severe issues because of a mental illness or an addiction.

Mothers Making a Change (MMAC) is a program that provides long-term housing and addiction treatment for homeless substance abusing women with children, works with the local court system to change lifestyles.

The CSB provides outpatient substance abuse treatment, education and counseling.

The CSB also operates a long-term residential program for teenagers — the Hartmann Center in Marietta — where youth with substance abuse problems live at the facility, attend school, and receive counseling under the direction of trained staff.

Clients with developmental disabilities receive training geared toward community inclusion and employment, and some have received grant funding to operate their own businesses through the agency’s nationally recognized customized employment program.

The Cobb and Douglas CSBs provide high quality, cost-effective interventions and supports that are result driven, Citron said.

2

1 1 8

5

1 3 1

4

2

1 1

1

6 4

1 1

5

1 1 2

2

1

1 3 2

4

1 1

1

1 1 4

2

4

2

1

1

4

5

3 1 1

1 1 2

4

1 2

1

1

4

2

1 1 1

4

4

1

1 2 2+

8

1 4

1 2 1 1

1 1

2+

1

8

1 1

2+

1 1 1 1

3

1

1

11

1 4

2

1 2 1

4

2+

2+

1 1

1 1

1 1 2 3

6

Information:

For information about services specific to mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse issues, please call the Access Center at 770-422-0202.

1 1

1 2 2

1 1

Community Services Board has programs NURTURING HANDS to assist mentally ill Quality in Home Care For Seniors One in four Americans will suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime — ranging from common depression to more debilitating diagnoses. While health insurance may cover the costs of treatment for some, for thousands of people in Georgia the crucial safety net for behavioral health care is the network of Community Service Boards throughout the state.

The Cobb & Douglas Community Services Boards, based in Smyrna, provide mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services to more than 11,000 residents of Cobb and Douglas Counties annually.

These community-based services are designed to relieve hospital emergency rooms and state mental health hospitals. “What we like to see is people in the least restrictive situation, going from a tough place to a better place,” said Tod Citron, CSB Executive Director.

For most clients, the primary contact with the CSB is the Access Center — (770) 422-0202 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — where trained clinicians field calls ranging from routine to life-threatening. More than 3,500 calls each month are routed through the Access Center, ranging from clients setting up outpatient clinic appointments to true emergencies. At night and on weekends, the line rolls over to a similar state service.

By arranging appointments for face-to-face assessments, consumers are connected with appropriate care in mental heath, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The Access Center provides links to emergency services, individual phone screenings, a line for supportive listening

2 1 1 2 1

Source: Cobb Chamber of Commerce

From staff reports

1

1

1 1 1

1

United Way’s hotline puts public assistance right at your fingertips

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

4

2+ 2+

2-1-1

4

Help is literally right at your fingertips.

The United Way has a onestop hotline at 2-1-1 that connects people in need with those who can help, but many people are unaware the service even exists.

“This is probably the bestkept secret in Cobb County, and it shouldn’t be,” said Megan Egan, the area director for the Cobb County United Way. “We want to get the word out, because we are here to assist people and point them in the right directions, if they just let us know. But many people who need our help aren’t sure where to turn to, or that this program is offered.”

The program started in 1997 in Atlanta, and Egan said that for the last 12 years the United Way has lobbied to make the number the official line for help in the metroAtlanta area.

The ability to connect with several nonprofits via a single phone call helps those that use the program the most, Egan said, as many residents in need are not able to travel across the county from one building to another.

“One of the things that can make receiving assistance difficult, especially in Cobb, is transportation. Many of these people don’t have a car, and if they do, they have one serving a whole family so if someone takes their car to work, they are stranded at their homes. 21-1 allows these people to get assistance and referrals, if needed, without having to leave their homes. This cuts out on having to drive to one agency, then driving to another after they’ve been directed where to go,” Egan said.

Once needs are determined, the United Way can then help with financial assistance for bills, food and shelter.

Senior Homecare By Angels You Choose Your Caregiver!

Sometimes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities seem like the only options for care. Visiting Angels’ non-medical homecare services allow your loved ones to continue living at home.

• Up to 24 hour care • Meal Preparation • Errands/Shopping • Hygiene Assistance

Allow our caregivers to give the nurturing touch your loved one deserves.

• Light Housekeeping • Respite Care • Companionship • Experienced Caregivers

Serving: Marietta Smyrna/Vinings 24 Hour Care Available

By Licensed Professionals

404.551.8582

FREE In-Home Consultation!

678-819-3915 3020 Roswell Road NE, Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30062

All Natural...

All The Time 1453 Roswell Road ½ Mile East Of The Big Chicken

Marietta

770-977-9583 www.lifegrocery.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PAGE 11FF

The gift of life Uncle donates kidney for transplant to help save 2-year-old nephew’s life Jeff Cronkhite holds his 2year-old nephew Dylan Cronkhite, to whom he donated a kidney just before Christmas after Dylan was diagnosed with kidney dysplasia in late July.

By Katy Ruth Camp krcamp@mdjonline.com

One week before Christmas, Jeff Cronkhite gave his 2-year-old nephew, Dylan Cronkhite, the ultimate gift — a kidney.

“I’m honestly just in constant amazement that this happened,” said Leslie Rotert, Dylan’s mother.

“Every day I just want someone to pinch me.”

Dylan, of Marietta, had been living with severe renal failure since July of last year and was put on dialysis. His parents, Leslie and Ken Rotert, were told by doctors to immediately begin trying to find friends or family members who would be willing to donate a kidney to Dylan, as a transplant was going to be vital to his health.

“The dialysis was just excruciating for him and for us,” Leslie said. “He was put on peritoneal dialysis, so he essentially had a catheter put in the cavity below his diaphragm, with a tube hanging out of his body. The machine would shoot fluid into his body, let it dwell, then drain the fluid to take out everything that the kidneys would not.”

Leslie said Dylan was able to sleep with the machine hooked up to him, but there were only three

Faith Continued from Page 7FF a time when she needed it most. “The timing was perfect,” Gruehn said. “Having Cate then, and safely, was actually such a blessing because it gave me something to be excited about. It may sound odd, but it was really a fun distraction.”

After her second treatment, Gruehn began losing her hair and eyelashes so she had her light brown hair cut short.

Soon after, she made a trip to Bernadette’s in Sandy Springs with her mother, sister and 4-year-old niece to find a wig.

“We tried to make it fun, and having my niece there made it a little lighter, but it was definitely emotional,” Gruehn said. “Your hair is a big part of your identification as a woman, and I would say I’m probably not into it as much as some women, but it was still very, very hard.”

Gruehn said that she only wore the one wig she bought from that trip, which looked much like her natural hair and cut. She also said that she never wore scarves to hide her bare head. “I wanted to look like myself. I didn’t want to wear a scarf because I refused to look sick. I didn’t want to feel like a patient or victim. There’s nothing wrong with it, but for

Staff/Laura Moon

nights out of six months that his parents got uninterrupted sleep.

“It’s a gravity pump, so if he moves or the tube gets close to his intestines or stomach wall, it would essentially suck on that too and it was extremely painful for him. It would do 12 cycles a night of filling, dwelling and draining, and an alarm goes off if the tube is clogged or twisted or is slow to fill or drain, so we were constantly by his side,” Leslie said.

Cronkhite, 46, said he and his older brother, Mike, both who are Leslie’s older brothers, were two of eight people who signed up to be

tested for kidney donor candidacy. Vials of blood were pulled from them and sent to the lab, where it was determined that Jeff and Mike were the best candidates, almost completely identical on the scale of compatibility with Dylan’s body.

“I just said I’m going to do it,” said Cronkhite, a physicist in Silver Springs, Md., who received his doctorate from Georgia Institute of Technology. “We both were more than willing to do it, and I know he would have done the same, but I just knew that I would not have any fear. Leslie had

me, it was just easier to keep the wig on,” Gruehn said.

She prepared herself for the worst after attending classes for newly diagnosed cancer patients about the possible side effects of chemotherapy. But each person reacts differently to chemo, and Gruehn said she was lucky to not suffer from any of the side effects, other than the loss of her hair.

“I was tired, but then again, I was chasing a 2-yearold around the house with a newborn in my arms, so I figured it was probably more of that,” Gruehn said. “But I had no nausea, no vomiting, I honestly felt like myself and never had to miss out on attending anything. So people hear chemotherapy and think it’s just going to be terrible, and sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn’t, and I want people to realize that.”

After three months of chemo, Gruehn underwent six weeks of radiation. Upon completion of her treatments, Gruehn had genetic testing done and found out she is BRCA 1 positive. This means that she has a mutation in her genes, and that she would therefore always be at a high risk of developing cancer again. In May of 2006, Gruehn decided to have both of her breasts removed. The surgery removed all of her breast tissue, drastically cutting her chances of developing breast cancer again in the future.

During the same surgery, a combination of muscle tissue from her back and breast implants was used to reconstruct her breasts.

The aftermath of Gruehn’s treatments left her unable to have children in the future, as the chemo killed her ovaries, and she had an elective hysterectomy due to her positive BRCA result. Thankfully, Gruehn says she and her husband Chris didn’t have to make any drastic decisions, as they were content with not having additional children.

“Our group of friends took turns accompanying her to treatments, and when I went with her, her doctor told me that she was the poster child for chemotherapy,” said Gruehn’s friend, Hart Elliot.

“I never heard her complain even though she had two very small children and was going through something I could not imagine.”

Four years after her diagnosis, Gruehn returns to the doctor for blood work testing every six months and thus far has not shown a reoccurrence of cancer. She said that Cate will have the option of undergoing the same genetic testing Gruehn received when she reaches 18, something she will encourage her to do.

She credits her positive attitude, faith and the outreach of friends and family for getting her through the treatments and allowing her to beat the disease. “I would get two or three cards a day, and I can’t tell you how

Men Continued from Page 7FF “He said, ‘How are you going to help people who are going through chemotherapy if you can’t empathize with them?’ I realized then that it was something I needed to do,” Bell said.

In September 2004, Bell began chemotherapy treatment. He lost his hair after the first visit, and saw a cardiologist to make sure it was not damaging his heart.

After the second treatment, however, Bell knew something was not right. He began having difficulty urinating and felt his body was beginning to shut down. His treatments were stopped, and he was put back on medication.

But weeks later, something was still wrong.

“My oncologist’s nurse just happened to call me, so I told her that the chemo had really affected me. I was staying in bed until 10 or 11 in the morning, I had no motivation, no ambition, and honestly had small bouts of what I thought was depression. I would just be laying on the couch and would start crying, out of nowhere. None of this was like me. I was usually always on the go, always out and about. So she said, ‘Well, Ralph, that medication we’ve been giving you is actually estrogen. So it sounds like you have PMS.’ My wife got a real kick out of that,” Bell said.

Bell’s wife, Jerri, said Bell stayed strong throughout his treatments. “He is a very positive person, so he probably took it better than

I did. But he had his moments, so I guess he can understand now how I feel when I have mine. We definitely spent many nights seeing who was going to kick the covers off first from hot flashes,” Jerri said with a laugh.

Bell is now using his experience to help others. He serves as a spokesman for the American Cancer Society and is a counselor at the Pastoral Counseling Center of Roswell Street Baptist Church. He graduated from the Covington Theological Seminary in 2008, and his counseling service now includes divorce, addiction and grief counseling.

Breast cancer is diagnosed in more than 1,700 American men each year, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

And as many as 30 percent of male patients die of breast cancer because it is found in later stages, Bell said.

“Your body is a finely tuned machine. If you’re not feeling well, your body is telling you something. I am the same way as most men — you don’t want to go to the doctor unless it’s something drastic. But getting a check-up is a lot less painful than letting cancer spread,” Bell said.

“A lot of times, people say well, it is what it is. That’s not true. It’s what you make of it,” Bell said. “I tell a lot of people, feel blessed that you have cancer. What a blessing you’ve been given, to have time to live your life instead of having your life taken from you in a split second. Every day I wake up in the morning and say the same prayer: ‘Lord, let me be a blessing to someone today.’ But you have to be prepared before you say that prayer, because let me tell you — He will.”

been told stories about people who will get on the operating table and chicken out, and I just knew without any sort of hesitation that I would be able to do it.”

But still, Leslie had her fears.

“She was worried at first, and one night we were talking on the phone and she just told me that if I was feeling nervous to let them know because they would need to start looking for another donor. But I had no doubt I could do it, and eventually she did too,” Cronkhite said.

So on Dec. 18, Cronkhite laid on an operating table at Emory University Hospital as Dylan laid on another table across the street at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, waiting for the kidney that would save his life.

“I just had a sense of clarity, and before we went into surgery they took my blood pressure and heart rate, just to be sure.

You can be mentally OK with it and prepared, but I suppose you can’t always control your physical reactions. But I told them I was ready, and my heart rate was at 56 and my blood pressure 122 over 75, so I really was,” Cronkhite said.

Cronkhite said as soon as his left kidney was removed from his body, it was rushed to Dylan’s bedside where

much that meant to me,” Gruehn said. “But you have to be careful about what you say to people who have a disease. You want to hear words of encouragement, people helping you to stay uplifted.

You don’t want to be faced with an attitude that it’s horrible and the end of everything. Everyday is a new day, and you just have to take things as they come.”

doctors replaced his failed kidney with the new one.

Dylan left the hospital on Dec. 26, while Cronkhite was out after three days. But Cronkhite said the toddler has already seemed to surpass him in their recoveries.

“I’ve been in bed and he’s running around, just as happy as can be,” Cronkhite said with a laugh. “We’ve all just noticed that his energy level is so much higher, and his mental acuity has substantially improved. And to know that they’re not having to do dialysis anymore, and to have that draining tube out of his abdomen that was just so painful to him at times, it was completely worth it.”

Cronkite now faces six weeks of recovery while his immune system recovers from

the surgery.

“I’ll wake up a little later than usual, but not too bad, then I’ll have a cup of coffee and think wow, I feel great.

But two or three hours, it will just absolutely hit me and I’m out,” Cronkhite said. “I’ve been told that some people will feel fine then go to work and crash, or have to pull over because they’re falling asleep while driving, and I believe it.”

Cronkhite is staying at the Rotert’s home as he recovers, and said even with the fatigue and somewhat lengthy recovery time, he would do it all again. He said he is keeping a journal so Dylan can read when he gets older how Cronkhite felt about the boy and why he did it.

Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Aids • Hearing Aid Repair Assistive Listening Devices Batteries & More!

One FREE Pkg. of Hearing Aid Batteries when you bring this coupon into our office.

Expires: 12/31/2010

75 Day Trial Period on Hearing Aids

DR. LAURIE NELSON, Audiologist 990 Suite D Whitlock Avenue Marietta, GA 30064 Under Chicago’s Restaurant 770-427-3033 • www.MariettaHearing.com

PAGE 12FF

HEALTH & FITNESS

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PROGRESS 2010

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SECTION GG / 7 OF 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

QUALITY CROONERS BIG CHICKEN CHORUS BEEN AROUND SINCE 1985 2GG

EDDIE RHOADES: COUNTRY & GOSPEL AWARD WINNER 8GG INSIDE

THEATRE ON SQUARE DUE FOR A MAKEOVER

PAGE 3GG

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 2GG

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Perfect harmony Big Chicken chorus a local staple since 1985

By Kim Isaza kisaza@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Northeast Cobb resident Frank Hrach has sung with the Big Chicken Chorus since it began in 1985.

“I enjoy the harmony,” he said, referring not only to the barbershop style of singing, but the camaraderie of the group. “We like to have fun, and we try to inject humor into a lot of things we do.”

The Big Chicken Chorus is the Marietta chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which more than 30,000 men around the world participate in.

Members of the BCC meet every Monday night for rehearsals and perform for audiences across metro Atlanta and elsewhere.

Valentine’s Day is always a busy time, as chorus quartets deliver dozens of singing Valentines in person and even by phone. In December, the chorus usually per-

The cover

Staff/Mike Jacoby

Clockwise from top left are The Big Chicken men’s quartet tenor Bill Schreiner of Marietta, bass Sandy Sanders of Marietta, lead Arthur Brause of Marietta and baritone Frank Hrach of Roswell.

forms its family oriented, holiday show to standing-room-only crowds at the Cobb Civic Center.

“All of our performances are Grated,” said Hrach, 71. “And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to come see us.”

Rufus Massey, 56, is president of the chorus this year, though he’s only been a member for three and a half years.

“As a relative newcomer to the Big Chicken Chorus, and to barbershop singing, I’d have to say that I’m very impressed with the craft and the opportunity to learn and grow from the experience,” said Massey, who lives in Marietta and is an assistant vice president at Berry College in Rome.

“Chorus singing is an important pastime for me since it offers an opportunity to associate with likeminded people simply for the joy of singing,” Massey said. He is also a member of a quartet, Martha’s Finest, with three other members of the Big Chicken Chorus. The quartet, he said, was ranked in the top 10 quartets in Dixie District of Barbershop Harmony Society in 2009.

“Quartet singing is a great challenge, and very rewarding. The tight harmonies of barbershop singing are the focus of quartet singing, and we enjoy entertaining our audiences,” Massey said.

As president of the chorus, Massey intends to focus on four initiatives, including creating a new look for the chorus, increasing membership, enhancing local youth music programs and increasing sponsorships of the chorus.

“My focus is to enhance the sense of fraternity and camaraderie within the Big Chicken Chorus,” Massey said.

Arthur Brause of east Cobb has been singing with the BCC since 1997. Barbershop is a four-part harmony: melody, tenor, bass and baritone. Brause sings melody, the lead part, though he said he did not know much about barbershop before joining the chorus.

COVER STORY

Photo special to the MDJ

The Big Chicken Chorus is the Marietta chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, in which more than 30,000 men around the world participate in. Members of the BCC meet every Monday night for rehearsals and perform for audiences across metro Atlanta and elsewhere.

“Barbershop harmony is a little different than a choir, because a church choir would have male and female parts,” said Brause, 63.

And though most members spend four to five hours per week practicing and rehearsing, for him, “It’s a labor of love.”

“We rehearse on Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The chorus leadership expects the guys not to come to rehearsal to learn our music. We have sophisticated tools available to us to help us learn the songs and our parts. The guys are expected to learn their music at home, and use the time we have together to hone the skills of our ensemble. That’s the finesse of this whole thing. On any given night, we don’t have the same mix of guys on the risers,” Brause said.

“But everybody has something to offer.”

Monday-night rehearsals are at John Knox Presbyterian Church, at 505 Powers Ferry Road near Dob-

bins Air Reserve Base.

The chapter has 75 members and is looking to add more, Brause said. The chorus is open to men of any age who have an interest in and love for music and enjoy singing. Interested singers must visit three rehearsals and sing for a placement in the choir, he said.

“We are traditionally short on tenors, because it’s high, and baritones, because it’s difficult,” Brause said. “If they can carry a tune, we invite them to come visit us at a rehearsal on a Monday night and get a guest book, get a position on the risers, and actually spend the night as a visitor. You do not even have to read music.”

The BCC has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe and Canada.

Like most of the members of the Big Chicken Chorus, Brause has been singing for years.

“As a boy, I sung in school chorus and would just sing contin-

ually in my automobile. I often said if they only taught my lessons to music, I’d still remember it all,” he said.

The chorus, he said, has “brought me the joy of singing with others,” and given him the chance to work with almost every one of the guys in some way.

“Our main objective is to have fun. That’s why we’re all there,” Brause said.

Tracking Your

all year long online at

www.mdjonline.com

MARIETTA

DAILY JOURNAL

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 3GG

Staff/Laura Moon

Theatre in the Square’s Producing Director Palmer Wells poses in front of the newly renovated theater.

Theatre in the Square takes

CENTER STAGE $1.5 million renovation close to completion

By Jon Gillooly jgillooly@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Theatre in the Square, now in its 28th season, is putting the finishing touches on a $1.5 million facelift — featuring an electronic marquee and a triangular roof structure with giant comedy and tragedy masks — that should solve the problem of theatergoers arriving on Marietta Square and not knowing where the venue is.

Renovations began in 2006, when the theater expanded into the building next to Marietta Pizza for a roomy lobby and bar space serving its main stage.

“It’s more than doubled the size of our lobby,” said Palmer Wells, who co-founded the theater in 1982 with his partner, the late Michael Horne.

“We can actually have receptions in here, whereas it was impossible before because we just didn’t have the space. It’s just increased the level of comfort for customers,” Wells said.

Theater supporter David

Connell, a regional manager for Georgia Power, said impact studies show that more than 75 percent of theater-goers shop and or eat on the Square before performances.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to quickly see the economic impact that the Theatre in the Square has on our community,” Connell said.

“Additionally, our theater is an important part of making our community a great place to live by offering a high-quality art form. The high caliber of the work presented by Theatre in the Square has been acknowledged by the countless state and regional awards the company has garnered, including the four top Suzi Bass Awards just last year,” Connell said.

The theater won “Suzis” for best production, best director, best actor and best actress last fall.

Connell said he enjoys the diversity and quality of the theater’s performances.

“Life in Cobb County,

May 21ST - 23RD PREMIER CONSUMER EVENTS Cobb County Civic Center For Vendor Space Reservation Call

404.805.9281

www.pceshows.com Rated Best BBQ in ATLANTA by Zagat

In & e m Co

Taste the Award-W inn

ing

NEW DINING ROOM! Sam’s BBQ-1 is now open for full service, seated dining in our new restaurant adjoining our current take-out facility. Celebrate with us as we continue to offer Georgia’s finest wood pit and award winning barbeque.

EXPANDED MENU • NEW DISHES Lost Mountain BBQ Company Our professional competition Cooking Team. See our schedule on our website.

Barbecue Cooking Classes - Pork U 11 hour classes with hands on cooking. Covers all aspects of barbecue cookery.

See website for application.

Call us to meet all your catering needs 5 - 5,000 Off-site cooking available

4944 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, Georgia 30068

770.977.3005 www.bbq1.net Mon-Sat Open for Lunch & Dinner Closed Sunday

clearly, is better for the presence of this first-rate theater.

You really don’t have to travel further than the Marietta Square to see outstanding performances and enjoy a delightful evening out,” he said.

The theater’s first home in 1982 was on the other side of the Square, in what is now Cool Beans Coffee, where supporters set up 85 straightbacked chairs for the show.

The roof leaked and the passing train shook the building, Wells recalled.

Wells, 73, grew up in Cumberland, Ky., the same hometown of Dr. Betty Siegel, president emeritus of Kennesaw State University,

who was a few years ahead of him in school, he said.

Although he graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in journalism, Wells said he always had a passion for theater.

After a stint in newspapers, including working with United Press International, Wells went to work for IBM in public relations. He transferred to the IBM office in Atlanta from New York in 1980 to be near Horne.

“I just fell in love with the Square when I first saw it.

We really wanted to be a part of the Square. It just seemed like a natural place to start a theater,” Wells said.

They asked Jennie T.

New dressing rooms are part of the renovation.

Anderson, namesake of the theater on South Marietta Parkway, to be on their board.

“She helped us get started and talked it up among people who were maybe a little

bit leery of these two guys from IBM starting a theater in this little shoebox of a place,” Wells said.

See Theatre, Page 7GG

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 4GG

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PRECIOUS FINDS:

Gem City Bar & Grill offers variety, value

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

MARIETTA — There’s a new gem on the block.

Gem City Bar & Grill, at 800 Whitlock Ave, Suite 124, offers a little something for everyone.

When Duane Sherman, who was in the hotel business, and his wife, Martha, were transferred to Atlanta from Las Vegas, they began developing a concept for Gem City without knowing it.

“Owning his own place has been my husband’s dream since we were dating 25 years ago,” said Martha.

When the couple settled in Marietta, they noticed a need for a neighborhood restaurant that was affordable and offered something for everyone.

“We’ve always been a family that eats out. Always.

Always. Always,” she said. “We always said that what this area needed was kind of a neighborhood place to go. Somewhere we could go as the family.”

When it became evident the family would have to move again for business, the Shermans decided to stay and pursue their dream. “We just loved it here,” said the mother of two boys.

Seeking the assistance of their chef, Marietta native Tracy Melton, they developed a menu featuring American standard with a Southern twist. Melton, a Sprayberry High School graduate who trained in Buckhead,

cooks up a variety of staples such as salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, wings and sliders. “Manfood,” such as an open-face meatloaf sandwich, can also be found at Gem City.

The Southern flare is found in items such as a fried green tomato sandwich, shrimp and grits appetizer, and crab cake sandwich. At lunch, expect to spend anywhere from $4.25 to $8.95 for individual items.

After 5 p.m., fresh seafood including coriander-encrusted scallops, Mountain Trout, and wild Atlantic salmon are available. Entrees range from $11.95 to $18.25. Weekend brunch is also available.

Gem City creates a family atmosphere by having their dining room accessible without walking through the bar.

Guests can take advantage of the nine largescreen televisions throughout the restaurant. For those wanting a place to socialize, a lounge is also available.

Desiring to fill the need of a neighborhood, the Shermans wanted Marietta reflected in the name.

“Marietta is referred to as the Gem City of Georgia,” Martha said.

In just three months, the Shermans have been “overwhelmed with the response.”

“We do live in a gem of a city,” Martha said.

For more about the eatery, visit www.gemcitybarandgrill.com or call (770) 423-0713.

Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen

From left, Gem City Bar & Grill owners Duane and Martha Sherman and Chef Tracy Melton pose outside the new restaurant, located at 800 Whitlock Ave., Suite 124.

Menu items include Chef Melton’s boursin beef, above, and scallops with sweet potato puree and spinach, left.

Tracking Your

all year long online at www.mdjonline.com

MARIETTA

DAILY JOURNAL

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Making memories Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta summer day camps offer fun for all

PAGE 5GG

Hollywood meets Cobb Walker School grad-turned-film producer returns to premiere movie

By Marcus E. Howard mhoward@mdjonline.com

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer camp.

Registration has already begun for the Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta summer day camps during Camp Central Registration Day. MJCCA offers a variety of camp options for children ages 5-12 at Shirley Blumenthal Park, one of three metro Atlanta summer day camp locations. From traditional camps to specialized camps, there’s something for every child.

“The camp is open to anyone,” said Ilana Schlam, director of the MJCCA’s Shirley Blumenthal Park Summer Day Camps. “You no longer have to be a member of the Jewish Community Center to attend camp.”

“We’re offering amazing activities — horseback riding, nature, zip line, fishing, art, drama. It’s pretty much endless,” she said. “I think that’s really important for a summer camp experience to be able to get to do these really awesome things that you don’t necessarily get to do during the year.”

Recognized nationally as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers, MJCCA offers exciting oneweek camp options between June 1 and July 30 at a reaPhoto special to the MDJ sonable price. The basic amount for one week for non- Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta summer day camps have been recognized nationally of one of the members is $320 and $285 most highly regarded Jewish community centers. for members. Additional programming is offered when children are out of school, but per week value). Scholarships of camping are the friendcamp is not in session. are also offered along with ships that you make, the “We’re defimultiweek dis- environment that you’re nitely one of the counts. exposing your child to, the ‘The most important lower-priced During a different activities,” Schlam parts of camping are camps of compatypical week, said. “You do need to plan the friendships that you rable camps in anywhere from far in advance for your summake, the environment the area,” Schlam that you’re exposing 200 to 250 mers at camp. Programs tend your child to, the said. children to fill up so if you don’t go different activities.’

SBP Day attend. With a ahead and plan your summer Camps will be ratio of at least in advance, you may not get — Ilana Schlam, director of the MJCCA’s offering free bus one camp into the programs you’re Shirley Blumenthal Park transportation to counselor to interested in.”

Summer Day Camps camp for the 12 campers, To learn more about entire east Cobb SBP camp is a MJCCA camp options, visit community from three conve- place where memories are www.atlantajcc.org, e-mail nient locations on a firstmade. ilana.schlam@atlantajcc.org come, first-serve basis (a $60 “The most important parts or call (678) 812-3727.

Free

Candlelight Concert Series

MARIETTA — Filmmaker and Walker School alumnus Chris Wyatt returned home to Cobb in January for the release of his newest movie, “Broken Hill.”

Wyatt has produced six Hollywood films, including the smash hit “Napoleon Dynamite,” since graduating from Walker in 1993.

Wyatt, actress Alexa Vega — best known for her role in the “Spy Kids” trilogy — and executive producer Sean Covel also visited the Walker School, speaking at an upper school assembly and working with students in drama and film/video classes.

“Broken Hill” is a musical drama that tells the story of a teenager from the Australian Outback who is torn between following his passion for music, which was instilled by his mother, and his father’s desire for him to stay on the family’s sheep farm. After landing in jail alongside his high school crush, the teen is given an opportunity to organize prisoners in a band competition.

Actor Luke Arnold and Academy Award-winner Timothy Hutton star alongside Vega in the feature film. The film is rated PG. “‘Broken Hill’ is about following your dream, taking risks and believing in yourself,” said Wyatt, 33, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Laura, and their 2year-old son, Liam.

Wyatt said the story was written by his friend, Dagen Merrill, the film’s director, and is based on Merrill’s experiences while directing a choir in college.

Becoming a film producer is a dream come true for Wyatt. He first caught the act-

ing bug as a kindergarten student.

“When I was in kindergarten at the Walker School, I was chosen by Mrs. Herman to play Winnie the Pooh in our class play,” he recalled. “I’ve been interested entertaining audiences through storytelling ever since.”

In 2004, Wyatt was nominated for best producer at the Indie Spirit Awards. He said he’s currently in post-production on a film called “Café,” starring Jennifer Love Hewitt from “Ghost Whisperer” and Daniel Eric Gold from the “Ugly Betty” TV show. He said the most surprising thing about the film industry is how long it takes to make and distribute each movie.

After high school, Wyatt earned a bachelor’s degree in film studies from Brigham Young University in Utah. He also has a Master of Fine Arts in motion picture producing from the University of Southern California. However, he said it was at Walker that he learned the value of the arts.

“Walker was a comfortable and supportive environment that encouraged initiative and self-expression,” Wyatt said.

Walker headmaster Don Robertson said the entire school looks forward to viewing the film one of its 1,600 alumni has made.

“Chris’ creative talent was obvious during his time as a student here, and I know that our students will learn a great deal from him during his visit on campus,” Robertson said.

Art Exhibits: Southern Appalachian Artist Guild ......Jan 20 - March 1 Floyd Middle School Exhibit ..................March 9 - April 7 World of Art Exhibit ................................April 19 - May 29 Peter Pan - Theatre Project ........................April 23, 24, 25

Open to the Public

National Juried Exhibit............August 21 - September 28

Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

Pastel Society Exhibit ..............October 8 - November 10

March - Nov.

Christmas House Arts & Crafts Shows

Reflections - Children’s Exhibit ..............November 12-17

Sign up for the FREE EVENTS Newsletter!

Don’t Miss Out on These Great Events!

www.SouthCobbArts.org Explore the Benefits of Membership! www.southcobbarts.org/join.html

Shaped convex glass for antique frames...

Dance Stop Studios

YOU BREAK, WE REMAKE! Excellence in Dance Education

390 Roswell St. Marietta, GA 30060

(770) 427-2459 www.averygallery.com

CUSTOM FRAMING • RESTORATIONS • APPRAISALS

Classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop, are offered for the beginner to the professional.

Under the direction of Lynette Strickland, Dance Stop offers UR excellence in dance education for ages 3 through adult.

CELEBRATING O 36 YEAR TH

4400 Roswell Road Marietta, GA • Merchants Exchange (Across from The Avenue) (770) 578-0048 www.dancestopstudios.com

PAGE 6GG

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PAGE 7GG

LOCAL VENUES

COBB CIVIC CENTER WHERE: 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta NUMBER: (770) 528-8490 UPCOMING: Julianne Hough, The Osmond Brothers, Frankie Avalon

CURTAIN CALL YOUTH PLAYERS WHERE: 2800 Canton Road, Marietta NUMBER: 770-973-4566 WEB SITE: ccyp.org UPCOMING: “The Phantom Tollbooth,” “Big Bad Musical” EARL SMITH STRAND THEATRE WHERE: 117 North Park Square, Marietta WHERE: (770) 293-0080 WEB SITE: earlsmithstrand.org UPCOMING: “The All Night Strut!,” “Spirit Dancer Showcase 2010,” “Fame”

Theatre

theater draws the majority of its funding — about 65 percent — from ticket sales, but also is supported by foundaContinued from Page 3GG tions, corporations, city and state governments and individual gifts. from IBM starting a theater The theater has a fullin this little shoebox of a time staff of more than a place,” Wells said. dozen, and each year hires The theater moved to its current home on Whitlock in more than 140 actors, directors and 1985, and startdesigners. ed with 169 More seats. It ‘You really don’t have than 3,200 expanded to to travel further than sub225 seats in the Marietta Square to scribers 1993, and later see outstanding have a added a secperformances and year-round ond, 135-seat enjoy a delightful commitstage in the ment to evening out.’ back part of the the thebuilding, Wells ater, and — David Connell, said.

Theatre supporter each play The professells a healthy sional not-fornumber of single tickets as profit organization has well, Conboy said. grown into the largest arts The theater regularly organization in Cobb Counreceives accolades for the ty, reaching more than caliber of its work. In 2006 50,000 people a year via alone, Theatre in the Square five shows on the main was named Best Theater by stage, two holiday shows, a Creative Loafing and Wells summer show and a chilreceived the Georgia Arts & dren’s show, spokeswoman Entertainment Legacy MJ Conboy said.

Award. In the spring of With an annual budget of 2007, Palmer was named the more than $1.6 million, the PBS Leader of the Arts.

KSU’S BAILEY PERFORMANCE CENTER WHERE: 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw NUMBER: (770) 423-6650 WEB SITE: baileycenter.kennesaw.edu UPCOMING: Premiere Series: Lionel Loueke Trio, KSU Orchestra, The United States Navy Band

the collection of Dr. Chris

THE ART PLACE / MOUNTAIN VIEW ARTS ALLIANCE WHERE: 3330 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta NUMBER: (770) 509-2700 WEB SITE: theartplace.us UPCOMING: “The Poetry of Pizza”

movie such as original costumes,

THEATRE IN THE SQUARE WHERE: 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta NUMBER: (770) 422-8369 WEB SITE: theatreinthesquare.com UPCOMING: “Ethan Frome,” “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

2010

Sullivan. You will see items belonging to author Margaret Mitchell and artifacts from the scripts, artwork, personal items belonging to the cast members, and

www.

mdjonline.com

original

honeymoon

bengaline

gown

worn

by

Vivien Leigh in her role as “Scarlett O’Hara.”

Open Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

770-794-5576 or www.gwtwmarietta.com

edition

Available all year long online at

the

(just off the Historic Marietta Square near the railroad tracts)

G IFT S HOP • F ACILITY R ENTAL • S PECIAL E VENTS

SHOP FOR BARGAINS ON 1000s OF ITEMS

WE SELL

JUST DROP IT OFF & PICK UP ... A CHECK F F U T S

YOUR

OPEN 7 DAYS...

75

WEEKDAYS 9am - 9pm • WEEKENDS 9am - 6pm 461 S. Marietta Pkwy S.E. • Marietta, GA 30060

678-354-5100 Cash, Checks, MC or Visa Accepted

BIG CHICKEN

Ro

COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER WHERE: 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta (404) NUMBER:Ticketmaster, NUMBER: 249-6400 WEB SITE: cobbenergycentre.com UPCOMING: “Fiddler on the Roof,” Atlanta Ballet’s “The Four Seasons,” The Atlanta Opera’s “The Magic Flute”

COBB GALLERIA CENTRE WHERE: 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta NUMBER: (770) 955-8000 WEB SITE: cobbgalleria.com UPCOMING: The American Craft Council Show, Model Train Show, Women for Hire Career Expo

ad

we ll

BLACKWELL PLAYHOUSE WHERE: 3378 Canton Road, Marietta NUMBER: (678) 213-3311 WEB SITE: blackwellplayhouse.com UPCOMING: “Phantom of the Soap Opera,” “Twelve Angry Men,” “You Can’t Take It With You”

Travel back in time as you tour

s Ro

Marietta Square

120 Exit 263

GARAGE SALE MART

41

One of the Largest Menus in Metro Atlanta.

Open 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year!

306 Cobb Pkwy South • Marietta, GA 30060 www.mariettadiner.net

E.T.C. Camp Rising Grades 3-9 Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Cost $80.00

Great Italian Dining with a Huge Menu!

June 21st-25th

3696 Austell Road • Marietta, GA 30008 www.pastabella.com

One of Two Restaurants on Canton Highway.

Excellent Menu!

2710 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066 www.cherokeecattlecompany.com

Our Newest

Fish Market You will enjoy the seafood, excellent service and great atmosphere!

3185 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066 www.mariettafishmarket.net

July 12th-16th

July 19th-23rd

E.T.C. is the Exciting, Entertaining, Educational Theatre Company

PROMPT Camp Rising Grades 5-9 Time: 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Cost $40 June 21st-25th

July 12th-16th

July 19th-23rd

PROMPT is a musical theatre camp -- not a performance opportunity

For additional information please call: 770-528-8490 Send Registration Forms To: Jennie T. Anderson Theatre 548 S. Marietta Parkway • Marietta, Georgia 30060

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 8GG

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

GUITAR HERO Singer Eddie Rhoades reaches new heights

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

When the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association awarded their CD of The Year, Horizon Award and Songwriter of the Year, local artist Eddie Rhoades was the last man standing: The Georgia native won all three awards for his album titled “Last Man Standing,” covering a variety of musical genres including traditional country, country rock, novelty, humor, boogie, island and story songs.

Rhoades, who began playing the guitar while he served in the Army, draws from his life experiences when writing music.

“I take pride in my songwriting abilities, which are built on years of experience and living,” he said. “People can identify with my songs.”

Rhoades was a 2008-featured performer at the Durango Songwriter’s Festival. A Master Gardener, Rhoades has also composed several gardening songs. His song “Green Man” has been played many times on Walter Reeves’ Gardening Radio Show.

The Marietta resident says he is inspired by artists such as Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly and is working on his second CD, “Universal Love,” which is scheduled for a February release. Rhoades’ younger brother, Robert, designed the album cover.

A mix of rock and roll, country and country rock, “Universal Love” also has its share of tearjerkers, stories and love songs.

“This music is so great, it’s fantastic,” Rhoades said. “When you play this CD, you better be wearing your dancing shoes, and when it comes to tearjerkers, get out your hanky.”

Rhoades sings open mic at

Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen

Eddie Rhoades of Marietta won three awards for his album, ‘Last Man Standing.’

Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen

McCrackin’s, located at 15 Atlanta Road off the Marietta Square, on Monday evenings. Listen to excerpts at www.MySpace.com/eddierhoades and www.AirPlayDirect.com/eddierhoades.

For free downloads or to purchase, visit www.bittersweetgardens.com or www.cdbaby.com/eddierhoades.

Debbie Ingram of Kennesaw, center, and daughters Copper Ingram, 15, left, and Janie Ingram, 18, pose behind the service counter at Mountain Biscuits on Old Highway 41.

The new breakfast stop is in an old filling station near Kennesaw Mountain.

Mountain of flavor

Breakfast spot offers large, savory delights hog sausage, chicken sausage, hand breaded pork tenderloin, steak biscuits and bacon.

“We put a lot of time into picking quality There’s nothing better than a good ol’ meats,” said Ingram who owns the restaurant Southern biscuit for breakfast. Flaky biscuits with Rick Ansley. made buttery and crisp on “Our sausage is like the outside, soft and light the size of a McDonald’s on the inside. Mountain hamburger,” she added.

Biscuits, 1718 Old 41 With plenty of busiHighway, serves up just nesses in the area, everythat. thing is packaged “to go,” Located at the base of but breakfast can be Kennesaw Mountain in an enjoyed in the 15-seat old Pure Oil Gas Station, restaurant if you’re lucky owner Debra Ingram enough to get a seat. makes homemade “CatIngram who drove by head” biscuits daily — the location “millions of Chicken, egg and cheese biscuit big ones, kind of like the times” said: “It screamed ones your grandmother home cooking little biscuit would make. restaurant.” Evidently, the Cathead biscuits are traditionally SouthCobb resident was right since the place is ern biscuits that get their name because they packed on a regular basis. are as large as a cat’s head.

But people wouldn’t keep coming to “I make them all by hand. I make each one Mountain Biscuits if the biscuits weren’t individually. I don’t use a mix,” Ingram said. good. And it looks like Ingram has them In these savory delights, customers can down to an art. choose their filling. In fact, the motto of Mountain Biscuits is open from 5 a.m. to Mountain Biscuits is “Build Your Biscuit.” noon on Monday through Friday and 6 a.m.And there’s plenty with which to build — 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, country ham, ham, regular sausage, whole call (770) 419-3311.

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

Time to mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Taste of Marietta on the Historic Marietta Square

11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Food, Music, Celebrity Chefs, Banks and Shane Evening Concert!

75+ restaurants with sampling of their favorite recipes!

Kids Alley, Sports Corner, Car Show and much more!

w w w. t a s t e o f m a r i e t t a . c o m

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 9GG

NE MAN, MANY HATS East Cobb resident really knows how to use his head

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

Nick Jelaca wears more than one hat. In fact, the 89year-old east Cobb resident has stacks of handmade hats from which to choose.

A carpenter by trade, Jelaca loves to work with his hands. When faced with the problem of needing an extralarge hat 12 years ago, Jelaca began making them. He moved to Cobb County from Chicago around the same time, after his wife died, to be close to his adult son.

“I could never find an extra-large hat. When I found one I took it apart,” Jelaca said.

Jelaca constructed cardboard patterns from dissected hats to create his handmade head coverings.

“I made them for myself so I don’t have to go out looking for them anymore,” he said.

The self-taught milliner makes two styles of hats — a cap-style hat with bill and a Scottish Tam-style hat — from old scarves he buys at thrift stores. Carefully matching the patterns, the pieces are fitted together like a puzzle and sewed on a sewing machine he purchased “as is” for $5 from a thrift store. “(The sewing machine) wouldn’t turn,” Jelaca said.

“I figured I’d take a chance.”

It took five hours, but Jelaca fixed the sewing machine.

“It was just stuck. I cleaned it up, and it works just fine.”

It takes Jelaca about four hours to make one hat.

“Sometimes you make a mistake and have to start all over again,” he said. “It just takes a little patience.”

Jelaca, who wears one of his hats every day, makes them as a hobby.

“It’s a good pastime,” Jelaca said. “Instead of laying in the bed all day long, I can sit there and waste four or five hours and enjoy myself.”

“I would never sell them.

No way,” he said. “It’s just for myself. My own pleasure.”

Vittles Restaurant Home style cooking in a casual atmosphere $ 99

5 $ 99 Fresh Grilled Salmon .......................... 6 $ 99 Country Fried Steak............................ 5 $ 99 Grilled or Fried Chicken .................... 5 Center Cut Pork Chops ......................

TACKLE OUR ½ POUND TOP SIRLOIN

$8.99 with two Veggies & Salad

Over 30 fresh Vegetables daily Fresh Grilled Salmon • Country Fried Steak • Pork Chops • Meatloaf • Grilled Chicken • Fresh Perch Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Served Daily • Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 5:30am - 8pm - Sun 7am - 4pm

2579 South Cobb Drive SE • Smyrna, GA 30080 • 770.433.0047

Staff/Laura Moon

Nick Jelaca, top, started making hats when he was faced with the issue of finding extra-large hats. He constructed cardboard patterns from dissected hats to create his handmade coverings. Above: Jelaca, right, wears his favorite hat along with Jeffrey Stillwell. Jelaca lives with in Marietta with Stillwell.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 10GG

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28,

Photos special to the MDJ

Michael Alexander, far left and below, is the music director for CSO and the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

HOW SWEET THE SOUNDS Cobb Symphony Orchestra gives back through music

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

Enriching our community for nearly six decades, the Cobb Symphony Orchestra is a model of success for the arts in Cobb County. By embracing the community with a clear mission, CSO distinguishes itself as one of the most unique regional orchestras in the country.

The CSO’s objective is for artistic excellence in a diverse community that takes pride in the Orchestra’s artistic success and feels a sense of ownership for the Orchestra, said Michael Alexander, music director of CSO and Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The 85-musician virtuoso orchestra ensures that artistic excellence when performing 20 to 25 concerts per year at the Murray Arts Center, 2250 Stilesboro Road in Kennesaw. Attracting leading guest soloists from around the world, the CSO plays to sold-out audiences.

“It’s not uncommon for us to have two shows where we’re drawing well over 1,000 people that are paying to come,” Alexander said.

The CSO breaks the barrier to classical music by providing a friendly atmosphere and variety of musi-

cal offerings. Three years ago CSO started the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, the largest such program in the Southeast with more than 400 students participating.

CSO also offers CSO Jazz, Chorus and private lessons to hundreds of students at Georgia Center for the Arts at the Murray Arts Center. CSO also reaches out to the community through concerts such as those performed at Zion Baptist Church.

“There are close to a thousand people who make music with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra,”

Alexander said.

But it hasn’t always been easy for CSO. Just six years ago, the CSO was in debt, played to small audiences, had no home base and struggled to form its artistic identity, he said.

Now the CSO, with all of its programs, has a million-dollar budget and is no longer in debt.

“We earn our money. We’re one of the only arts groups anywhere where the majority of our money is earned, not asked for,” Alexander said.

“What we’re asking is that the community buy into what we’ve given them, to something that’s succeeding like this,” he said. “There are few other arts organizations as efficient and productive with the money they have than CSO and do so much good with the community.”

With one of the most exceptional orchestras that inspires, entertains and educates our community, it is time for the community to step up and embrace the CSO as a model and success story for what’s happening in the arts in Cobb, Alexander said.

“They (the community) need to celebrate it and support it,” he said.

For more information, visit www.cobbsymphony.org.

‘What we’re asking is that the community buy into what we’ve given them, to something that’s succeeding like this. There are few other arts organizations as efficient and productive with the money they have than CSO and do so much good with the community.’

— Michael Alexander, music director for CSO and Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra The orchestra rehearses with Alexander at the helm.

I N T R O D U C TO RY SPECIAL

2010

New Students Only

Experience the Joy of Dancing!

edition Available all year long online at www.

mdjonline .com

MARIETTA

DAILY JOURNAL

ATLANTA DANCE 2213 Roswell Rd, Marietta 30062 • 770.973.5191 www.atlantadance.com

Private Groups & Parties Ballroom • Latin • Swing Country Western • Belly Dance Dancing • Adds Fun To Your Social Events • Great Exercise • A Real Stress Reliever • A Chance To Meet New People No Contracts

DON’T HESITATE

CALL NOW!

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 11GG

Elegance, sophistication, prestige Alpha Kappa Alpha women celebrate 102 years of service, sisterhood

By Sally Litchfield sallylit@bellsouth.net

On Jan. 30, the metro Atlanta chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first Greek-letter organization founded by college-trained African-American women, brought history to life at their 2010 Metro Atlanta Founders’ Day celebration. Hosted by Cobb County’s graduate chapter, Rho Zeta Omega, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, the metro Atlanta sisterhood looked to the future by remembering their founders.

Under the leadership of Ethel Hedgeman bers of 25-year and 50-year status, scholarLyle, the sorority was founded in 1908 at ship and awards presentations, and recogniHoward University. This small group of tion of special guests. women, who were only one generation Today, the sorority continues to adhere to removed from slavery, incorporated the the founding principles of service celebrated sorority in 1913. Today, there are more than that day. Its agenda revolves around a theme 250,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha of “Extraordinary Service Program,” emphaworldwide. sizing the nontraditional entrepreneur, eco“One of the reasons the organization was nomic keys to success, economic growth of founded was to concern ourselves with the the black family, economic educational situation of young women and girls and to try advancement through technology, and health to promote resource manand improve agement and our commueconomics. nity,” said “We are Jennifer dedicated to Turner, presservice,” said ident of Rho Turner, North Zeta Omega.

America Safety With a Leader for K-C theme of Professional, “Exquisite of Kimberly Sorors PerseClark Corporavering tion. “Our Through the motto is serYears,” vice to all members mankind.” showcased With platthe rich hisforms the Photos special to the MDJ same at the tory of Alpha Kappa Alpha The metro Atlanta chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha graduate and Sorority, Inc., honored the organization’s founders in a undergraduate through a tribute program on Jan. 30. Above: Vintage decora- levels, dedicavisual pretions adorn the ballroom at the Galleria. sentation. A tion to service cast of sorordeepens rather ity members in period costumes performed than ends after college graduation. Rep. memorable moments of the 102-year-old Alisha Thomas Morgan, Sen. Horacena organization. Vintage by Judith, at 162 Tate, and news anchors Karyn Greer, MoniRoswell St. in Marietta, donated the cosca Pearson, Aungelique Proctor, Lisa tumes for the historical showcase.

Rayam and JaQuitta Williams are a few of The afternoon included tributes to memthe notable graduates of AKA continuing

Staff/Laura Moon

Cobb chapter presidents Ashley Gladden: Pi Phi, Kennesaw State University Jennifer Turner: Rho Zeta Omega, Cobb County the spirit of service.

“I think it (service) should be for a lifetime,” said Ashley Gladden, president of the Pi Phi chapter at Kennesaw State University.

“The community is always changing and always growing. You have to continue to come up with creative ways to impact the community, and that’s important to do for the rest of your life,” she said.

“We want to promote lifelong membership,” Turner said. “It’s one of the easiest ways to give back to your community and make an impact. You don’t forget why you are founded.”

For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., or local chapters, visit www.aka1908.com, www.akarhozeta omega.org or www.kennesaw.edu/clubs/aka.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: Through the Years

Sorority members created a historical showcase portraying the issues, fashions and evolution of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. From left to right are Jocelyne Givens, Tiffany Boykins, Yatta Collins and Rosa Roberts.

2010

edition

Available all year long online at www.

MARIETTA

DAILY JOURNAL

mdjonline.com

1171 South Marietta Parkway Marietta, Georgia 30060 (678) 355-1445 (across from Southern Tech)

FRAMING WHILE YOU WAIT Hours Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5

FRAMING FOR MARIETTA FOR OVER 30 YEARS v Needlework v Custom Framing v Ready Made Frames v Shadow Boxes v Sports Memorabilia v Prints

& Jerseys

15% OFF FRAMING WITH THIS AD

Progress 2010

Progress 2010

PAGE 12GG

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PROGRESS 2010

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SECTION HH / 8 OF 8

SPORTS & RECREATION

BIG-TIME SOCCER ARRIVES AT KSU PAGE 2HH

MEET THE BEAT’S NO. 1 DRAFT PICK PAGE 3HH INSIDE

COBB RICH IN GOLF COURSES

PAGE 8-9 HH

SPORTS & RECREATION

PAGE 2HH

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Renderings special to the MDJ

Kennesaw State University is constructing a new 8,300-seat stadium for the Owls’ women’s soccer team and will also be the home of the Atlanta Beat, a 2010 expansion team in Women’s Professional Soccer. The stadium will be state of the art and the only known one in the world built specifically for women’s soccer.

New stadium at KSU will be state of the art

By John Bednarowski

New KSU Stadium at a Glance

sportseditor@mdjonline.com

KENNESAW — The big hole and construction site that can be seen while driving down Busbee Parkway in Kennesaw will soon enter its final stages of becoming the first stadium facility in the world specifically built to host women’s soccer.

The Atlanta Beat, in partnership with Kennesaw State University, will play in the new $16.5 million, 8,300 seat stadium on a 21-acre parcel of land recently purchased by the Kennesaw State University Foundation.

The stadium, designed by Rossetti Architects and constructed by Choate Countruction Company, is expected to be completed by late April or early May and is currently two of the things that Kennesaw State University president Dan Papp likes the best.

“It is on schedule to be done on time,” Papp said. “And it is staying on budget.”

The stadium is expected to mark its grand opening when the Beat opens its inaugural season in Women’s Professional Soccer on May 9 against the current WPS defending champions, Sky Blue FC from New Jersey.

WPS will be entering its second year of existence with eight teams — six charter teams: Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride, St. Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC and the Washington Freedom — along with two expansion franchises — the Beat, and Philadelphia Independence.

After the first seven teams began planning for the league’s first season, Marietta resident T. Fitz Johnson took the necessary steps to bring an expansion team to the Atlanta area.

In September of 2008, Johnson signed the letter of intent for a WPS team. The team officially became a member of WPS last June when Johnson and his management team announced the team name. “Our vision,” Johnson said about his team, “is build it to be the best in the world. And this is the only facility built specifically for (women’s soccer)

COVER STORY

sportseditor@mdjonline.com

Staff / Laura Moon

Stadium will include: Television ready lighting system Chairback and bleacher seating Banquet and picnic areas Meeting facilities Interactive play area for children

in the world.”

The privately funded facility — paid for by the foundation through private contributions, student fees, sponsorships, ticket sales and concessions — will be home not only to the Beat, but the Kennesaw State women’s soccer team and has the ability to host numerous other events, including KSU and high school graduations, concerts, regional and state level high school soccer and lacrosse tournaments as well as a prospective neutral site for big area football games or the state football playoffs.

“It is venue that will give us the opportunity to showcase the university,” Papp said.

Wes Wicker, the executive director of the Kennesaw State University Foundation and the vice president of Advancement for Kennesaw State, said the new facility could be a “multi-million dollar impact for Cobb County,” through not only ticket sales but hotel revenue, parking fees, concessions and increased restaurant patrons.

Wicker based his ideas on an economic study that included 15 Atlanta Beat games, 10 to 12 KSU women’s soccer home games and 10 to 12 concerts a year with each event See Stadium, Page 7HH

Kennesaw State exploring football feasability

By John Bednarowski

Atlanta Beat owner T. Fitz Johnson, left, and Kennesaw State University president Dan Papp pose in front of the new KSU stadium construction site.

Designed by: Rossetti Architects Constructed by: Choate Construction Cost: $16.5 million Seating capacity: 8,300 for soccer, can be expanded to 16,000 for concerts, 22,000 for football

KENNESAW — Three months into the job of trying to determine whether football will be an addition to the Kennesaw State University athletic program, KSU president, Dr. Dan Papp said the 33-member exploratory committee headed by former University of Georgia head coach and athletic director Vince Dooley, is finding that gathering the information is more difficult than it looks on the surface.

“It’s like peeling an in September. onion,” Papp said. “Each time If everything went you peel a layer you find “absolutely prefect,” Papp more questions.” said the Owls could However this field a team and does not mean the play its first game in timetable for an the fall of 2013, but answer has he added there are changed. Papp is many questions that still expecting Dooneed to be answered ley and his commitfirst, including: tee — made up of What advantages students, faculty, and disadvantages Vince Dooley staff, alumni and would football bring business and community to KSU? leaders, to turn in their How much student, faculresults to him, with a recomty, staff and alumni support mendation, sometime exists for football?

How much public and corporate support exists for KSU football?

What would be needed to maintain Title IX compliance?

What impact would football have on the other KSU athletic teams?

Of course the biggest questions all come down to money. How much would a new football program cost?

Based on that answer, the committee would then have to decide what level the program would compete (Division I, the former Division I-

AA, Division II or Division III), and what conference would best fit the Owls?

“I hope we can do it,” Papp said. “My gut feeling is it’s going to depend on finances.”

Kennesaw State is currently in the second year of a five-year, $75 million fundraising drive for athletics — which passed the $50 million mark late last year — but none of that money will be funneled toward football.

“Football fundraising will be above and separate from See Football, Page 7HH

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Tobin Heath played at the University of North Carolina and was the No. 1 pick by the Atlanta Beat in the recent Women’s Professional Soccer draft.

PAGE 3HH

2010 ATLANTA BEAT SCHEDULE Sunday, Apr 11 Sunday, Apr 18 Saturday, Apr 24 Saturday, May 1 Sunday, May 9 Sunday, May 16 Saturday, May 29 Sunday, Jun 6 Saturday, Jun 12 Saturday, Jun 19 Wednesday, Jun 23 Saturday, Jul 3 Sunday, Jul 11 Sunday, Jul 18 Wednesday, Jul 21 Sunday, Jul 25 Sunday, Aug 1 Saturday, Aug 7 Wednesday, Aug 11 Saturday, Aug 14 Saturday, Aug 21 Saturday, Aug 28 Sunday, Sep 5 Sunday, Sep 12

Special to the MDJ

Philadelphia Independence Washington Freedom FC Gold Pride Philadelphia Independence SKY BLUE FC WASHINGTON FREEDOM ST. LOUIS ATHLETICA Chicago Red Stars Saint Louis Athletica CHICAGO RED STARS PHILA. INDEPENDENCE FC GOLD PRIDE Boston Breakers Sky Blue FC CHICAGO RED STARS Saint Louis Athletica WASHINGTON FREEDOM BOSTON BREAKERS Chicago Red Stars ST. LOUIS ATHLETICA Boston Breakers FC GOLD PRIDE SKY BLUE FC Washington Freedom

Away Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

6pm 4pm 10pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 5:45pm 7pm 7:30pm 7pm 4pm 7pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 5pm 7pm 8:30pm 7pm TBD 7pm TBD TBD

Cobb County’s got the Beat

By Emily Horos ehoros@mdjonline.com

The Atlanta Beat are bringing Women’s Professional Soccer to Cobb County — and you can thank the enthusiasm of owner, and Marietta resident, T. Fitz Johnson for it.

“We love our Cobb County.

I’ve lived in Cobb County for 12 years,” Johnson said. “I’m thrilled for that environment. There are not enough soccer fields. They are always running out of places to play. All these girls running around will be able to say, ‘Hey, let’s go watch them at the highest level.’

“We have great kids coming up through our ranks. I’m a local guy and, if we could get a local kid to come back into our market, we would love that. (Women’s soccer coach Rob) King does a great job over at KSU. They have great kids. One day, you never know.”

The Beat, one of two new expansion teams in WPS, will be playing in the new $16.5 million, 8,300 seat Kennesaw State University soccer stadium located on Busbee Parkway.

The Beat will open play April

11 on the road against WPS’ other expansion franchise, the Philadelphia Independence, and will remain on the road for their first four games before returning to Kennesaw for the Mother’s Day home opener on May 9.

The season will consist of 24 games against the other seven teams of WPS based in Boston, Chicago, New Jersey, San Francisco, St. Louis, Washington and Philadelphia.

For those local soccer enthusiasts, many might recognize the Beat as being a team that played in another women’s professional soccer league early in the 2000s. Johnson, who has spent approximately 25 years involved with soccer, said he enjoyed attending games when the original incarnation of the Atlanta Beat played in the now-defunct Women’s United Soccer Association from 2001-03. He said he wants to recreate that atmosphere.

“The atmosphere was excellent,” he said. “They did a great job not only giving fans the opportunity to watch the best players in the world, but there was face-painting and other activities on the side.

We’re going to try to do the same thing — make it a family atmos-

phere and have a good time while not spending a ton of money.”

In deciding to resurrect the Beat name, Johnson said the new franchise wanted to evoke memories of the previous one, which made the playoffs in each of the WUSA’s three seasons and advanced to the league’s Founders Cup championship game twice.

While the Beat may have borrowed its name from the past, Johnson has already done plenty to reinvent the team. That includes the team’s color scheme: Ferrari red, champion gold and black.

It also looks as if the team is ready to hit the field in more than just a competitive mode.

With the first pick of the 2010 WPS Draft, the Beat selected Tobin Heath, an All-America player from the University of North Carolina and member of the 2008 U.S. National Team. Heath will be joined by University of Georgia standout Carrie Patterson, Former St. Louis Athletica forward Angie Kerr, current Swiss Player of the Year Ramona Bachmann and the recently signed Shelly Thompson, the first German player in WPS.

ATLANTA BEAT SEASON TICKET INFORMATION Atlanta Beat season ticket holders have the first pick of the best seasts in the stadium and will enjoy discounted pricing along with special access to the players.

Seating Area:

Season Seat Price:

Club Suite $1,080 On-Field VIP $900 Party Loge $600 Party Deck $540 Center Circle Reserved $420 West Sideline — Flexi $396 West Sideline $264 East Sideline — Flexi $270 East Sideline $180 Endline — Flexi $180 Family Section $120 Endline $120 For more ticket information call (678)298-4778 or go to theatlantabeat.com

YOUR COMPLETE BASEBALL SUPPLY HEADQUARTERS

• Netting • Baseballs • Bags • Bats • Gloves • Field Equipment

We specialize in secure online sales of sporting goods and sports equipment for individuals, teams and schools.

• Mounds • Softballs • Bases & Plates • Pitching Machines • Training Aids/Books/Videos

Quick service and quality products are our trademark.

In Business since 1993, we have 10,000 customers and would be honored to add Y-O-U. Most orders shipped within 24 hours by UPS. Come join our team and play BetterBaseball!

Come visit our

132 Carruth Drive Marietta, Georgia 30060

10,000 sq. ft. retail store!

800-997-4233

SPORTS AND RECREATION

PAGE 4HH

Cobb is the place for youth soccer

By Greg Oshust goshust@mdjonline.com

Over the years, Cobb County has become a hotbed for youth soccer.

With the interest in youth soccer growing at such a rapid pace, the county has seen the establishment of a number of soccer organizations.

The North Atlanta Soccer Association (NASA) and the Cobb Futbol Club are the most prominent of the youth soccer organizations in Cobb County, while the Kennesaw Futbol Club (KFC), the Cobb YMCA Striker Soccer program and the Smyrna Soccer Club are the other notable clubs.

Cobb’s youth soccer organizations have produced a large number of players who have made their mark in county high school soccer and have gone on to successful careers on the college level as well.

NASA has several youth leagues available for different ages groups and ability levels, including recreational (up to age 19), academy (ages 7-12) and select (ages 13-18).

The organization features four fields that are located throughout Cobb County.

Metro Park and Terrell Mill Park are located in east Cobb, while Noonday Park and United Quest Park are in Kennesaw.

The recreational leagues cover all age groups, beginning with the Little Kickers program and also including smidgets (under 5 years of age), under 6, under 8, under 10, under 12 and under 14-19.

The recreational level is more informal, stressing participation more than competition.

The academy level gives younger players their first taste of competitive soccer, with 17 boys and girls teams ranging in age groups from U9/10 to U12.

The select level is NASA’s highest level, with 25 Classic (boys) teams and 19 Athena (girls) teams ranging from the U13 to the U18 age groups.

NASA also holds a couple of major tournaments during the year; the NASA Classic boys and girls tournaments in August and the NASA-Adidas Friendship Cup and College Showcase in May, plus the NASA Fall Rec Finale for recreational players in November.

Cobb Futbol Club, which is set up the same was as NASA, with recreational, academy and select leagues, has fields at Mudcreek Soccer Complex in west Cobb and Tramore Park in Austell.

Around 1,000 players participate in Cobb Futbol Club’s recreational leagues, which includes a developmental Junior Academy Program for the under-8 and under-10 age groups and a TOPSoccer program for mentally and physically challenged children ages 4-18.

A total of 77 teams are available in the six age group recreational leagues, ranging from U4-U6 to U16-19.

The academy level, ranging from the U9 to U12 age groups, features seven boys and girls teams each, while the select level consists of 20 Classic (boys) and 15 Athena (girls) squads.

The Cobb Futbol Club hosts the Adidas Cobb Classic tournament, which is held in February, and the Cobb Academy Open for academy level

players in August.

Kennesaw Futbol Club uses several fields in northwest Cobb and in other locations in the county, including Noonday Park, Tramore Park and Mudcreek Soccer Complex as well as Big Shanty Park, Martha Moore Field and Adams Park in Kennesaw and Hubert Soccer Complex in Acworth.

KFC features 37 recreational teams from U6 to U19, while its select program includes five academy teams (three boys and two girls) from U10 to U12 and seven teams each in its Classic and Athena divisions (U13-U19). It also has a Little Stars program for players under 4 years old.

The Cobb YMCA is also involved in youth soccer through its YMCA Striker Soccer program, which operates out of Hubert Soccer Complex, Mudcreek Soccer Complex and Noonday Park.

Like the other soccer organizations, the Striker program features recreational (ages 3-19), academy (U9-U12) and select (U13-U18) levels.

In the select level, the Classic (boys) division is divided according to ability level into I and II, while the Athena (girls) division is split up into four different levels, ranging from A to D. Smyrna Soccer operates out of Tolleson Park, River Line Park and Campbell Middle School in Smyrna. The organization, which started in 1988 and has over 900 members, primarily consists of 60 recreational teams, 43 co-ed and 17 girls, from U4 to U19 and has three co-ed academy level teams from U10 to U12.

Kennesaw State’s Spencer Dixon (5) will try to lead the Owls to their first Atlantic Sun Men’s Basketball Tournament title next month. If someone in the family is a college sports fan, Cobb offers many opportunities to go catch a game — be it at KSU, Southern Poly, Life or Chattahoochee Tech, there’s always a game to be seen.

Staff / Laura Moon

Easy to catch a game on campus

By Carlton D. White cwhite@mdjonline.com

There are 37 colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia and two of them, Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University, are located in Cobb County.

Both universities have athletic programs and events for people to attend, but they are not the only forms of collegiate athletic entertainment available.

There are plenty of opportunities available for anyone in the county interested in watching college sports and the contests run the gamet from NCAA Division I programs to NAIA institutions to Junior College sports.

Kennesaw State, a Division II program for 11 years located in Kennesaw, recently completed its transition to Division I and is currently playing its first year as a NCAA post-season eligible program.

The university, whose mascot name is Owls, sponsors 16 intercollegiate sports — nine women and seven men — including basketball, soccer, track and field/cross country, golf, tennis, volleyball, softball and baseball that compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, also known as the A-Sun. Member institutions in the A-Sun hail from schools in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia and include cities such as Jacksonville and Nashville.

Kennesaw State’s history as a Division II program includes national champi-

onships in softball, baseball, women’s soccer and men’s basketball. The Owls hope to one day duplicate that level of success in Division I. This season, the Owls created an exploratory committee to examine if football could be a successful addition to the athletics department and the university as a whole.

“We want our athletic program to grow as much as the university has grown,” KSU athletic director Dr. Dave Waples said. “We started as a NAIA school and spent 11 years in Division II. The leap to Division I has been exciting, scary and wonderful all at the same time.

“We’re looking towards greatness in the future and consistently winning conference championships. We’re making progress, and will continue to grow.”

Southern Polytechnic State, or Southern Poly, is a four-year institution located in Marietta that competes collegiately in the NAIA Division I level. The “Runnin’ Hornets” have four intercollegiate teams — baseball, men’s and women’s basketball and men’s soccer — that battle in the Southern States Athletic Conference against member institutions from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina.

Southern Poly has had years of success in baseball and men’s soccer, often contending for the NAIA national championship in those sports.

Life University, a chiropractic school in Marietta, is also a NAIA Division I member as an independent. The “Runnin’ Eagles,” who had

won seven NAIA national championships in men’s basketball and men’s track and field, shuttered their athletic department at the conclusion of the 2001-02 season because the school had lost its accreditation.

With its accreditation back in hand recently, Life resurrected its athletic program in 2008-09, beginning with men’s basketball. Its club teams, most notably the men’s rugby squad which won a national championship in 2008, are also a source of pride for the university as it continues to expand its intercollegiate athletic programs.

Volleyball and cross country teams are also on the radar as NAIA teams.

“We’re excited about what we’re building here,” Life athletic director John Barrett said. “We’re a small college, but athletically, we’re like a minor league baseball team.

We have terrific athletes, exciting games and a great atmosphere. People can get caught up watches games in smaller venues like ours.

You’re more connected to the fans and players are hungry for wins.

“We’re trying to build back that community support we had and encourage people to come out and see what’s going on at Life.”

Chattahoochee Technical College — The “Golden Eagles” — is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association at the Division I level in men’s and women’s cross country and track and field. It also has a club level men’s basketball team.

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PAGE 5HH

2010 COBB COUNTY TENNIS INFORMATION

Staff / Thinh D. Nguyen

Players taking advantage of the QuickStart program and the area tennis centers will have an opportunity to advance quickly and hone their skills with the hopes of competing with the best, like Walton High School standout Elizabeth Kilborn.

QuickStart program helping tennis flourish in Cobb

By Adam Carrington acarrington@mdjonline.com

The USTA QuickStart program at Harrison Tennis Center launched last year turned out to be successful.

After raising $55,000 two years ago through an inscribed brick program, the tennis center became the first in the nation to build six miniature tennis courts that measure 36 feet long and 18 feet wide with nets just under three feet. They mostly cater to children between the ages 4 and 8 who are beginning to learn tennis through USTA QuickStart.

To learn tennis at a more rapid pace, players use smaller sized rackets and foam balls.

The miniature courts opened at the beginning of 2009 with no formal ceremony, and the QuickStart program started right away. Disney Radio made a guest appearance last March to help promote both the new courts and new program.

The USTA QuickStart program ended attracting close to 1,000 youngsters in its initial year, and the facility was awarded the 2009 QuickStart Facility of the Year by USTA Southern a month ago.

“What it does is shrink the game down to the size of a child, so they won’t have to play on the full-size courts” Harrison head professional Steve Lottinger said. “The low-compression balls makes it easier for a child to hit it.

We had between 850 to 900 participants just here at Harrison Tennis Center and a lot of positive feedback.”

The QuickStart programs for players eight and younger will resume in mid-March.

Harrison was also credited for another new invention — the Cobb County Elementary School League.

The initial season started last fall, and it had roughly 135 participants ranging from second to fifth grade. Players represented elementary schools such as Addison

Davis, Garrison Mill, Keheley, Mountain View, Murdock, Rocky Mount and Shallowford Falls.

The program is expecting to continue in the spring.

Matches were played every Friday afternoon after school at Harrison Tennis Center, and teams practiced once a week at the facility.

The second and third graders (White Level) competed on the QuickStart courts while fourth and fifth graders (Red Level) battled on the fullsized courts.

The Elementary School also got good reviews. Susan Chambers, who organized the program, was honored by the Racket Sport Industry Grassroots Program.

Lost Mountain Tennis Center also runs a QuickStart program and is hosting QuickStart Academy Carnival Day on March 6 for players ages 4 to 8. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. and players

who signed up for QuickStart will receive gift bags. Kennworth Tennis Center has also launched a QuickStart program for players 8 and under.

Lost Mountain is also hosting a college women’s tennis match between Georgia Southern and the University of Alabama-Birmingham on Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. Georgia Southern is coached by Amy Bonner, who grew up in the area and played for McEachern High School before graduating in 2003.

All six public facilities in Cobb County will be hosting adult and junior tournaments throughout the year as well as different clinics and lesson programs for players of all ages and skill levels.

There are also academies for advanced juniors held at Fair Oaks, Harrison and Ole Towne Athletic Club, and the Chattahoochee Plantation in east Cobb hosts the Universal Tennis Academy.

Newly Improved Driving Range

Home of the

MONDAY MADNESS UNLIMITED

15.00

$

Featuring: • Brand New Wilson Staff Two-Piece Range Balls • Real Feel Golf Mats with True Divot Action & Natural Grass Teeing Areas • Well Lighted Range and 12 Covered Tee Boxes for Anytime Practice • Target Greens with Marked Yardages • Bunker, Short Game Practice Area & Putting Green Bring in ad • Unlimited Golf Ball Practice Packages Available for • Golf Shop & Limited Concessions $ • Weekday Price Specials for Men, Women, a bucket or Seniors & Students Free Evaluation • Sell your Clubs for Cash—Call for program details Lesson • PGA Professional Instruction

1.00 OFF

Heather A. Ruhe, PGA

770-578-1234

3185 Sandy Plains Road • Marietta, GA 30066 Winter Hours: 10:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Summer Hours: 7:30a.m. to 10:00p.m.

Tournaments Dates Sweetwater Senior Singles Classic Mar. 5-8 Fair Oaks Junior QuickStart Mar. 6-7 Cobb Junior Spring Satellite Mar. 20-21 Fair Oaks Senior Southern Warm-up April 22-26 Lost Mountain NTRP Summer Blast Apr. 30-5/2 Terrell Mill Junior Satellite May 22-25 USTA National BG16 Open Chps.

May 22-26 Harrison Junior Warm-up ChampionshipMay 28-30 Chattahoochee River Singles Chps.

May 28-31 Fair Oaks 1-Day Adult Tournament June 6 GA Games District Festival – Satellite June 7-10 Sweetwater NTRP Summer Chps June 17-12 Lost Mountain Junior Championships June 21-23 Marietta NTRP Championships June 25-27 Kennworth Junior Satellite July 5-6 Georgia Games Junior Chps July 5-9 Terrell Mill Junior Open Chps July 12-15 Georgia Games Adult & NTRP July 16-19 Cobb Junior Satellite July 19-22 Georgia State Adult/Senior Hardcourt July 24-27 Lake Allatoona Junior Satellite July 24-25 Cobb County Senior Summer Classic July 30-8/2 Harrison Junior Summer Super Chps Aug. 7-8 Sweetwater Back-to-School Blowout Aug. 21-22 Fair Oaks Junior QuickStart Sept. 18-19 Cobb County Adult/Senior Classic Sep. 24-26 Lost Mountain Halloween Fright Festival Oct. 29-31 Terrell Mill Open/Senior Singles Classic Oct. 29-11/1 ‘Cobb Christmas’ Adult NTRP Classic Nov. 5-8 Lost Mountain Fall Junior Satellite Nov. 6-7

Deadline Events Feb. 28 Adult / Senior Mar. 4 Junior Mar. 15 Junior Apr. 18 Adult / Senior Apr. 24 Adult / NTRP May 18 Junior Apr. 15 Junior May 24 Junior May 24 Adult / Senior June 2 Adult / Senior June 4 Junior June 13 Adult / NTRP June 14 Junior June 22 Adult NTRP June 29 Junior June 29 Junior July 7 Junior July 11 Adult / Senior /NTRP July 15 Junior July 17 Adult / Senior July 21 Junior July 27 Adult / Senior July 29 Junior Aug. 17 Junior Sept.16 Junior Sep. 20 Adult / Senior Oct.22 Adult / Junior Oct. 25 Adult / Senior Oct. 31 Adult NTRP Oct. 30 Junior

Cobb’s tennis program offers numerous tournaments for all ages and levels of play. All tournaments are sanctioned by the United States Tennis Association and require USTA membership. Membership may be acquired by calling 1-800-990-8782.

For detailed tournament information and to register, contact the Cobb County Tennis Center nearest you.

Fair Oaks Tennis Center Terrell Mill Tennis Center Harrison Tennis Center Kennworth Tennis Center Lost Mountain Tennis Center Sweetwater Tennis Center

(770) (770) (770) (770) (770) (770)

528-8480 644-2771 591-3151 917-5160 528-8525 819-3222

(Central Cobb) (East Cobb) (NE Cobb) (NW Cobb) (West Cobb) (SW Cobb)

Tennis courts located throughout the county available for free play. While there is limited programming at these parks, most of the court time is available for play on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each park has four lighted tennis courts.

Satellite Park Tennis • Big Shanty Park • Fullers Park • Bells Ferry Park • Rhyne Park • Hurt Road Park

Courts • Larry Bell Park • Sweat Mountain Park • Oregon Park • Wallace Park

Information from Cobb County Parks and Recreation

• • • •

Sewell Park Shaw Park Wild Horse Creek Park Nickajack Park

PAGE 6HH

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PAGE 7HH

Miles and miles of road races to be won

Football Continued from Page 2HH that,” Papp said.

In addition to his understanding of how a football program is constructed, name recognition for potential fundraising was one of the mian reasons bringing Dooley on board was so important.

“Let me underline the knowledge — multiple, multiple, multiple times,” Papp said. “We’ve got a wonderful committee. We’ve got folks who have expertise on that committee from a variety of areas. But the expertise that coach Dooley has, that’s what we need.”

The 77-year-old Dooley is currently spending three days a week on campus while chairing the committee, and is excited to have an opportunity to serve in this capacity.

“The potential of launching a football program from the ground up is an intriguing challenge to me,” said Dooley, who won 201 games in 25 seasons as Georgia’s football coach. “And I cannot think of a better place to do that than at Kennesaw State.

This is an exciting place to be. This is a university on the move.”

Stadium Continued from Page 2HH bringing in 8,000 to 10,0000 people.

As of early February, Papp said there have already been numerous calls about potential events once the stadium is open, but nothing has been scheduled. But if it was up to him, there is one act he would like to see in the new venue sooner than later.

“I think it would be great to have the Zac Brown Band here,” Papp said of the 2010 Grammy winner’s for Best New Artist. “Nothing is in the works yet, but they are local. I think it would be a great fit.”

The stadium, as it is currently being constructed, will have the ability of seating upwards of 16,000 people for concerts and could be expanded in the future for football if necessary. KSU has formed a football exploratory committee to determine if a football program would be wanted and/or supported. If a football team is to become a reality, the stadium could be expanded to as large as 22,000 seats.

“This will be the largest concert venue north of the perimeter and west of Georgia 400,” Wicker said. “We will also try to get some regional high school events like lacrosse or football.”

Beat general manager Shawn McGee added, “Our goal is to make this facility the focus for soccer in the southeast and to take soccer to a new level in this area of the country. We certainly hope to host U.S. National

Kennesaw State is currently the third-largest university in Georgia and the only one of the top five — Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern are the other four — that does not have a football program.

The last of the other four to field a team, Georgia State, will kickoff it’s inaugural season next fall. The Panthers’ program, and how it was built, will be one the committee will look at while going through the evaluation process. Others programs may also provide a blueprint to Kennesaw State. Old Dominion University in Virginia started play this year as a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) program, while the established FCS program Georgia Southern just completed a study to determine whether it should rise to the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A).

East Tennessee State University, which disbanded its FCS-level football program following the 2003 season, launched its own exploratory committee to determine the viability of resuming the sport. In the end, however, the university determined it did not have the support needed to field a team.

Team games, the NCAA College Cup and international friendlies in addition to all of our WPS games.”

Johnson said the stadium will truly be a joint venture between KSU and the Beat.

“We will manage and operate the stadium,” Johnson said. “No one is greedy, and we are going to share everything to make it successful.

crowds year after year.

The Silver Comet half marathon is the longest-distance road race in the county, with its 13.1-mile course covering the south Cobb portion of the popular 57-mile trail that stretches to the Georgia-Alabama border.

The half marathon proved to be more popular than ever in 2009, with 1,603 runners competing — an increase from the 1,478 that participated in ’08.

The Silver Comet Half Marathon will be held again

on Oct. 31.

The Silver Comet 10K also saw its numbers go up last year. A total of 1,027 runners took part in ’09, an improvement from the ’08 race that saw its numbers reduced to 865 due to wintry weather.

The next Silver Comet 10K will take place on March 13.

The ATC Resolution Run gets the annual racing calendar in Cobb County underway with its popular 5K and 10K races taking place in

Kennesaw on New Year’s Day. The event is held by the Atlanta Track Club as part of its Grand Prix series and is the only ATC race currently held in the county.

The Resolution Run saw a big increase in participation this year, with 1,452 runners taking part in the 5K and 10K races — an increase from the 1,077 who showed up in 2009.

The Jonquil Jog 5K race has been a popular race in Smyrna for years. The race

begins at Smyrna City Hall and proceeds down Atlanta Road before finishing back at City Hall.

A total of 628 runners participated in the Jonquil Jog, which will be held this year on April 26.

The Run for Life is the second-oldest race in Cobb County, having made its debut in 1984.

The race enjoyed a long and popular existence at Life University through its first 20 See Races, Page 11HH

Your customers are important to you, RELIABLE, COST-EFFICIENT SERVICE for POWER and WATER are TOO

o eH

me

t ow n Ad v a n t a

ge

Like Takened!

Grant Being

We

for

om

Cobb County has long been one of the primary hotbeds for running in the Atlanta area.

Anyone looking for a race to compete in has no trouble finding one in Cobb, with 28 races to choose from in the entire county in 2010.

The large number of races in Cobb includes several of the most popular running events in the Atlanta area.

The biggest of Cobb’s races remains the U.S. 10K Classic, which held its 16th edition in 2009.

The U.S. 10K Classic was bigger than ever last year, with around 13,000 participants taking part in the event’s signature 10K race as well as the 10K wheelchair race, the 10K incline skate, the 100K men’s professional cycling race and the 10K women’s cycling race.

The 10K (6.2 miles) road race, which has been held since 1994 and is considered to be one of the toughest races in the country with its extremely hilly course,

begins at Cumberland Mall and goes north on U.S. 41 to the finish line at White Water park.

The 2010 edition of the U.S. 10K Classic will be on Sept. 6.

The second biggest road race in Cobb County is the MUST Ministries Gobble Jog, which has been held on Thanksgiving for the last seven years.

The Gobble Jog, which features 5K and 10K races as well as a 1K fun run and a tot trot, continued to grow in 2009 as a record 6,400 participants ran the course at Marietta Square — an increase from the 5,500 that participated in 2008.

Another long-time Cobb County favorite is the Polar Bear Run, which held its 22nd annual event at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church on Jan. 23.

This year’s race proved to be as popular as ever, with around 2,000 runners taking part in the 5K race.

The Silver Comet halfmarathon and 10K races are also Cobb County events that consistently draw large

M

.c

goshust@mdjonline.com

Th

By Greg Oshust

ar

ie t

at taPowerAndW

er

When you run a big business or own a small business, you rely on dependable electric energy and water service.

You also want the most competitive service if there ever is a problem.

Marietta Power and Water has a commercial customer satisfaction rate which is better than 90%. We have been delivering dependability and a forward-thinking approach to commercial and industrial customers for over 100 years.

We think our customers are important too.

The Hometown Advantage Call 770-794-5100 or visit MariettaPowerAndWater.com

Southern Polytechnic State University, Architecture Building

“Service You Can Trust”

770-427-1998

SPORTS & RECREATION

PAGE 8HH

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Kennesaw State’s Matt Nagy earned first alternate qualifier status during the U.S. Open qualifier at Marietta County Club last year, but parlayed that into earning a U.S. Open spot a few weeks later.

Take a walk on a piece of history The Silver Comet Trail allows people to walk, ride or run on a once-famous rail line

By Greg Oshust goshust@mdjonline.com

The Silver Comet Trail began as a rail line for the Silver Comet train, carrying passengers through Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala., and up through northeastern cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Washington.

Today, 60 years after its beginnings as a rail line, the Silver Comet Trail is host to walkers, runners and cyclists instead of trains as it has evolved into one of the premier nature trails in the southeast.

The Silver Comet Trail is a 57-mile trail that stretches from Smyrna to the Georgia-Alabama border, with 12.8 of those miles winding through south Cobb County.

The trail also includes a 2 mile Silver Comet Connection that stretches toward the Cumberland Mall area.

The trail is open to a variety of activities, with walking, hiking, running and inline skating being among the most popular.

“We’re open to anything, any non-motorized activity,” Cobb County Natural Resources Manager Rusty Simpson said.

The trail begins at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and the EastWest Connector in Smyrna and travels through the southwest part of Cobb County to the CobbPaulding county line, where it continues westward to the Georgia-

Alabama line.

The trail served as a rail line for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad’s Silver Comet passenger trail from 1947 to 1989 and the trail remained abandoned for nearly a decade until the PATH foundation, working in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia State Parks and Cobb, Paulding and Polk counties, began work on developing the old rail line as a nature trail, completing construction in 2000.

Today, the Silver Comet Trail is the most popular of Cobb County’s many nature trails, which Simpson attributes in part to its paved trail and accessibility.

“It is the only paved multi-purpose trail in the county,” Simpson said. “It is used very heavily, especially on the weekends.

It’s easy for anybody to get to and it’s a flat and easy trail to walk or run on.”

The trail features four trailheads — at Marvell Road, Fontaine Road, the East-West Connector and Cooper Lake Road — each with paved parking lots, restrooms, water fountains and other amenities.

The Silver Comet Trail is also host to two of the most popular road races in the Atlanta area — the Silver Comet 10K in March and the Silver Comet Half-Marathon in October.

The two races attract a large number of participants every year, with this year’s Silver Comet 10K attracting 1,033 runners.

For Dana Greene, race director of both the Silver Comet 10K and HalfMarathon, the Silver Comet Trail is an ideal location for road races.

“The trail is obviously a great place for a race,” Greene said. “For one thing, it is off limits to traffic, and Atlanta is not a very runner-friendly place, so it’s safe. Also, it’s flat and there are not many flat race courses in the Atlanta area.”

The Silver Comet Trail is also the main site for Greene’s Get Fit Atlanta training group, which puts together marathon and triathlon training programs for ordinary people.

Get Fit Atlanta trains at the Silver Comet Trail three days a week, with running every Saturday and Thursday and cycling every Sunday.

In addition, the Silver Comet Trail also hosts the Silver Comet Ultra Run 50K, a 50K (31 miles) ultramarathon race which is held in February.

For cyclists, the Silver Comet Trail hosts a training ride at 6:15 p.m. every Monday night, starting at the Silver Comet Depot and going west on the trail.

Staff/Thinh D. Nguyen

Cobblestone Golf Course about to get a facelift

By Emily Horos ehoros@mdjonline.com

One of Cobb County’s premier golf courses will be getting even better.

Cobblestone Golf Course in Acworth, which is managed by Affiniti Golf Partners, will be undergoing a renovation this summer. The course originally opened in 1993 and has been giving a Four Star rating by Golf Digest and named a Top 100 Course You Can Play by Golf Magazine.

Now it will be getting a facelift.

Among the changes, the bent grass greens will be replaced with Champion Bermuda, a hybrid grass that has proven to be a good putting surface and is more tolerant of heat and traffic than the bent grass. The greens will also be restored to their original size.

All of the bunkers and traps will be completely renovated with new drainage, liners and sand. A new irrigation system will also be installed, which will not only help the new greens grow,

but will provide year-round general maintenance.

The work, which is slated to begin in early July, will last nine weeks, making the course fully playable by mid-September.

During the renovation the course will remain open and playable using temporary greens during the construction and grow-in periods.

Guests will be able to take advantage of reduced rates not only at Cobblestone, but also at several other Affiniti courses during this time.

In addition to Cobblestone, the county has plenty of other courses to offer golf enthusiasts. Many offer weekday rates, twilight special and online booking for tee times. The public courses in the area offer greens fees during the week that start as low as $27 and extend to a weekend rate of $69. Check with the individual clubs for more information.

Fox Creek Golf Club and Legacy Golf Links, located on Windy Hill Road in Smyrna, are sister course that offer their own unique challenges and a large driving range and practice area.

Located near the square in Marietta, the City Club is a convenient location for a quick round or a group outing. Originally built as a nine-hole course in the early 1900s, an additional nine holes were added to the course in 1960s. The facility was made public in 1991 and has been a popular destination ever since. The course boasts that it will test every club in a player’s bag.

If a private club is what you are looking for, there are plenty of options available.

The Atlanta Country Club, located in Marietta, features a challenging 7,018-yard championship course, which has played host to the inaugural Tournament Players Championship.

The Marietta Country Club located in Kennesaw, which often host Local U.S. Open Qualifying, is another private option. The member-owned full service club offers 27 holes designed by Bob Cupp and features beautiful scenery.

The Brookstone Country Club in Acworth, designed by See Golf, Page 11HH

Presented by the

Marietta Daily Journal

FRIDAY

COBB

FOOTBALL

what is

Your source for complete coverage of Cobb’s 21 High School Football Programs all season long.

Every snap. Every game. Every Week.

CLICK IT! Check it out!

KICKOFF ‘10

COBB FOOTBALL FRIDAY WEBCAST

COBB FOOTBALL FRIDAY WEEKLY PREVIEW

The 2010 Cobb Football Preview Section publishes in the Marietta Daily Journal and previews all 21 High School Teams plus 5 Cherokee County Schools.

A twice weekly webcast every Thursday and Sunday at CobbFootballFriday.com. The webcast features game highlights, scores, stats & more. All season long.

Published every Friday in the Marietta Daily Journal throughout the season with Game Previews, Features, Stats & the Lucky 7, plus much more!!!

FOLLOW COBB FOOTBALL FRIDAY ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK Follow us on Twitter@CobbFballFri for live Friday night scores and on Facebook for all the latest high school news!

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

COBB COUNTY GOLF COURSE INFORMATION Atlanta Country Club Private 500 Atlanta Country Club Dr. Marietta, GA 30067 770-953-1211 Head Pro: Bill Johnstone Green Fees: N/A Bentwater Golf Club Semi-Private 100 Golf Links Dr. Acworth, GA 30101 770-529-9554 Head Pro: Lance Bailey Green Fees: Twilight $45 Mon.- Thurs. $55 Fri. $55 Weekends $70 Brookstone Golf and Country Club Private 5705 Brookstone Dr. Acworth, GA 30101 770-425-8500 Head Pro: Mark Avery Green Fees: N/A City Club of Marietta Public 510 Powder Springs St. Marietta, GA 30064 770-528-4653 Head Pro: Al Morrison Green Fees: Twilight $33.96 Mon.-Thurs. $45.28 Fri. $50 Weekends $54.72 Cobblestone Golf Course Public 4200 Nance Road Acworth, GA 30101 770-917-5152 Director of Golf: Greg Ray Green Fees: Twilight $42

Mon.-Thurs.

Weekends

$60 $69

Twilight Weekdays Weekends

Dogwood Golf and Country Club Semi-Private 4207 Flint Hill Rd. Austell, GA 30106 770-941-2202 Head Pro: Mitch Gibbs Green Fees: Mon.-Thurs. $60 Weekends Private

$21 $29 $36

Marietta Country Club Private 1400 Marietta Country Club Dr. Kennesaw GA 30152 770-426-1808 Head Pro: Stephen Keppler Green Fees: N/A

Fox Creek Golf Club Public 1501 Windy Hill Rd. Smyrna, GA 30080 770-435-1000 General Manager: Jonathan Elmer Green Fees: Twilight $21 Weekdays $29 Weekends $36

Pinetree Country Club Private 3400 McCollum Parkway Kennesaw GA 30144 770-422-5902 Head Pro: Daryll Speegle Green Fees: N/A

Governor’s Towne Club Private 4200 Governor’s Towne Dr. Acworth, GA 30101 770-966-5353 Director of Golf: Will Hutter Green Fees: N/A

Marietta Golf Center 1701 Gresham Rd. NE Marietta, GA 30064 770-977-1997

Driving Ranges

Atlanta Golf Instructional Center 1825 Windy Hill Rd. SE Smyrna, GA 30080 770-434-6331

Indian Hills Country Club Private 4001 Clubland Dr. Marietta, GA 30068 770-971-2605 Director of Golf: Lance Cantrell Green Fees: N/A

Fairway Golf Center 3185 Sandy Plains Rd. Marietta, GA 30066 770-578-1234 Time Swing 135 Old Hamilton Rd. NW Marietta, GA 30064 770-427-7011

Legacy Golf Links Public 1825 Windy Hill Rd. Smyrna, GA 30080 770-434-6331 Head Pro: Jonathan Elmer Green Fees:

Three Kings Golf Center 4190 Jiles Rd. NW Kennesaw GA 30144 770-425-3196

PAGE 9HH

2010 GSGA/USGA TOURNAMENT INFORMATION Event Four-Ball Tournament Super Senior Championship Women’s Match Play Championship Four-Ball Championship Mid-Amateur Championship Mid-Amateur Qualifying Rounds:

GA-SC Junior Challenge Match Junior Sectional Challenge Match GA-SC Girls’ Junior Challenge Match GA-FL Women’s Team Matches Senior Championship Senior Women’s Championship Public Links Championship Women’s Team Championship Atlanta Amateur Match Play Southeastern Challenge Match Team Championship Senior Four-Ball Championship

Date March 26-28 April 14-15 April 14-16 April 23-25 May 21-23 April 5 April 6 April 11 April 12 April 13 April 19 June 8-10 June 21-23 June 21-23 June 29-30 July 8-11 June 1 June 7 June 7 June 8 June 15 June 17 June 17 June 21 June 21 June 21 July 16-17 July 27-28 August 7-8 TBA August 25-27 August 30-31 Sept. 11-12 Sept. 29-30 October 7-10 October 16-17 October 30-31 November 10-12

Site Kinderlou Forest GC, Valdosta Polo G&CC, Cumming Sunset Hills CC, Carrollton Doublegate CC, Albany The Brickyard at Riverside, Macon Alpharetta Athletic Club-East, CC of Columbus The Landings Club, Savannah Canongate at Sun City Peachtree The Brickyard at Riverside, Macon Monroe G&CC Brookstone G&CC, Acworth Capital City Club-Brookhaven, Atlanta Green Island CC, Columbus West Lake CC, Augusta The Landings Club, Savannah Crystal Lake G&CC, Hampton Fields Ferry GC, Calhoun Southern Hills GC, Hawkinsville Green Island CC, Columbus The Club at Savannah Harbor Champions Retreat GC, Evans Glen Arven CC, Thomasville Atlanta National GC, Alpharetta Berkeley Hills CC, Duluth Jennings Mill CC, Bogart Atlanta CC, Marietta Southern Hills GC, Hawkinsville Harbor Club, Greensboro TBA Achasta GC, Dahlonega Houston Lake CC, Perry BridgeMill Athletic Club, Canton The Club at Savannah Harbor Rivermont G&CC, Johns Creek Lost Tree Club, N. Palm Beach, Fla. The Georgia Club, Statham Lakes at Laura S. Walker, Waycross Okefenokee CC, Blackshear

USGA Qualifiers U.S. Open Local #1 U.S. Open Local #2 U.S. Women’s Open Sectional U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links U.S. Open Sectional U.S. Amateur Public Links U.S. Girls’ Junior U.S. Junior Amateur U.S. Senior Open U.S. Women’s Amateur U.S. Amateur #1 U.S. Amateur #2 U.S. Mid-Amateur U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur #1 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur #2 USGA Senior Amateur USGA Senior Women’s Amateur

May 10 May 10 May 26 June 1 June 7 June 15 June 17 June 28 June 28 July 19 July 27-28 August 9-10 August 30 September 5 September 7 September 8 September 13

Marietta CC, Kennesaw Planterra Ridge GC, Peachtree City White Columns CC, Alpharetta The Oaks Course, Covington Ansley GC-Settindown Creek The Frog at the Georgian, Villa Rica The River Club, Suwanee Pinetree CC, Kennesaw The Standard Club, Duluth Brookfield CC, Roswell Piedmont Driving Club, Atlanta Achasta GC, Dahlonega St. Ives CC, Duluth The Landings Club, Savannah Rivermont G&CC, Johns Creek Barnsley Gardens, Adairsville Sea Island GC, St. Simons Island

Greater Atlanta Women’s Amateur Girls’ Championship Junior Championship Top 60 Women’s Classic Amateur Championship Amateur Qualifying Rounds:

Tryouts for the WASHINGTON NATIONALS SCOUT/TRAVEL TEAM March 7

COACHES

Age 15-18: 10am - 1pm Ages 12-14: 3pm - 6pm

Eric Robinson Daryl Boston Tack Wilson Mike Mosley Jared Vailes

March 14 Age 15-18: 10am - 1pm Ages 12-14: 3pm - 6pm

Cost: $50

Southeast Area Supervisor Scout – Washington Nationals Outfield coach – Chicago White Sox Played 15 years professionally – Atlanta Brave Hitting Coach (7000)- Coached – Brewers/Padres/Reds/Dodgers Professional Pitcher – Pitching Coordinator/ Current Pitching Coach

Professional coaches - College/pro showcases / 40-50 games Perfect Game tournament - 14,000 sq.ft. indoor training facility

2060 Lower Roswell Road • Marietta, Georgia 30068 • 770-578-7320 • www.outoftheparkcobb.com Out of the Park is a member-only club with benefits second to none in the baseball industry Access to facility from 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week Unlimited use of automated cages featuring Hack Attack Pro pitching machines Access to our MLB bullpen featuring three real dirt mounds and a catchers area Entry into "Pitchers Club" Entry into "Hitters Club" Daily assistance from current and former professional players/coaches 5%-10% discount on Better Baseball's vast inventory Discount on all Out of the Park camps

For the amount of money you will spend in one day at a typical facility, you get an entire month of full access to Out of the Park.

6 month membership $25 per month (paid in advance), or $30 per month (with recurring debit or credit card charge) Team Rates Teams whose players are members receive cage and bull pen rental for $35 per hour Cage Rental Members reserve your private cage for $15 per half hour and $30 per hour.

Bull Pen Bull Pen access is free for members or you can reserve it privately for $20 per hour or $35 per hour.

"Out of the Park is the real deal. From the bull pen with clay mounds to the Hack Attack machines in each cage, this facility is as close as you are going to get to major league baseball without actually being there." - Fredi Gonzalez, Manager - Florida Marlins

When: April 5th - 9th / 9am - 2pm Where: Sewell Park/Out of the Park Ages: 6 to 18 years of age Cost: 150.00 per player Early drop off at 8 and late pick up at 6 for an additional $25.00

Professional Coaches: Tack Wilson/ Atlanta Braves Mr. 7000/LA Dodgers Jared Vailes/ Professional Pitching Coach Eric Robinson/ Washington Nationals Things we will cover: Throwing mechanics • Hitting, Fielding • Base Running Home Run Derby • Speed/Agility • Games Daily

Register at camps@outoftheparkcobb.com 770-578-7320 2060 Lower Roswell Road • Marietta, GA 30068 “The Coaches at Out of the Park are the best in the industry.”

- Anthony Brown, Cincinnati Reds

PAGE 10HH

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

PAGE 11HH

Cobb youth baseball continues its growth

By Carlton D. White cwhite@mdjonline.com

Staff photo / Laura Moon

Above: Baseball players at Cecil Fielder’s Knock House in Marietta are put through high-impact workouts to not only improve their baseball skills, but to help their overall level of fitness. Below: Fielder, a former Major League All-Star, watches over the players during the workouts.

Knock House has the knack for finding a diamond in the rough

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

MARIETTA — Former major leaguer Cecil Fielder is trying to put a whole new spin on the school of hard knocks.

The three-time All-Star, who played for five teams in a 13-year career, has opened Cecil Fielder’s Knock House, a baseball training facility that is not only specializing in training athletes in preparation of taking the next step in baseball, but is also an organization with an eye for raw talent.

Players who utilize the organization can get private lessons and individual training, or entire teams can come and learn from Fielder and his staff. There will also be travel-ball teams affiliated with the Knock House, including one coached by Fielder himself.

But Fielder, who finished his career with 319 home runs and 1,008 RBIs and won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1996, said the travel-ball aspect should not be confused as trying to compete with East Cobb Baseball.

“We’re not trying to compete with East Cobb,” Fielder said. “What we are trying to do is to teach kids how to play the game the right way. Mostly, that means getting kids ready (to play in) high school.”

But it doesn’t just mean teaching kids baseball.

Fielder has Carl Lane, a former running back for the San Francisco 49ers, who is a Certified Nike SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness) fitness trainer. Lane will focus on the core training of teaching the athletes about proper nutrition and building a workout regimen that will help with their baseball skills. All the

Golf Continued from Page 8HH Larry Nelson, features 18 holes of championship golf that is tough yet forgiving.

The large bent grass greens provide a test for even the most dedicated golfers, but the four sets of tees make it

Races Continued from Page 7HH years, before moving to its current location at Roberts Business Park in Kennesaw in 2004.

Last year’s event was another popular one for the

2010

perfect for all skill levels.

Other private courses include Acworth’s Towne Club, Kennesaw’s Pinetree Country Club and Marietta’s Indian Hills Country Club.

A few course offer the amenities of a private course, without the membership dues.

Bentwater Golf Club in Acworth and Dogwood Golf and Country Club in Austell

are private clubs that offer tee times to the public during select times. Dogwood is only open to the public during the week, but Bentwater allows public play on the weekend with a morning fee of $73.

In addition to the courses, Cobb County offers several driving ranges, many of which offer lessons.

Run for Life, which attracted 522 participants in 2009.

Another race of note in Cobb County is the Walton Raider Chase 5K at Walton High School.

The oldest road race in the county, the Raider Chase recently held its 31st edition, with around 250 runners taking part.

Cobb County runners also participate in a number of the other major races in the Atlanta area, with the Peachtree Road Race, the ING Georgia Marathon and HalfMarathon and the Atlanta Marathon and HalfMarathon being the most popular.

Available all year long online at www.

mdjonline.com

(the program) is. But, I don’t think you could ever be satisfied. We always want to improve the level so the kids can keep getting better.”

Along with the Eastern district are the Central district leagues which include the Mableton Youth Sports Association, Milford Little League, Marietta Baseball Academy and South Cobb Youth Baseball Association.

Central district parks are Lions, Milford, Perry Parham (at Larry Bell) and Wallace.

Included in the Western district are the Oregon Park, Powder Springs, Southwest and West Cobb Baseball associations.

Parks in the Western district include Oregon, Lost Mountain, Powder Springs, Clarkdale, and Big Shanty.

Recently Cecil Fielder, a former major leaguer and three-time All-Star, unveiled plans to open a baseball training facility specializing in training athletes to prepare for the next level and keeping an eye out for talented players. The facility, called the Knock House, will offer private lessons, individual and team training as well as travel-ball teams.

Proper nutrition teachings and workout regimens that specifically target improving baseball skills are also available.

For more information on youth baseball in Cobb County and ways to contact a league in or around your area, please visit the Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department’s Web site at prca.cobbcountyga.gov/index .htm or visit the youth baseball site at prca.cobbcountyga.gov/youth _baseball.htm.

wants to teach these kids,” said Marietta businessman Roger DeBoy, a partner in the organization. “Everything from hitting skills to learning how to be a better person.”

Fielder said that, over the next five-plus years, he hopes to eventually expand Knock House to eight teams — ages 10-17, all working through the same core fitness routines and regimens — and he is currently searching for 15 acres in order to build the organization’s own baseball fields — one each for Little League, middle school and high school, as well as a Miracle League field for disabled players.

“We want to be able to teach kids life lessons,” Fielder said. “‘Cause there’s a lot more to the game than just showing up at the field and playing ball.”

on-field instruction will be done by former and current major-league, minor-league and college players.

Fielder set up the nonprofit organization to aid underprivileged athletes who show a desire to play baseball. It is a way that will help find those diamond-in-the-rough type players from neighborhoods that might not have flourishing youth baseball programs.

Currently, the Knock House has two travel teams made up of 13- and 14-year olds that play games in Powder Springs, and seven of the 30 players who comprise the squads are on what Fielder calls a “scholarship,” where he is taking care of all the costs involved in allowing them to become active team members.

“All the things that Cecil has learned over the years, he

edition

The popularity of youth baseball in Cobb County is on the rise, and there are several opportunities available for potential players if they choose to get involved.

Helping to grow the popularity of baseball in the county is the stellar history of local teams capturing state titles in baseball. Just last season, Pope battled its way to its first state championship in program history after sweeping South Forsyth in two games, 3-0 and 7-3 for the Class AAAAA crown.

Three years ago, the Walton Raiders baseball squad took home the Class AAAAA 2007 title, while Lassiter was crowned champion in 2006. A Cobb County team has played in the final every year since 2005, and in ’06 and ’07, the final was an all-Cobb affair.

Many of the players on those teams and others, got their start playing in youth leagues around the county.

As they get older, they continue to develop their skills in these leagues during the offseason to improve their play, help their teams, or to help get noticed by college coaches.

Under the direction of coordinators and managers of the Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department Athletics Unit, youth baseball thrives during the fall, spring and summer seasons, providing young people with instruction, opportunities and character building.

In all, there are 13 youth baseball associations throughout the county offering varying levels of instruction and tournament play for

little leaguers as young as 6 to 18 years old.

The life lessons youth can learn through the PRCA programs begin by first registering for the appropriate organization. Each baseball association conducts registration at times determined by the association.

The best way to get involved with an association is to contact the organization directly, either by e-mail or phone, and get information about the organization from its Web site.

The Cobb County PRCA split its leagues up into the Eastern, Central and Western districts.

The Eastern district youth baseball leagues include East Cobb Baseball, East Marietta National Little League, Eastside Baseball Association, Sandy Plains Baseball Association and Shaw Park Baseball.

Parks used by teams in the Eastern district include Mt. Bethel, Sewell, Fullers, Harrison, Sweat Mountain and Shaw, Sandy Plains, Bells Ferry and Terrell Mill.

East Cobb Baseball, Inc., also uses a privately funded facility called the East Cobb Baseball Complex.

“We certainly offer something for baseball players and kids to improve themselves as citizens and players,” East Cobb Baseball president Guerry Baldwin said. “Baseball has become very, very important in this area.

“There have always been good athletes (in the area), and they’re becoming better and better baseball players.”

So, as the players improve, Baldwin sees East Cobb Baseball and youth baseball growing as well.

We certainly like where

MARIETTA

DAILY JOURNAL

HARDCORE TENNIS serves the hardcore tennis player with the combination of knowledgeable staff, superior tennis products, superior tennis accessories, and expert service.

• Tennis Products • Strings • Racquets • Apparel • Footwear • Accessories

• In-Store Services • Stringing • Instruction • Equipment Rental CALL TODAY! Eric Burke ~ 770.993.1905

www.hardcoretennis.net 2359 Windy Hill Rd #245 • Marietta, GA 30067 STORE HOURS: Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM • Sunday Closed

PAGE 12HH

SPORTS & RECREATION

MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL/SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010