Cobb Life December 2015 by Otis Brumby III

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Cobb Life December 2015 Volume 11, Issue 9

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Otis Brumby IIl

GENERAL MANAGER Lee B. Garrett

V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens

EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES LaTria Garnigan

CONTRIBUTORS

Tammy DeMel, Therra C. Gwyn, Meredith Pruden, Michael Venezia, Adam Miller, Michael J. Pallerino, Stacey L. Evans

PHOTOGRAPHER Katherine Frye

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sam Bennett, Stacey L. Evans

INDEX OF AD VER TISERS 32 Dental 44 5th 3rd Bank 55 Aqua Guard Basements 95 Aroma Ridge Coffee 49 Atlanta Braves 81 Atlanta Communities 72 Atlanta Dance 49 Atlanta Fine Homes - Jim Glover 24 Bellamy Funeral Home 94 Blackwell’s Jewelers 28 & 49 Brawner Hall 16 Brookwood Christian School 44 Cheatham Hill 35 Cobb EMC 29 Cobb Hardware 96 Copeland’s 75 Cornerstone Prep 84 Cumberland Diamond Exchange 25 & 45 Dance Stop Studios 49 Dermatology Consultants 58 Diamonds R Forever 54 Dogma Day Care 79 Ed Voyles Chrysler - Dodge - Jeep - Ram 31 Edward Johns Jewelers 49 & 62 Elon Salon 15 Fabric & Fringe Warehouse 49 Faith Designs Florist 74 Fleming Carpet 39 Gaines Park Senior Living 86 Geico 95 Giovanni’s 48 Gracepoint 89 Grilled Eats 38 Happy Children’s Dentistry 74 Happy Trails Pet Center 85 Harry Norman - Cobb Marietta 16 Henry’s Louisiana Grill 67 Indy Style Salon 48 Jeweled Destiny 24 Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 63 Julep’s Home Décor 20

Kennesaw State University 3 & 21 College of Continuing and Professional Education Life Grocery 6 Lights of Life University 40 Marietta City Schools 88 Marietta Hearing 4 Marietta Podiatry 66 Marlowe’s Tavern 71 Massage Envy 85 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 97 Miracle Method 30 Mt. Paran Christian School 59 North Cobb Spine & Nerve 41 North Georgia Functional Medicine 17 Northside Hospital 5 Northwest Presbyterian Church 80 Pali Proto 3D Imaging 72 Parc @ Piedmont 70 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 9 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 11 Presbyterian Village 93 ReMax Around Atlanta 87 Roswell Street Baptist Church 78 Salon Spa Venessa 14 Skin Cancer Specialists 15 Spring Place Pottery 30 Sterling Estates Senior Living 73 Superior Plumbing 2 Tennis Dynamics 90 The Bottoms Group 7 The Event Station 38 The Framery 40 The Magnolia Room 92 The Walker School 14 Waldron Dentistry 91 WellStar 100 Wendy Bunch - ReMax Pure 99 West Cobb Funeral Home 34 White Rabbit 10 Winnwood Retirement 12 XX Knives 49

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

LaTria Garnigan, Mark Wallace Maguire

PROOFREADER Tom Spigolon

ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Guest

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Opitz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie deJarnette, Paula Milton, Jill Abbott, Kim Fowler, Katy Ruth Camp, Ginny Hrushka, Charlene Kay, Dawne Edge

GRAPHICS COORDINATOR Beth Poirier

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Hall, Carlos Navarrete

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Dave Gossett

INFORMATION Cobb Life is published 10 times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 30,000 homes and businesses. To subscribe, email circulation@ cobblifemagazine.com or call 770.795.5001 To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com

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WHAT’S INSIDE

features 18 SAYING GOODBYE 26 OF TRAGEDY AND TRUST Ken Johnson’s remarkable journey

departments 32 HOME Faux fur is the rage 42 CARS Inside Volvo’s new wagon 46 TECHNOLOGY Get ready to cut the cord 64 SPICE Too busy to cook? Hire a personal chef 82 WINE Fall friends and wine festivities

32 OLD TRADITIONS, NEW TRADITIONS Adam Miller reflects on his unique Christmas experience 36 BRING IN THE NEW YEAR Great ways to celebrate 2016 close to home 50 DIY CRAFTS Unique gift ideas guaranteed to please anyone 76 CHRISTMAS ABROAD

in every issue FROM THE DIRECTOR

TALK OF THE TOWN

NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

KID-FRIENDLY COBB

HIGHLIGHTS

SCENE

REFLECTIONS

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Happy holidays from all of us It’s here again. The most wonderful time of the year. Whether that oft-repeated refers to Christmas, bowl season, Hanukkah or the simple love of food and festivities in general, folks are running at a frenetic and frantic pace to make December memorable and special. (Of course some of us are just trying to make it through at all, but that is another column for another time.) Here at Cobb Life, we’ve been working to make this issue special. We have an innovative do-it-yourself Christmas gift feature. Meredith Pruden — our resident DIY guru — does it again by showing us how to create gifts that are not only clever and easy to make, but also extremely unique and guaranteed to please anyone on your list. The holidays generally revolve around food as much as friends and family. We found three local chefs to cater your holiday party. And New Year’s Eve? Tired of the same old, same old? Well, assistant director of magazines LaTria Garnigan found five things you can do on New Year’s Eve in Cobb, throughout the metro area and at your

own home. Of course the holidays are about touching the heart as well. Adam Miller has been writing for us since our premier issue in November 2005 when he penned a piece about third days Mac Powell. In this issue, Adam Miller captures the indomitable spirit of Marietta resident Ken Johnson. Ken’s fate is mystifying and inspiring. You can read about him and his story on page 26. Adam also shares some of his fond memories as the child of a preacher during Christmas. His column is remarkable and insightful and is on page 32. Our wine writer Michael Venezia takes a break this year from his cheeky letter to Mrs. Claus which I always enjoy, but presents some great charitable wine-based activities throughout the area including here in Marietta. With all of these features, our photographer Katherine Frye did an outstanding job of vividly capturing the images of Cobb residents at work and play. I am very thankful to be surrounded with such a talented group of people to work with not only this time of year but throughout the year on each issue. As we wrap up another year, we thank you for continuing to read Cobb Life. Your input and ideas throughout the last 11 years continue to keep this magazine connected and engaged to our community. Please stay in touch throughout this season and into next year as we have an exciting 2016 planned. Happy holidays, Mark Wallace Maguire

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TALK OF THE TOWN Congratulations to Babe Atkins-Byrne. The American Cancer Society honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Swordsman’s Soiree on Thursday at the Renaissance Waverly. Atkins-Byrne is a longtime supporter of the ACS. She served on the Leadership Council for 25 years and has served, and continues to serve, as the face of the American Cancer Society in Cobb County. ♦♦♦ On Oct. 25, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church held its fifth annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service. The 10:30 a.m. service featured bagpiper Kyle Peters along with a blessing of the tartans as Kirkwood celebrated its denomination’s Scottish heritage. Worshipers of Scottish heritage were encouraged to wear their family tartan to the service or bring along a swatch of the fabric. Legend has it that the tradition began in the 1700s in Scotland after Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated and

the wearing of the tartan and the Vinnie Politan from 11Alive’s “Atlanta Alive” playing of the bagpipes were forwas once again the host for the evening, and bidden. During worship as always, kept the program movat that time, the tartans ing while entertaining as well. The would be touched as the celebrity panel of judges included minister uttered a secret Valerie Hoff, Chesley McNeil and blessing. Andy Ward, which added levity to After Kirkwood’s serthe evening. vice, a brief bagpipe Dancing stars included; Associate concert was held on the Pastor at Piedmont Church Marlon church lawn. Kirkwood Longacre (People’s Choice WinPresbyterian Church ner); CEO/ Founder of Better Day is at 618 Acworth-Due Givings Stacey Nunez; Owner and West Rd. in West Cobb, Operator Brightstar Healthcare just across from Due David Evans; Chiropractor and By Sally Litchfield City Councilwoman in Kennesaw West Elementary School. Kirkwood’s pastor is Rev. Dr. Cris Eaton Welsh; Local ContracCatherine Renken. tor and Marietta City Councilman Grif Chalfant; Sports Medicine Surgeon with Pinnacle ♦♦♦ Orthopaedics Dr. Nicolas Bonnaig (Judge’s Choice Winner); Oncology Nurse Navigator Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, at Northside Hospital Penny Bauman; Mrs. a Marietta-based nonprofit cancer Classy Georgia 2015-16 for Today’s Amerioutreach, held its second annual, can Woman Triana Arnold James. “Dancing with the Stars of Cobb Dance studios and instructors for the event County” on Sept. 26 at the Hilton included: Kim Linenkohl (The Space), TamMarietta Hotel and Conference my Everhart (Great Gig Dance Co.), Wayne Center. A sold-out audience enjoyed Zwick (Atlanta Dance), Jasmine Spells the performances of eight couples. (Bravo Dance Center), Dwight Carter (Impact Dance), Allison Pohlman (Becky Jones School of Dance) and Jersey Arnold (DIPA Dance). Northside Hospital was the presenting sponsor and other sponsors included Pinnacle Orthopaedics, Jocoba Marketing, LNN, Stone Forest Materials, Amitrace and Wells Fargo North Cobb Market. Loving Arms Cancer Outreach, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose focus is to make the cancer journey a little easier for those affected by the disease. Its mission is to provide hope and joy as well as education and support to empower patients and their families throughout their journeys. Loving Arms provides financial assistance to cancer patients including: grocery cards, gas cards, medication assistance, utility assistance, wigs, hats, scarves and support groups. Its efforts are entirely free to cancer patients and often bridge the family financial gap created by cancer-related costs. Loving Arms is entirely funded by sponsors, donations and fundraisers. ♦♦♦ Good Mews Animal Foundation held its ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month at its new state-of-the-art cat shelter and adoption center at 3805 Robinson Road in East Cobb.

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news & noteworthy

Toys are staging a comeback The U.S. toy industry is expected to have its strongest year in at least a decade after several years of kids choosing video games and mobile apps over Barbie and stuffed bears. Annual toy sales are projected to rise 6.2 percent to $19.9 billion in 2015, according to The NPD Group Inc., a market research firm that tracks about 80 percent of the U.S. toy market. That’s up from a 4 percent increase last year, and the biggest increase in at least 10 years since the group has tracked toys using its current system. The increase factors in brisk sales during the final quarter of this year, when sales are expected to be up 5 percent to $9.6 billion, a stronger pace than last year’s 3.6 percent gain. The growth is being fueled by increasing popularity

of collectibles, toys based on Hollywood blockbuster films and better technology that allows toys to do things like talk back to children. It comes after sales slowed and sometimes declined in the past 10 years as children — much like their parents — became more enthralled with technology. Now, toymakers are using chip technology, which is getting cheaper and more powerful, in toys. They’re also focusing on grabbing the attention of the long-ignored but increasingly influential preteen crowd. “The selection is much greater than in the past,” said Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of TTPM, an online toy review site. “Technology is much better in the toy aisle, and it’s really inspiring young kids to play but also bringing older kids to things like radio control and role play items.”

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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KID-FRIENDLY COBB Events and a c t iv it ies for chi l dren 1 0 and u nder Santa’s Workshop

Marietta Square December 5, 6, 12, 13, and 19 to 24 Take a photo with Santa at his workshop. Check website for hours. www.mariettaga.gov/city/residents/parks/specialevents/santa

Star Wars Party!

Acworth Library 4569 Dallas St., Acworth December 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Ready for Episode 7? Star Wars fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite character and join in the Star Wars-themed games, activities and crafts. Bring the whole family, and may the force be with you! 770.917.5165; www.cobbcat.org

There’s Christmas In The Air - Holiday Concert

Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Cobb County Civic Center Complex 548 S Marietta Park, Marietta 30060 Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Cost: $15 Symphony On The Square will play Christmas favorites like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Let it Snow, Christmas Around the World, and more. 770.874.8525; www.symphonyonthesquare.org

Santa’s Studio

Art Station Big Shanty 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw 30152 Dec. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. Ages: 2 to 13 Cost: $5 Children will create a holiday-themed craft. Must pre-register.

Christmas at Piedmont Church

570 Piedmont Road, Marietta 30066 December 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a children’s play area, free photos with Santa and entertainment provided by local school choruses and dance groups.

Breakfast with Santa

Ben Robertson Community Center 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw 30144 December 12, seatings at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Cost: $6 in advance; $8 at the door (per person); children 2 and under are free Little ones will delight in sharing a breakfast with Santa, The “all-you-careto-eat” breakfast hosted by The Kennesaw-Acworth Optimist Club will have pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. 770-422-9714; www.kennesawparksandrec.com

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta 30339 Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec.13 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cost: $20 to $80 plus applicable fees Disney fans will be filled with wonder as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy bring the timeless fairy tale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life. 800.745.3000; www.cobbenergycentre.com

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Tacky Sweater Party at Six flags

275 Riverside Parkway, SW, Austell 30168 December 12 and 13 from 4 to10 p.m. Cost: See website for details Don your tackiest Christmas sweater and head over to Six Flags for a unique party. All guests who arrive at the park wearing a tacky Christmas sweater will be given a Buy One Get One Free coupon for a General Admission ticket to the theme park’s Holiday in the Park celebration. (Check the website for qualifying sweaters.) Holiday in the Park has more than one million LED lights and holiday decorations throughout the park. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/special-events

Christmas Royal Tea and Grand Yuletide Ball Earl Smith Strand Theatre 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 Dec. 13 to 20 Cost: $15 Dress your children in their finest attire and treat them to a royally good time with High Tea and a dance at the ball. Christmas royals Prince Goodtidings and Princess Joy will host guests at The Strand’s fourth floor banquet chamber for High Tea (juice or tea and a plate of sweets). Afterwards, the Prince and Princess will teach young guests a few royal dances at the Grand Yuletide Ball. Children will receive a gift bag of goodies which includes an autograph book. 770.293.0080; http://earlsmithstrand.org

117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 3006 December 21 at 3, 6 and 9 p.m. Cost: $8 Introduce your little ones to this holiday classic on the big screen. Show up a half hour early for the preshow and sing along on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ.

New Year’s Eve on the Square

No. 4 Depot Street, Marietta 30060 Dec. 31 Ring in the New Year with live music on the bandstand in Glover Park, ice sculpting and family festivities all day. There will be a special ball drop just for the kids at 7 p.m. Those allowed to stay up late can experience the one-of-a-kind Midnight Square Drop in the heart of Square. Nearby restaurants and venues will stay open late and have live entertainment throughout the night.

It’s a Wonderful Life Marathon Earl Smith Strand Theatre

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Holiday Carriage Rides

The Avenue - West Cobb 3625 Dallas Hwy., Marietta Now until December 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy holiday music and take a photo with Santa after the complimentary horse drawn carriage ride.

Nam

place e Addres Date 1 Ages: 7 Cost: F Event d phone

Lights of Life

Life University 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta Now until December 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. Cost: $5 per car Mon-Tues; $10 Friday to Sunday. Check site for days and times. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more dazzling than a landscape of holiday lights? On weekends, the event also has photos with Santa, pony rides, train rides and a petting zoo. 678.331.4334

Atlanta Ballet Nutcracker

Fox Theatre Dec. 11 to 27 This family tradition is a delight for all ages. The Atlanta Ballet puts on a dazzling show, full of wonder that will surely mesmerize the young ones. www.atlantaballet.com

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THYROID

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Above, Martha Lee Brumby, matriarch of the Brumby family, with late husband Otis Brumby Jr. Right, MDJ Editorial Page Editor Joe Kirby.

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Say ing Goodbye...

and thank you

Cobb Life, Marietta Daily Journal and Cobb County lose two key individuals THEY SAY BAD NEWS OFTEN COMES IN THREES. That’s not always the case. The Marietta Daily Journal family and the wider community suffered a pair of heartbreaking losses recently. Two faces of the newspaper passed on. Cobb Life is published by the Marietta Daily Journal. The first was the loss of Martha Lee Brumby, matriarch of the Brumby family. Mrs. Brumby lost a six-year, courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease in late October. On the heels of this sad news came word of the death of MDJ Editorial Page Editor Joe Kirby. Mr. Kirby was hard at work at his desk in the MDJ newsroom four weeks ago. Cancer came quickly and after a short stint in the hospital, he was sent to the comfort of his home and embrace of his family. For company employees, it was a double punch to the gut. A community newspaper is only as good as those who represent it. The departure of these two community leaders leaves holes difficult to fill. Mrs. Brumby is remembered as a kind, generous woman. Born and raised in the Northeast, she quickly adapted to life in the South and became well known for her graciousness and hospitality. She caught the eye of a young newspaperman, Otis Brumby Jr. The two married in 1968 and remained wedded sweethearts for 44 years until his death three years ago. “Martha Lee Brumby was one of the kind and gentle spirits that inhabit this earth. She was always friendly, always upbeat, always kind and sweet. There’s nothing I can say that can express what a fine person she was,” said former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes.

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Say ing Goodbye...

and thank you

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“

He was a gifted writer and really a journalist in the finest definition of the word and the term, kind of a renaissance man if you will, because he wasn’t a reporter, but he was actually a historian in many cases and a raconteur in many cases. He loved people and personalities. - U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson on Joe Kirby

“

”

I remember her hospitality. She was always the first one to offer to have a wedding party or some other special occasion party.

”

- Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin on Martha Lee Brumby

Said Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin, “I remember her hospitality. She was always the first one to offer to have a wedding party or some other special occasion party.” Joe Kirby, too, was a transplant from the Northeast, having been born in Washington, D.C. But with his profound love for this community and its history, most considered him a native of Cobb County. Mr. Kirby began work at the MDJ nearly 30 years ago, working as a general assignment reporter and covering the city of Marietta for five years before graduating to the regarded position of editorial page editor. He quickly earned a reputation as a fair and honest journalist. His editorials celebrated the community’s successes and chided the powers that be whenever they stepped out of line. And much like Mrs. Brumby, he went about his work with a kind heart and jaunty smile. Said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, “He was a gifted writer and really a journalist in the finest definition of the word and the term, kind of a renaissance man if you will, because he wasn’t a reporter, but he was actually a historian in many cases and a raconteur in many cases. He loved people and personalities.” Next year the MDJ celebrates its 150th anniversary, its tenure credited to many who came before and cared deeply about the newspaper and its community. Certainly Mrs. Brumby and Mr. Kirby take their place among those who made the Marietta Daily Journal what it is today. Their departures leave a void, but we rest easy in knowing that their contributions live on in a people and community made better by having known them. For those of us who remain, we strive to uphold their legacies.

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home

faux DECOR By Kim Cook

for fall

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aux fur. For decades, the term conjured up images of obvious artificiality. Its fakeness often became a style feature — “fun fur” had colors and patterns so exaggerated there was never any doubt that the fur came from a factory, not a forest. And while the look may have been sometimes passable as real, the “hand,” or feel, gave the game away. Like early versions of the shag rug, faux fur felt rough and plastic-y. Today’s versions are remarkably realistic. Often, the acrylic pile that makes up much of faux fur is augmented with natural fibers like wool, silk and cotton rayon, with various silicones and resins used to improve the luster. Manufacturers are working with other techniques, like mixing shrinkable and non-shrinkable fibers, as well as fine and coarse fibers, to even more closely resemble complex furs like beaver, mink and river otter. In this season’s home decor offerings, faux furs are common in pillows, throws and stools. They add a touch of drama and cruelty-free coziness. Set decorator Beth Kushnick, whose chic rooms on CBS’ “The Good Wife” garnered such a following that she launched her own line of decorative accessories, called BAK Home and available at Wayfair and AllModern, likes to use faux fur throws and pillows as a textural element. “Keeping them in the same color palette as the sofa or bed works best and creates another layer,” she says. For her taste, a little fur goes

far. “I use it sparingly, but specifically. Picture a crisp bed of white linens with a white faux fur throw, or a black velvet sofa with black faux fur pillows as a backdrop for some other patterned pillows,” she says. Pottery Barn has throws and pillows in a warm, caramel-hued faux fur, as well as imitation chinchilla and brown bear. (www.potterybarn.com) At Wayfair, find faux red fox, cheetah and sable patterned throws, all machine-washable. (www.wayfair.com) A white, shaggy, oversize ottoman at Urban Outfitters would be a fun addition to a family room, or a playful element in an otherwise traditional living space. (www.urbanoutfitters.com) Cute little stools are popping up like furry mushrooms all over the winter décor marketplace. World Market’s got a faux flokati one on distressed wooden legs; Target’s has a tan and black fur seat and brass hairpin legs. (www.worldmarket.com; www.target.com) Unusual faux furs like coyote, lemur and snow leopard are found in accessories at www. fabulousfurs.com. Z Gallerie’s Ludlow slipper chair, all dressed up in ivory plush with Lucite legs, would be a cushy spot to relax in a bedroom. (www.zgallerie.com) And Restoration Hardware’s oversize ultra faux fur throws, in a neutral palette of fog, graphite and cream, are an indulgence best savored on a bed or chaise. An exotic collection mimics Siberian fox and Russian mink. (www.restorationhardware.com)

On page 23, faux fur covered water bottles and throws are available at Restoration Hardware. The Nate Berkus-designed faux covered stool is available at Target.com. Above, the oversized faux fur throws can be found at Restoration Hardware. Photos courtesy of AP.

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By Adam Miller photography by Katherine Frye

Ken Johnson is

learning to ask for help, especially with the light bulbs, which he can no longer change. But surprisingly, especially to

Ken, there aren’t many things he can’t do. Everything just takes longer—sometimes painfully longer. CL_DEC2015 (26) 27

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Cathy and Ken Johnson share a laugh while looking through old photos in their renovated backyard.

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Ken Johnson looks through one of his albums containing his leaf collection with his dog Zoe in the renovated portion of the house that is now the master bedroom. After Ken was paralyzed, modifications were made around the house to accommodate his wheelchair, including the master bedroom which was added on.

Simply leaving the house takes an hour and a half. There are no quick bathroom breaks. No quick showers. Even getting out of and into the car is a process, so a quick trip to the store is out of the question. But there are some things Ken does better than he used to. Out of necessity, he’s better at thinking through the details of his day. He’s better at gratitude. He’s better at appreciating everyday things—like walking. Because he can’t. He’s grateful for his life before paralysis, when his body didn’t ache all the time from having to lift his whole weight throughout the day. He’s grateful for when he could walk across the kitchen at his house, which is what he was doing the day he collapsed and hasn’t felt or moved his legs since. That was two years ago. “It was in September and I was just walking across the kitchen floor of our house and my legs went out from under me,” says Ken. Ken had suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed. As scar tissue from an old heart surgery peeled away from and clogged his aorta, blood stopped flowing to his lower spine. He collapsed. And as he waited precious minutes for an ambulance, his lower spine, deprived of blood, died. His blood pressure soared. The paramedics poked him full of ports so he’d be ready for surgery when he arrived. He’d never experienced that much pain. When he woke, blood had been restored to his legs, but his legs no longer worked.

“More alive than before” Surprisingly he’s grateful for his life now. Maybe even more so. “Well meaning people will say they are praying for healing for me,” says Ken. “Sometimes I respond and say ‘How do you know he hasn’t already healed me?’” “For days and weeks after my stroke I prayed that God would give me my legs back, but that prayer changed to ‘God help me to get through my circumstances so that I have a better understanding of You and of my faith.’” December 2015 Cobb Life

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Ken Johnson opens his Bible to an important verse that got him through the trying times in his life. He often shares the verse with clients during counseling sessions as well. Ken says he’s been healed of his self-reliance and also has grown in what he calls his dependence on God. “Some people will say that if they were in my position they couldn’t go on,” he says. “I believe that I am more alive now that I was before.” And part of that new life is helping people who are dealing with similar tragedy or tragedy at all. Through his practice at East West Psychotherapy Associates in Marietta, Ken, a Licensed Professional Counselor, has helped families work through all sorts of circumstances, and since the accident he’s been able to offer a new perspective on loss. He’s also applied his counseling skills at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta where he’s able to help spinal patients work through the loss they’ve experienced from events like his.

Miracles

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Though Ken might not have gotten his legs back, he’s experienced minor miracles both in his way of thinking of his new life and through the support of others and fortune of circumstances. Never in his life did he think he’d be using the exceptional accessibility of his office. Now the handicap-accessible parking and other features (like being on one level) are not only necessary for his patients. And his wife, Cathy, whose life was also transformed by the events two years ago has been the same constant friend even in the midst of her own grieving. And the Johnsons’ church community at The Sanctuary have stood with the couple. Recently they handed them $4,000 they had collected to purchase a hand bike so Ken can get out on the roads and peddle. Ken still gets teary-eyed when he tells that story. “I couldn’t believe it.”

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Opposite page, Adam Miller with his father Phil on the steps of Smyrna first Baptist Church where his father works as a minister to senior adults. Adam is a longtime resident of Marietta. His mother is Lynda Miller, his brother Jason Miller and his sister is Hannah Miller Rickards.

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by Adam Miller

carr ying on a different type of tradition My dad, Reverend Phil Miller, says his childhood wasn’t all that bad, but I’ve known him for 37 years and know well his chronic holiday angst that he tried very hard to hide. The one memory I remember him sharing was of decorating the tree alone every year. Of course he laughs about it, because he’s a good man

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and he loves his parents — may they rest in peace — but that has to have a dreary effect on your feelings toward Christmas and trees. And I’m sure there’s more than the lone decorating at the root of those feelings. There always is. Somehow though I had a different childhood. A good one. One in which the whole family decorated the Christmas tree. And even if we fought ferociously at times, and even though I sometimes wondered if the tensions might cause the room or the house to explode, I always knew that a greater force was at play bringing a relative peace and good will toward us. We lived in Texas during my dad’s seminary years and never failed to

At West Cobb Funeral Home, we have been committed to serving the families of our community for the past 18 years. Recently, we have renovated and added a tranquil pavilion which adjoins our spacious family reception room. See why more families are choosing our home, our services and our facilities.

wake at 4 a.m. a few days before Christmas to fly home to Georgia. I’d wake on my grandparents’ couch to the lingering smell of last night’s fire and the tick of the clock over the mantle. To the smell of bacon. To my grandfather, Papa Ray, sipping cheap coffee and my grandmom filling the rooms with her voice. And later in the week to Santa’s unwrapped gifts stacked neatly everywhere. We wondered what magic allowed even him to make it through the cast iron of the wood-burning stove. When my dad got his first ministry job we moved back to Georgia where we experienced a little bit different tempo. Dad had taken a job at Smyrna First Baptist Church to minister to single adults. Christmas doesn’t slow the world down for anyone in America, but for retail workers and pastors the world spins double time. Sunday School parties and church productions seemed to take up the space between Thanksgiving and Christmas so that when Christmas finally arrived a relieved sigh spread across the land of our family. My mom, Linda Miller, would start baking and cooking a few days before, and my dad would take us on hikes. That week we’d get together with family, and on Christmas Day we’d eat Chinese food and go to the movies. Yes. Like in that movie “A Christmas Story.” There are moments I still believe in Santa because it reminds me of the magic my parents helped to invent even when they were probably wondering if the checks would bounce. You want to give your kids magic even when magic isn’t possible. You want to be the magic for them that you maybe couldn’t have as a child. And they were, because they fought for it. At times they fought because of it. I can think of worse things to fight about. But there was something more than these traditions that floods the memories with warmth. And I think it might be that my mom and dad believed we were celebrating something significant, and it wasn’t Santa Claus. They believed the nativity story dad read every Christmas was something that actually happened in his own heart. He’d had his own “personal Advent” years before in, of all places, a Navy chow hall in San Diego. I think he was determined that no amount of angst or activity or American materialism would stop Christmas from coming. I think I’m determined to do the same.

Cobb Life December 2015

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11/16/2015 2:29:59 PM

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October 2015 Cobb Life

11/16/2015 4:26:31 PM

ing

By LaTria Garnigan

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NEW YEAR’S EVE ALTERNATIVES:

Don’t want to go to downtown Atlanta? Neither do we. Here are a couple of cool, unique and local activities/events you can do instead. And don’t worry, the kids won’t be left out.

Marietta Ball Drop

Dec. 31, midnight For the first time ever, the city of Marietta will host its own ball drop in the Square. Along with the ball drop, there will be a Winter Wonderland as well with tons of family-friendly activities and an earlier ball drop especially for children. • 2-7 p.m.: family activities • 7 p.m.: Children’s Ball Drop • 8:30-11:30 p.m.: Whiskey Gentry performs on the Bandstand in Glover Park • 11:30-1 a.m.: Late Night Party (with a midnight ball drop) The ball drop is going to be the “start of an amazing tradition for our community,” said Holly Quinlan, CEO of Cobb Travel & Tourism. “Celebrating the beginning of a New Year with friends and family while enjoying the Square’s festive atmosphere will bring residents and visitors alike back year after year.” Also, check out your favorite local restaurant, like Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth, for a lively and exciting New Year’s Eve Party!

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The Earl Smith Strand Theatre

Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. A Stone’s New Year’s Eve Tickets: $35-$60 117 N. Park Square, Marietta 770.293.0080 http://earlsmithstrand.org/ At the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, a Rolling Stones tribute band will host A. Stone’s New Year’s Eve to ring in the New Year. Stephen Skipper and his tribute band are back! Ring in 2016 with one of the best rock shows in Atlanta and all of your Stones favorites. Fans will be satisfied with the pout, preen and raunchy riff they would expect, bringing the entertainment level of an over-thetop arena show up close and personal in The Strand’s 500-seat theatre. Get a VIP ticket for a rooftop view of the New Year’s Eve ball drop after the concert.

Cobb Life December 2015

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11/17/2015 3:17:32 PM

Six Flags

Through Jan. 3 Holiday in the Park Tickets: start at $43.99 per individual 275 Riverside Pkwy., SW, Austell 770.739.3400 https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia Not to be outdone, Six Flags Over Georgia also gets in the holiday spirit with its Holiday In the Park celebration, which goes through Jan. 3. Four new holiday traditions and five thrilling rides will debut this year including: Holiday City — a new themed-section of the park in GOTHAM City featuring spectacular green and purple lights, a 25-foot Christmas tree with 200 brightly lit Batman candles, a light string Christmas tree standing 40 feet tall, and five of the park’s most popular rides including BATMAN: The Ride. Magic of the Season — a stateof-the-art light show through a tunnel of holiday wonder, featuring 7,500 glowing LED lights and the story of holiday magic at the amusement park. Mistletoe Mansion — featuring dozens of mistletoes strung across the midway, more than 100,000 lights and chandeliers outside the famous Monster Mansion attraction for the most beautiful outdoor holiday ball in all of Georgia. GloHill — a new themed section of the park featuring a walk-through immersive experience through hundreds of glowing light sticks into Holiday City, where guest-favorite holiday rides await.

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Photos courtesy of Six Flags Over Georgia.

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Celebration with friends

If you’re looking to relax at home with a few of your closest friends and avoid the crowds, a small get together will always do. Cook up your favorite festive appetizers and for a little kick, make a sweet and tangy seasonal drink to toast with at midnight. VOGA Italia Wine has a Seasonal Spiced Sangria featuring its Italia Red Fusion wine that will be a perfect addition to any party. (Drink responsibly.) And just for you, here’s the recipe:

Seasonal Spiced Sangria

Ingredients: 2 bottles VOGA Red Fusion 3 cups sparkling apple cider 1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup brandy 1/2 cup dark spiced rum 4 cinnamon sticks 5 whole cloves 3-4 fresh figs, sliced (or 1 cup dried figs) 1-2 fresh gala apples, sliced 2-3 clementines, sliced (not peeled) 1 lemon, sliced

Directions: 1. Slice apples and insert whole cloves directly into the fruit. 2. Combine all fruit slices in a glass pitcher and slowly pour in brandy, rum and VOGA Red Fusion. 3. Cover and chill for 2-24 hours (the longer, the better!). 4. Before serving, add sparkling cider and orange juice. 5. Stir gently and serve over ice.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Dancing with the Stars Live! Tickets: $37-$122, plus applicable fees 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta 800.745.3000 www.cobbenergycentre.com If you love the ABC hit competition show, “Dancing with the Stars,” then prepare to see them live for the first time! The ‘Dance All Night Tour’ — a new production, touring 43 cities across the U.S. — will be at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on New Year’s Eve and will bring a bigger cast than ever before including special guests. In this production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring a 90-minute action-packed live show. Audiences will watch exciting and romantic performances, from choreography never before seen on the show, to some of the most memorable numbers from Dancing with the Stars.

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11/17/2015 3:17:58 PM

IF YOU’RE OVER THIRTY THIS IS THE BEST TREATMENT YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR SCIATICA, BACK PAIN, AND HERNIATED DISCS! The Condition this amazing treatment has proven successful are: • Sciatica • Disc Herniations • Lower Back Pain • Numbness in the Legs and Feet • Radiating Hip Pain • Neck Pain

Call TODAY for This Special Offer, Until December 31st! 678-574-5678

...there may be hope. Now, a local doctor has what may be the most important treatment in helping these conditions.

Finally, there’s a treatment to conquer back and leg pain without dangerous medications or painful surgery. My name is Dr. Erin Arnold, owner of North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute in Acworth, GA. I understand what if feels like to live in pain, because I see it every day. I’ve seen hundreds of people with disc herniations and sciatica leave the office pain free. When cushions in your back joints, called discs, get injured or wear out, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. In addition, the recovery time and missed work can be any where from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgeries.

Before You Go Under The Knife And Opt For Spinal Surgery... You should seriously consider a less invasive approach called spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new technology that has been proven to help disc herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, which pulls the disc back into its normal position and brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing.

Proof This Treatment Works While non-surgical spinal decompression is a rather new treatment, there’s plenty of research to back up its claims. Here’s just a handful of scientific studies... “We thus submint that decompression therapy should be considered first, before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure which permanently alters the anatomy and funcation of the affected lumbar spine segment.” -Journal of Neuroscience Research. “86% of the 219 patients who completed the therapy reported immediate resolution of symptoms” - Orthopedic Technology Review “Vertebral axial [spinal] decompression was successful in 71% of the 778 cases” - Journal of Neurological Research “Good to excellent” relief in 85% of patients with Herniated discs” - The American Journal of Pain Management

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Now Available: A Non-Surgical Method Of Relieving Pain...

“Decompression therapy reported a 76.5% with complete remission and 19.6% with partial remission of pain and disability” - Rio Grande Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery Another study presented at the American Academy of Pain Management in 2007 showed... “Patients reported a mean 88.9% improvement in back pain and better function...No patient required any invasive therapies (e.g. epidural injections, surgery).” As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate. What this means for you is that in just a matter of weeks, you could be back on the golf course, enjoying your love life, or traveling again.

Could This Be Your Sciatica And Back Pain Solution? It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic pain solution. For 7 days only, until November 30, 2015, I am running a special offer where you will find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression. This offer is normally priced at $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. What does this offer include? Everything. Here’s what you’ll get... • An in-depth consultation about your health and wellbeing where I will listen...really listen...to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized x-rays (if clinically necessary) to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms...(NOTE: These would normally cost you at least $100). • A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll get to see verything first hand. I’ll answer all your questionsa bout spinal decompression. I’ll let you know if this amazing treatment will be your back pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients.

Call today...phone 678-574-5678 This normal price for this type of evaluation, including x-rays, is $250 so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Call today and we can get you scheduled for your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening.

When you call, tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Spinal Decompression Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive proper credit for this special offer.

Here’s what our patients have to say: For many years I have suffered from pain in my lower back, hip, and knees. Also, I have problems with stiffness and a limp on my right leg. Before coming to North Cobb Spine and Nerve I didn’t know what to do for the pain. I took pain medications and over the counter aids to help. The decompression therapy has me feeling 80% better. I can accomplish so much more around the house. Iv’e seen improvements in my sleep, walking, and I have little to no pain anywhere. I feel happier and younger! Life is fun again! The staff here is wonderful, they are caring and concerned. I look forward to every visit, but the time flies and it’s time to leave. Miracles happen here! It is the most attention you can imagine and you feel results right away. Those results continue to get better as well. Thank you, Dianne Anderson Low back pain with Sciatica I have suffered with low back pain for over 2 years. Prior to coming to NCS&N I tried physical therapy, another chiropractor & pain medication but nothing worked. The doctors here listen to me & they are very thorough. I already feel 80% better and I’m only half way through my care. The decompression therapy is really working. Unexpected improvements have helped me to be a lot more mobile and I sleep better at night. It really works and the staff here is great! Thank you, Ellen Castellana

Call Today! 678-574-5678 ($250 VALUE)

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101 FEDERAL AND MEDICARE RESTRICTIONS APPLY

11/16/2015 2:44:33 PM

WONDER

WAGON Meet Volvoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 V60 Cross Country, a sleekly styled, compact wagon By Ann M. Job

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Volvo's 2016 V60

Merry Christmas!

Brookwood Christian School The Dyslexia School 4728 Wood St. | Acworth, GA 30101 At the corner or North Main St and Wood St, north of the Hwy 92 overpass

BrookwoodChristian.com Kim.Wigington@BrookwoodChristian.com 44

Cross Country is a sleekly styled, compact wagon with strong turbocharged power and an interior that embodies the understated modernism of Scandinavian design.

There are a generous amount of standard features, including leather-covered seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, a navigation system, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control and a moonroof. It has one engine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a 250-horsepower, turbocharged five cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that does a good job with the stout wagon's hefty 3,925 pounds. Torque peaks at 266 foot-pounds starting at a low 1,800 rpm for quick acceleration and continues to 2,400 rpm. With a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $41,940, it's the most expensive non-hybrid wagon from Volvo of Sweden. Fuel economy isn't the best: The 15.5-foot-long wagon is rated at only 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. The test vehicle with all-wheel drive averaged only 21 mpg in combined city/highway travel, allowing for a 373-mile range on a single 17.8-gallon tank. However, the turbo engine can run on regular gasoline. The five-door, five-passenger V60 Cross Country attempts to straddle the line between a wagon and sport utility vehicle, with its body raised some 2.5 inches higher from the pavement than Volvo's plain V60 wagon.

Cobb Life December 2015

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Volvo is well known for its dedication to safety, yet the V60 Cross Country does not have a standard rearview camera. Rear park assist comes standard on the base V60 Cross Country, but it alerts a driver to the proximity of an obstacle primarily by audible sounds; there is no camera view. To add a rearview camera, one must purchase the $3,650 Platinum package, which also has lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic brake and pedestrian and bicyclist detection. Another worthwhile item for buyers who transport children is the optional built-in child booster seats in the rear seat, which help properly position youngsters for the seat belts. Buyers who shell out for any of the V60 Cross Country vehicles wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the kind of interior and cargo room found in SUVs or even some other wagons. The federal government classifies the V60 Cross Country as a small station wagon, and its rear-seat legroom of 33.5 inches is surprisingly small â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even the shorter-length Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen has more. That said, cargo capacity of the V60 Cross Country is 43.8 cubic feet, and towing capacity is a noteworthy 3,500 pounds. Also, the seats are supportive for long trips and the leather is supple.

FACT SHEET BASE PRICE: $41,000. PRICE AS TESTED: $49,775. TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger station wagon. ENGINE: 2.5-liter, double-overhead cam, turbocharged and intercooled, inline five cylinder with CVVT. MILEAGE: 20 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway). TOP SPEED: 130 mph. LENGTH: 182.6 inches. WHEELBASE: 109.2 inches. CURB WEIGHT: 3,925 pounds. BUILT AT: Sweden. December 2015 Cobb Life

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11/17/2015 12:08:38 PM

tech

Cutting the By Anick Jesdanun

CORD A

pple’s streaming-TV box — aptly named Apple TV — isn’t just for streaming anymore. Its latest incarnation offers on the big screen just about anything you could previously only do on an iPhone or iPad. Whether that’s good may depend on whether you really want to buy shoes, browse home listings or read comic books on your TV. The new Apple TV looks to be a capable device for those purposes, although it’s not flawless. Its streaming-TV features also trump those of its predecessor. The new Apple TV will set you back $149, or $199 for a version with extra storage. Apple will still sell the old version for $69. Neither requires an iPhone or iPad, although either iDevice can simplify the Apple TV setup process.

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THE BASICS

Apple TV has been a dependable streamer, but until now its repertoire was limited to a few dozen services. Sure, these included Netflix, Hulu and HBO. But Apple didn’t let you add other channels — say, competitive videogame play from Twitch.tv — on your own. That’s all changed. The new Apple TV features an iPhone-like app store that lets you choose your own streaming services. And it’s no longer pushy about steering you to iTunes and other Apple services. You can easily customize the home screen with your favorites. Video quality on the new Apple TV maxes out at full high definition — 1080p. That should be plenty for most people. The remote doesn’t have a headphone jack, which other streaming devices like the Roku 3 and 4 and the Nvidia Shield offer to spare your family and roommates late at night. It can be tricky doing chores with a remote dangling from your headphone cords. What Apple TV offers instead is support for Bluetooth wireless headphones — sold separately, of course, by Apple and others.

INNOVATIONS

The new Apple TV enables voice searches using the Siri virtual assistant. Request “Seinfeld” or Jennifer Lawrence, and Apple TV will look through catalogs for iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, HBO and Showtime, with

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more to come. You can even ask for “good documentaries to watch.” Although similar capabilities are available on other devices, Apple TV goes further in a few ways:

v The remote replaces traditional rewind and forward buttons with a laptop-style trackpad. By sliding left and right, you control playback and navigate the on-screen keyboard more quickly. Sliding down gets you settings and show details, when available. The remote also lets you control the TV’s power and volume directly, something I’ve seen only with TiVo video players. v You can control playback by asking Siri to rewind 45 seconds or jump ahead five minutes, though some services won’t let you forward past commercials. Saying “What did she say?” will rewind video 15 seconds and briefly turn on closed captioning, when available. It works fully with iTunes for now, but the closed-captioning part doesn’t work with all third-party services yet. v You can ask Siri for a specific episode, such as the “How I Met Your Mother” episode with Katie Holmes. BEYOND STREAMING

Siri offers weather, stocks and sports information. This feature isn’t unique to Apple TV, but unlike the competition, Apple TV feeds you

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info without interrupting your video by sliding up results from the bottom of the screen. Apple TV catches up with rivals in enabling games. The remote has sensors that let you navigate spaceships and swing baseball bats by moving it around. But a bigger potential lies in bringing other apps to the big screen. You can browse home to buy through Zillow and places to stay on vacation through Airbnb. Images on the big TV gave me a better sense of these properties than phone browsing would. You can also shop through Gilt and QVC.

ROOM TO GROW

Apple still needs to persuade developers to make more apps that really exploit the larger, and often shared, TV screen. Many of the apps now available are limited to one user profile or account, making them difficult for others to use. It would also be nice for Apple TV to work better with payment services. You can easily buy videos and games with your iTunes account, but non-digital products are another story. Generally speaking, though, the new Apple TV has taken an important first step into a broader world. Plenty of devices do video and games well. With a new range of non-streaming apps, Apple has an opportunity to do much more than that.

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UNlimited

Our menu offers enticing and scrumptious appetizers, salads, a variety of seafood, meat and chicken entrees, vegetarian dishes, a wide selection of pasta dishes and specialty desserts from family recipes. We are open for Lunch and Dinner.

Consider us when catering your next event!

678.384.1169

2495 East West Connector • Suite 80 Austell, GA 30106 www.GiovannisGenuineItalian.com www.facebook.com/Giovannis-Restaurant

hree years after Comcast began offering unlimited home-Internet usage, the cable giant is moving in the opposite direction. In more parts of the U.S., it’s starting to charge heavy data users extra. The reason? Too many of its customers are dropping cable and doing their TV-watching over the Internet instead, a trend that threatens to cost Comcast money. To recoup some of those dollars, Comcast is experimenting with caps on how much data you can use. Go over the limit and you’ll see a bigger bill. Comcast used to cap monthly data use at 250 gigabytes, but ended it in May 2012 in order to experiment with alternatives to a simple cap. That August, it capped monthly data use for Nashville, Tenn., customers at 300 GB; going over the limit costs $10 for every 50 GB. The company launched a similar plan in Tucson, Ariz., that October — 300 GB for a base plan, 600 GB if you signed up for a faster and more expensive connection. By December 2013, Comcast had rolled out the Nashville system to Atlanta and a handful of smaller markets, many in the South. It also offered a slow Internet plan of 3 megabits per second that gave you a $5 credit if you used 5GB or less each month, and charged you $1 for each gigabyte of data over 5 GB. Comcast’s Internet business is going gangbusters, although it continues to shed cable customers. In the third quarter, Comcast said recently, it lost 48,000 TV customers while adding 320,000 Internet customers. Revenue rose 8.3 percent to $18.7 billion in the July-September period, while net income dropped 23 percent to $2 billion because of a tax gain from last year. The average household watches 240 hours of TV a month; using current streaming technology, it would likely exceed the Comcast cap by watching the same amount of online video. (Comcast says the 300 GB cap would let you stream 230 to 575 hours of video a month, depending on if you watch it in standard definition or HD, or on your phone, computer or tablet versus a TV.) — By Tali Arbel

Cobb Life December 2015

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Great gift for the men on your holiday list:

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Promocode: mdj2015 Expires 12-31-15. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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DIY By Meredith Pruden >> Photography by Katherine Frye

holiday crafts

Jingle bell time, it’s a swell time — especially when you’re making DIY presents!

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If jockeying for a parking space, fighting mall crowds and spending a small fortune on holiday gifts is enough to give you heart palpitations, why not take the road less traveled this Christmas and Chanukah season and give a bit of handcrafted love instead? With a little time, patience and ingenuity, friends and family will be singing your gift-giving praises as they unwrap unique, homemade gifts crafted especially with them in mind. Grab your glue gun and some egg nog, and get jolly with these festive do-it-yourself gifts that also can double as fun family projects that create meaningful time together this season.

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Vintage Jewelry Magnets Total cost: $21 for set of 4 Difficulty level: Beginner Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no easier way to customize a thoughtful holiday gift than through vintage jewelry magnets. Mix and match interesting pieces to create one-of-a-kind sets that let the recipient know you were thinking especially of them. Whether its cats, butterflies or beautiful enamel flowers, there are plenty of options to choose from at all price levels. Hunting down unique pieces at the thrift store is part of the fun, but you also can score jewelry online via eBay and other online retailers.

MATERIALS Vintage brooches (4) Strong magnet (1 pack) Gorilla Glue Pliers or metal cutters Clamps 52

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Remove findings from back of brooches (findings are the closures that hold the pin part of the brooch). 2. Use Gorilla Glue to attach magnets to brooches, following usage instructions on the Gorilla Glue packaging (this is where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need the clamps). 3. Let sit 24 hours, and enjoy.

Cobb Life December 2015

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DIY TIP: Be very careful removing the findings, as they can fly. Also, Gorilla Glue is serious about those clamps â&#x20AC;&#x201D; use them for best results (even if you DIY that with paperclips like I did).

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A spare game of Scrabble can be used to create DIY Scrabble tile ornaments as a unique holiday gift.

Cobb Life December 2015

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Scrabble Ornaments Total cost: $3.50 per ornament Difficulty level: Intermediate Homemade Scrabble ornaments can spell out family or pet names or festive phrases, but they’re sure to wind up a treasured heirloom that’s handed down through generations. Mix and match ribbon colors and styles to match the recipient’s decor and really let them know you were thinking of them this holiday season. These adorable decorations are just as cute on the mantle or used as table placeholders as on the tree. MATERIALS Scrabble tiles and boards Ribbon (in a style of your choosing) Wood glue

Drill with 3/32 bit (or other small bit) Mitre saw Scissors Ruler Pencil

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Decide which word or name you want to create with tiles, and put them on a board. Mark the length of the board for the word with a pencil. 2. Using the mitre saw, cut the board to the correct length for your word. 3. Measure a hole in the middle of the sized board, and drill a small hole. 4. Cut a length of ribbon, 6-7 inches long. 5. Put a dab of glue over the hole, and using a toothpick insert the ribbon into the hole (I prefer epoxy for this part). Wipe any excess glue away. 6. Line up your tiles, and one at a time put a small dab of wood glue on the back of each one. Place one at a time onto the board. 7. Let set up for several hours, according to wood glue package directions, before hanging.

Cobb Life December 2015

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DIY TIP: You may want an extra pair of hands using the mitre saw; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not particularly difficult but is much easier with a little help.

December 2015 Cobb Life

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Family Sign Total cost: $20 Difficulty level: Intermediate Personalized family signs are a great way to get crafty and are limited only by your imagination. Pick a style and color of backsplash that fits the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decor, and let your creativity run wild as you

DIY TIP: Use the year your recipient got married or bought their house. I used burlap, but you also could use some small item that symbolizes the recipient if you have it.

MATERIALS Wooden frame Wooden letters/numbers Piece of tile backsplash

build the rest of the color palette around it. I found an old frame at the thrift store, and picked up plain wooden letters at the craft store. I already had a roll of burlap in my craft stash, and it softened the piece (and hid some empty tile spaces from trimming the backsplash sheet).

White card stock Burlap (optional) Spray paint (in color of your choosing) Strong bonding INSTRUCTIONS 1. Spray frame and wooden letters/ numbers and let dry (may require second coat). 2. Trim tile backsplash to desired size, if necessary (it would be easier to find a frame that fits it). 3. Hot glue tile backsplash to white card stock, and let dry. 4. When everything is dry, assemble the frame with tile backsplash, leaving the glass out for space. 5. Hot glue the wooden letters/numbers and burlap into place.

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Lawn Yahtzee MATERIALS 4x4 wooden post cut into 5 blocks Drill Sanding block Stain

Polyurethane Paint brushes and paint thinner Bucket Ruler Pencil

Total cost: $24 Difficulty level: Expert What do you get the person who has everything and loves classic games? Why not handcraft an old favorite into something they can take into the great outdoors. I chose to stain my dice dark, but you can stain or paint them in any color that suits you. This project isn’t particularly difficult, but it does take numerous steps, patience and precision to make a quality set of dice. Give yourself plenty of time to work on a step at a time and allow for somewhat long dry times on untreated lumber.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Have the home improvement store cut your blocks 3.5” (4x4 posts are actually 3.5) 2. Sand the rough edges of your blocks. 3. Stain blocks according to package directions, and let dry. 4. Measure and mark holes for die, using a dice for reference, pencil and ruler. 5. Drill all holes for die, and sand any rough edges. 6. Seal with polyurethane, according to package directions, and let dry (may need multiple coats). 7. Print Yahtzee instructions at http://www.hasbro.com/ common/instruct/Yahtzee.pdf and score sheet at https://www. eecis.udel.edu/~davis/yahtzee.pdf. 8. Store and gift with instructions and score sheets in bucket.

DIY TIP: If you don’t have the correct drill bit, you also can use a round sponge brush to paint the “holes” on your die.

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Mason Jar Candle Total cost: $20 per candle Difficulty level: Beginner Mason jars are great for crafts and come in packs of 12, so I had some left over from another project. I used red liquid dye and peppermint essential oil — you can also buy candle fragrance — to create a jolly aesthetic that will also enliven the senses this holiday season. For an even more Christmassy vibe, add a swatch of your favorite fabric to the lid — mine was plaid, but burlap or sequin would look great too — and hot glue some ribbon to the outside. I used the same ribbon I had for the Scrabble ornaments to keep costs down.

MATERIALS Mason jar Soy wax flakes Candle wick (prewaxed wicks and clips are easiest) Candle dye (optional and of your choosing) Candle fragrance

(optional and of your choosing) Wick holder (can use plastic knives or chopsticks) Thermometer Metal pot Metal or glass pourer Wooden spoon Hot glue Straw Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Measure soy wax flakes by filling mason jar twice (soy wax melts in half ), and melt flakes over double boiler on medium heat in a metal pot with thermometer. 2. While wax is melting, add a dab of hot glue to the wick clip, insert wick into straw and use straw to push wick onto the

bottom of mason jar, being careful to center it. Pull straw off wick. 3. When wax is melted, remove from heat and allow to cool to 185F degrees, before transferring to pourer. 4. Add liquid dye and fragrance if desired, and stir well. 5. Pour melted wax into mason jar, holding the wick straight. 6. Insert wick holder, or use chopsticks or plastic knives to hold wick straight. 7. Allow candle to set overnight, and trim wick to 1/4” before using. 8. Adhere to standard candle usage instructions.

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DIY TIP: The upfront costs of candle making can be lowered by shopping for pots, pourers and wooden spoons at the thrift store. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve purchased supplies, the cost per candle begins to go down significantly.

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Melt soy wax flakes and mix with oil and liquid dye to create a DIY candle in a jar as a unique holiday gift.

1205 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ste 124 Marietta, GA 30068 Woodlawn Square (Behind Chick-fil-A)

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TOO BUSY TO COOK? We got options BY MEREDITH PRUDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE FRYE

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Mike Hickman of The Bountiful Basket Catering prepares a spread of various holiday desserts including creamy strawberry short cake, moist cream cheese croissants, peppermint chocolate cake, Snickers cake and cupcakes.

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Bread Pudding Bars with Vanilla Crème made by Dinner A’Fare.

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merican life is getting more and more hectic with as many as 85% of U.S. employees working more than a 40-hour work week and 42% not taking a single vacation day last year. Even with the work-life balance off kilter, the five-week span between Thanksgiving and New Year are traditionally considered to be a period to enjoy quiet time with loved ones and appreciate the things money can’t buy. Whether that means gathering around the fireplace to sip cocoa, around the tree to sing carols or around the table for a hearty meal, the holidays are the best time of year to reconnect with friends and family. But, with work hours ever-encroaching on our personal lives, what are some ways to save time to re-invest where it really matters during the upcoming holiday season? If you’ve got a big holiday party or family dinner coming up and are too busy to cook, here are our favorite ways to have a delicious meal without stressing out at the stove all day.

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Chef Allison Hayes-Beadle makes an appetizer of juicy, hot pepper shrimp for her Italian themed holiday dinner.

Dinner from Dinner Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fare includes shrimp cocktail vincente, savory herb prime rib, a roast with horse radish cream, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflĂŠ and a broccoli and cheddar bake.

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Shrimp Cocktail Vincente from Dinner A’Fare.

f you have a small crowd or want to keep the budget to a minimum, a popular standard is your local HoneyBaked Ham, where it’s possible to keep dinner costs for a small group to under $100 and still get a beef pot roast, several heat and serve sides, rolls and even a sweet treat like a southern pecan pie. Visit www.honeybaked.com to find your nearest location and place your order to pick up in-store. For groups of six to 18, the fine folks at The Dinner A’Fare are serving up December Holiday Packages for $149 (for 6), $219 (for 12) and $279 (for 18) and delivering them straight to your door so you don’t even have to leave the house. Made fresh, but designed to be frozen if necessary (just be sure to let thaw two days before you plan to cook it), the pre-fixe package includes Shrimp Cocktail Vincente, Savory Herb Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Cream, Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Broccoli & Cheddar Bake and Bread Pudding Bars with Vanilla Crème for dessert. The December holiday packages are almost identical to the normal meals The Dinner A’Fare prepares for its clients throughout the year, but everything is packaged to be transferred to your own casserole dishes instead of disposable cookware, so it doesn’t look store-bought. Just heat and serve on your most festive holiday dishes. Visit www.dinnerafare.com to review the full menu, then call (770) 662-3001 to place your order before Dec. 16. Be sure to mention you heard about them in Cobb Life, and the $25 delivery fee will be waived.

Bread Pudding Bars with Vanilla Crème made by Dinner A’Fare.

Don’t wait too late to make your holiday meal plans. Drop off days need to be scheduled in advance for The Dinner A’Fare. Caterers and personal chef schedules fill up quickly.

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Above and left, dinner from Dinner Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fare includes shrimp cocktail vincente, savory herb prime rib, a roast with horse radish cream, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflĂŠ and a broccoli and cheddar bake.

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Mike Hickman of The Bountiful Basket Catering prepares a spread of various holiday desserts, including lush and flavorful red velvet cake, crisp pecan bourbon pie, moist cream cheese croissants, Snickers cake and cupcakes.

f a custom designed buffet-style menu for as many guests as your house can hold is more your speed, the team at The Bountiful Basket Catering can ensure your holiday meal is a hit. Owner and Smyrna resident Mike Hickman will personalize the menu to your special requests, dietary needs and budget and deliver it to your home for around $25 per person to start or stick around with an on-site chef and server starting at around $50 per person. Although Hickman does not use pre-fixe menus, he usually suggests beginning with hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres before moving into the entrĂŠe and sides (such as the beef tenderloin and roasted brussel sprouts prepared for us) and then making way for dessert. Visit www.bountifulcatering.net for holiday meal inspiration, then call (770) 431-1876 to begin planning your holiday meal with Hickman.

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Hickman prepares a spread of various holiday desserts as well as a holiday meal including a coffee-infused beef tenderloin with bread, potatoes and a fruit spread of cranberries, pomegranate and star fruit.

Special thanks to Smyrna residents Susan and Gary Ocampo for the use of their home to shoot photos with The Bountiful Basket Catering. December 2015 Cobb Life

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Hayes-Beadle makes a panko breaded, panseared chicken Milanese with an Arugula Salad and linguini puttanesca consisting of juicy red tomatoes, olive oil, Kalamata olives, capers and garlic. The dinner is served with sautéed broccoli rob and a piece of bread after an appetizer of juicy hot, pepper shrimp.

f you have a party of 10 or more and are looking for the ultimate in full-service luxury, why not book with a personal chef who will prepare your holiday meal right in the comfort of your own home? Kennesaw resident and American Personal & Private Chef Association member Allison Hayes-Beadle of Ali’s Personal Chef Service will meet with you to assess likes, dislikes and more before developing a menu especially for you. She’ll arrive two hours early for prep and even stay to clean up the mess, so you really won’t have to worry about doing anything. Although Hayes-Beadle also handles drop-off meals, her full-service rates are generally $75 per person and up, depending on menu items. She went with a personal favorite Italian theme for this article, featuring Chicken Milanese, Linguini Puttanesca, Broccoli Rabe, Hot Pepper Shrimp and Lemon Olive Oil Cake, but will work with you to customize your ideal menu. Book with Hayes-Beadle by calling (678) 3926662. No matter how you choose to plan that party and enjoy that holiday meal, remember time is free — but priceless.

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Hayes-Beadle makes a panko breaded, pan-seared chicken Milanese with an Arugula Salad and linguini puttanesca consisting of juicy red tomatoes, olive oil, Kalamata olives, capers and garlic.

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Left, Chef Allison Hayes-Beadle prepares panko breaded, pan-seared chicken Milanese.

Left, Hayes-Beadle makes a zesty and creamy lemon olive oil cake to complete her Italian themed holiday dinner. Above, a panko breaded, pan-seared chicken Milanese with an Arugula Salad and linguini puttanesca consisting of juicy red tomatoes, olive oil, Kalamata olives, capers and garlic.

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travel

American families keep up holiday traditions abroad

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This Dec. 25, 2014 photo provided by Pam Hurd shows, Pam Hurd and husband, JJ, and their children, Ryan, 8, Ethan, 12, and Sarah, 10, on Christmas day in Bali, Indonesia. Each year, the Hurd family travels with good friends to exotic destinations to enjoy the holidays together that leave no time for homesickness. (Nyoman Sukayasa/ Pam Hurd via AP)

By Melissa Rayworth

n our global world, you can easily buy a Thanksgiving turkey for roasting in Dubai or Beijing or Tokyo. You can shop for Christmas trees in Bangkok, where stores play Christmas carols throughout December, a constant reminder that Santa Claus can come to town even when you’re 8,000 miles from home. And yet, if you’re an American family living overseas, the availability of these holiday touchstones doesn’t change the fact that you’re not really home for the holidays. November and December bring a bittersweet mashup of holiday cheer and homesickness. Some families do fly back to the U.S. for the holidays. But that can be expensive and challenging, especially with school-age kids. “During the first few years when our kids were younger, we tried to travel back to the States to visit with our families,” says Melindah Bush, who lives with her husband and three children in Singapore. “But the cost is expensive. And jet lag with children eats up the first week of the holiday and our first week returning to Asia.” When going home isn’t a good option, how do families stay connected to their holiday traditions? Some Americans living in Asia share their strategies for making the season as cheerful as possible:

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EMBRACE ADVENTURE For Theresa Starta, the holidays used to be easy. She and her husband, Dan, both grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs, and were used to seeing both sets of in-laws on major holidays. They got stuffed having two Thanksgiving dinners every year, but it was good: They had football on the TV, familiar dishes in the kitchen and loved ones all around. After they relocated to Dubai for Dan’s career, they flew home for several holidays with their two children. It’s about a 20-hour trip, with an eight-hour time shift. Then this year they moved to Shanghai, and the even longer Christmas flight home just wasn’t practical. So this Thanksgiving weekend, the family will decorate their Shanghai apartment with a tree and other decorations to connect with the Christmas spirit. Then, when school ends in late December, they’ll head off on a National Geographic adventure trip to Antarctica. Theresa says her kids will miss being home with relatives and friends. But their excitement at trekking around Antarctica surrounded by penguins is enough to keep the homesickness at bay.

BUILD A FAMILY OF FRIENDS Pam Hurd’s family, now based in Okinawa while her husband serves in the Marine Corps, takes a similar approach. Christmas has become synonymous with travel, and for the past three holiday seasons they’ve traveled with American friends who have become like a second family. “We are so looking forward to spending this Christmas in Singapore and Malaysia with our friends,” Hurd says. “We are there for 12 days and are calling it our ‘12 Days of Christmas.’” Like the Startas, in early December the Hurds kick off the season by putting up a small, artificial Christmas tree and a few familiar decorations from home. Hurd plays Christmas songs and bakes cookies with the kids using family recipes, and they sometimes attend holiday events on the military base where they live. Then they’ll fly south, celebrating Christmas at a Club Med in Singapore, with a visit to Malaysia’s Legoland theme park. After four years overseas, Hurd’s kids (now 8, 11 and 13) have come to embrace holidays on the road. They’ve hunted for Easter eggs in Taiwan, and worn their candy-cane Christmas pajamas everywhere from Hong Kong to Indonesia.

KEEP A FEW TRADITIONS GOING Creating new traditions is important for many American expat families. Bush spent much of her childhood in California, and her husband, Nathan, grew up in North Carolina, so their holidays in those warm places didn’t involve sledding or building snowmen. But they were filled with extended family, Thanksgiving turkeys in the oven and Christmas mornings at home. Now, in Singapore, they’ve kept their Thanksgiving traditions going while discovering new ones during potluck suppers with friends. “We and our American friends make the traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green-bean casserole and pumpkin pie,” Melindah says. “We also invite our non-American friends to join and share their traditional foods. So we have had

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Above, Hurd’s military family, Ryan, center, making victory sign, 8, Ethan, second from right, 12, Sarah, in front of him, 10, Pam Hurd, rear, second row, right, and husband, JJ, rear, center, in Bali, Indonesia. (Pam Hurd via AP)

This Dec. 25, 2012 photo shows the Hurd children, Sarah, from left, 8, Ethan, 10, and Ryan, 6, on Christmas morning in Okinawa, Japan. (Pam Hurd via AP)

Chinese and Asian friends bring noodles and dumplings. Scandinavian friends have brought various appetizers — often herring. Our Aussie friends make pavlova, and British friends bring a variety of salads and breads.” Theresa Starta did the same in Dubai last year on Thanksgiving; guests came into the kitchen to see the perfectly roasted turkey emerge from the oven, and she explained a bit about each dish. She told her international friends that greenbean casserole is “sort of like everybody’s crazy uncle who has to be there,” but most family members don’t really want to have any. She loves “the giving aspect of preparing this meal for somebody who’s never had it before,” and was delighted to find that the casserole, of all things, turned out to be the group’s favorite: “Everybody came back for seconds.”

DON’T TRY TO REPLICATE THE PAST Lauri Barrett’s childhood memories of holidays in New Hampshire are Christmas-card perfect: lots of snow-covered pine trees and holiday lights twinkling in the chilly air. But she’s learned that trying to replicate those memories with her very global family (her husband, Lincoln, is from New Zealand, and they are raising their 9-year-old daughters, both adopted from China, in Thailand) just doesn’t work. “If you try to recreate it, it’s just going to fall short,” she says. “You have to make it different, so you don’t have that nostalgia.” Barrett’s daughters attend an American school but don’t have Thanksgiving off. So earlier in November, she’ll host a Thanksgiving potluck lunch for members of the American Women’s Club of Thailand. For Christmas, the family will travel to South Korea for a ski trip. Barrett says she’ll bring as many gifts as possible, and Santa will make an appearance at their hotel, as will the Elf on a Shelf.

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e on th

E N I W D ROA

“I have lived temperately, I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of wine a day and even treble it with a friend” - Thomas Jefferson

By Michael Venezia Photography by Katherine Frye

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During the last

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few months of the year I attend several wine themed dinners, tastings, and benefits all focused to the celebration and enjoyment of wine, food and people. One of my favorites is Atlanta’s Best Cellars Dinner. This invitation is extended to residents of Atlanta’s metropolitan area who have noteworthy cellars and are enthusiastic in sharing their wines with corporate sponsors and guests. Benefitting the T. J. Marshall Foundation and the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, it was held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the InterContinental, Buckhead.

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As the music industry’s largest foundation, it funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. The foundation sources and supports early state research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. Each wine host is given the opportunity to pair wines from their cellar to compliment the InterContinental’s executive chef Didier Lailheugue’s menu. I was honored for the third year in a row to participate in this exciting food and wine dinner. Three hundred attendees and thirty wine hosts offered magnificent selections of wines to be enjoyed by the table sponsor and his ten guests. Many rare and extraordinary wines were at this gala benefit. Chef’s dinner menu with my wine selections Reception Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Palmes d’Or Brut, 2002 ~ Yellow Fin Tuna and Florida Citrus Salad, Yuzu and Wasabi Dressing Domaine Roux, Puligny Montrachet, 2012 ~ Roasted Chestnut Veloute, Smoked Cappuccino Erath, Pinot Noir, Prince Hill Vineyard, 2011 ~ Braised Short Ribs, Foie Gras Mille Feuille, Root Vegetables, Truffle Polenta Tenuta Ornellaia, Ornellaia, Bolgheri, 2011 Opus One, Napa Valley, 2011 ~ Cocoa Chocolate Tart, Peppermint Jelly, Raspberries Donnafugata, Ben Rye, Zibbibo, Sicily, 2013 Back in Cobb County during the month of October three outstanding events highlighted my wine calendar. A magnificent afternoon was enjoyed at the spectacular Marietta Educational Gardens on Sunday, Oct. 18 at the ninth annual Art of Wine Expo. Randall and Karen, the affable owners of the Marietta Wine Market, offered more than 200 wines for tasting, along with exquisite foods, crafts and artwork by local artisans as well as live music. With support from the trade, each tasting station offered an international selection of wines to please every palate and pocketbook. Asked to anchor a table in the Reserve Station, my sales associates selected an assemblage of wines, which included some very limited Cabernet Sauvignon releases. Napa producers such as Heitz Cellars, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Freemark Abbey and M by Michael Mondavi were introduced to the thirsty attendees. In addition to wine, the Marietta Wine Market offers for sale a distinctive selection of wine glasses, decanters, corkscrews, coasters, cork displays and wine themed items, which will certainly please those wine lovers who are on your Christmas shopping gift list. December 2015 Cobb Life

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On the 21st I had the opportunity to work with Chef Jordan Daniels of Aspen’s Signature Steaks located in The Avenue West Cobb. Themed “Fall into Pinot”, chef’s creative menu of French inspired cuisine truly made the wines sing with harmonious tones of balance and typical pinot elegance. We enjoyed a Pinot Grigio from Sicily, three Pinot Noirs representing Burgundy and Oregon’s Willamette Valley and a refreshing sparkling Pinot Noir from Washington’s Columbia Valley. Thirty attendees enjoyed the menu and benefitted from chef’s enlightened commentary. Reception Barone Montalto, Pinot Grigio, Sicliane, Italia, 2013 ~ Beets Two Ways with Pistachio Crusted Chevre, Frisse Fine Herbs, Citrus Supremes and Red Wine Vinaigrette Maison L’Envoyee, Savigny les Beaune, 1er Cru, Burgundy, France, 2012 ~ Duck Leg Confit, Lentils du Puy, Local Apples, Crispy Panchetta and Spiced Cider Reduction Panther Creek Cellars, Pinot Noir, Winemaker’s Cuvee, Willamette, Oregon, 2013 ~ Porcini Crusted Pettie Filet, Melted Oyster Mushrooms, Sarladaise Fingerling Potatoes, Sauce Bordelaise Panther Creek Cellars, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Willamette, Oregon, 2012 ~ Meyer Lemon Crusted Cake, Fresh Berry Coulis, Lavender Chantilly Crème, Almond Tuile Michelle Brut Rose of Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, Washington A large part of my business life is helping to introduce new wines to the professional trade. On the morning of the 23rd two internationally renowned wineries were tasted and officially launched in the Georgia market. These highly acclaimed and rare French and Italian producers now have a home in Atlanta. Champagne Charles Heidsieck based in Reims, France was founded in 1851 by Charles Heidsieck. In 1852 he leaves France for the United States and is the first producer to introduce his product to the rapidly expanding U.S. market. He established a great following and was fondly known as “Champagne Charlie”. Today his cuvees are enjoyed by lovers of champagne the world over. The knowledge and wisdom of Bruno Giacosa, the famous producer in Italy’s Piedmont, is acknowledged by many of the world’s most important wine critics. This third generation producer, although in his 80s, crafts along with his wine making team, limited production wines from the Langhe region known as Barolo and Barbaresco. Produced from the native Nebbiolo grape, from vineyard to cellar, his goal has been to produce a wine that maintains its identity from vine to bottle. In addition, an inspired white wine called Arncis is a local specialty. Erotic citrus aromas with wet stone minerality. As I prepare to write my annual letter to Santa, my hope is that one of these wines is discovered under the Christmas tree. With best wishes to all Cobb Life Magazine readers that the Christmas season is filled with happy moments enlivened by those who are near and dear. I will raise a glass of wine to all with sincere best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year. Merry Christmas to all and to all a great wine!

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Home for the Holidays 678-819-9260 Nancy Smith, CRS and Steve Smith

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ighlights A closer look at events happening in Cobb during December DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS 2015>>A very merry way to start the month. Smooth Jazz saxophonist and multiple-award winner Koz and musical friends Jonathan Butler, Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer and the legendary Bill Medley, who co-founded The Righteous Brothers with the late Bobby Hatfield, will bring the holiday spirit to Cobb. There’s a reason the El Paso Times christened this show “Santa Koz.” When and where: Dec. 2: 8 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $26 - $86 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000 or cobbenergycentre.com SOULFUL SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS>>Holiday tunes infused with sweet soul, courtesy of Will Downing, Kenny Lattimore and singer Maysa. When and where: Dec. 4: 8 p.m.; Cobb Energy

Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $38 - $89 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. Parking can be purchased in advance for $8 online. More info: 800.745.3000 or cobbenergycentre.com SHOPPE ARTISAN>>Shut down the computer and see favorite vendors from Etsy, Pinterest and Grommet in person offering the innovative handmade creations that you usually hunt the Internet for. Hundreds of vendors offering items for home and garden to fashion, children’s gifts, office items and more. When and where: Dec. 4 - 6: opens 10 a.m. each day; Cobb Galleria Centre. Tickets: $10 for adults if purchased online/$14 at the door. Children under 12, free. Seniors 65+ are $8 online, $10 at the door. Tickets good for all three days. 770.559.0293 or shoppeartisan.com

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Do you have an event? Just email Therra C. Gwyn at WhatsHappeningGa@gmail.com

GEM, MINERAL AND JEWELRY SHOW>>Thirty-five dealers feature rare specimens, geodes, jewelry-making equipment and more. Door prizes given out hourly. Special drawings for kids. Free mineral identification classes on Friday and Saturday. When and where: Dec. 4 - 6; Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: cobbcountymineral. org WHITE CHRISTMAS & SMALL WORKS>>Holiday art show featuring white works by all of DK Gallery’s artists. Smalls works will decorate the gallery’s white Christmas tree for the season. Opening night reception Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 – 9 p.m. When and where: Dec. 4 - 26; dk gallery, 25 West Park Square, Marietta. Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: 770.427.5377 or dkgallery.us A CHRISTMAS TRADITION>>Annual holiday show and celebration on the Square. When and where: Dec 4 – 20; Earl Smith Strand Theatre, North Park Square, Marietta. Tickets: $20 - $25 reserved seating. Discounts for seniors, students and military. More info: 770.293.0080 or earlsmithstrand.org BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA: CHRISTMAS ROCKS>>Holiday favorite rocks and rolls into town headed by former Stray Cats front man Setzer, a Grammy-award winner who has sold some 13 million records in his storied career. The 18-piece orchestra gleefully tackles all the Christmas songs you know (and some you may not) with energy and fun in their 12th year taking this often sold-out show on the road. When and where: Dec. 5: 8 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $35 - $75 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000 or cobbenergycentre.com GEORGIA BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER>>Dueling soldiers, enchanting fairies, dancing snowflakes, oh-so-cute Clara and more in this durable winter favorite, presented by the Georgia Ballet. Four shows only. When and where: Dec 5 & 6; Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta Tickets: $17 - $45 More info: 770.528.0881 or georgiaballet.org A DAY WITH SANTA IN KENNESAW>>The jolly guy arrives at noon in the parade on Main Street and he’s not alone: marching bands, vintage cars and costumed characters accompany Santa and afterwards, there’s a host of holiday activities including a gift market. When and where: Dec. 5; noon until 6 p.m.; Downtown Kennesaw. Tickets: FREE EVENT. More info: 770.422.9714 THE MARIETTA PILGRIMAGE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR>>Now in its 29th year, this popular tour showcases holiday homes and public buildings, this year in the Church/Cherokee National Historic District. Shuttles ferry attendees on comprehensive tour. Also available by shuttle: ice-skating in the Square and a stop for meals at The Bistro. This year’s Pilgrimage kicks off with a black-tie gala on Friday, Dec. 4. When and where: Dec. 5 & 6; Saturday day tour starts at 9 a.m., Candlelight tour Saturday 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday tours start at 10 a.m.; Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, No.4 Depot St. Tickets: $15 - $25 for

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tours. Tickets for Dec. 4 gala $85 - $250. More info: 770.429.1115 and mariettapilgrimage.com THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS>>Theatrical production. All proceeds benefit the Atlanta Mission. The plot: The Christmas season begins but Nurse Constance can’t even begin to celebrate. The season where everyone else seems to be happy only brings her more frustration and pain. When she’s assigned to care for a crazy old man and is forced to listen to his impossible tales, she finds herself transported and becoming healed by the true meaning of Christmas. When and where: Dec. 6; 7 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $25 - $45 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000 or cobbenergycentre.com SANTA ON THE SQUARE>>From the North Pole to the Marietta Square, here comes Santa for the month of December for workshops and photos with the kids. Free parking in the Cobb County parking deck on Cherokee Street. Handicapped parking available near the Square. When and where: Dec. 5 - 24; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days (closed for lunch 1:30 – 2 p.m.) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve; Marietta Square. More info: 770.794.5601

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Women Of Hope Girls Night Out

The 10 Women of Hope organization recently held its fall fundraiser, Girls Night Out, at The Brickyard at Marietta Station. The proceeds go to assist single mothers. 1. From left, Angie Davis of Marietta, Penny Warren of Marietta, Lamuriel Adams of Smyrna and Linda Palmer of Marietta. 2. Back row, Patsy Bryan and Fran Sutton; front row, Wanda Callahan and Jacki Payne, all of Marietta. 3. From left, Suzy Horvath, Laurel Kovach and Beth Sessons, all of Marietta and Diane Webb of Powder Springs. 4. From left, volunteers Ashley Brown, 13, Reagan Davis, 11, and Riley Davis, 14, all of Marietta. 5. Naomi Ratner of Woodstock shows off the young living essential oils to a passing spectator. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM BENNETT

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Women Of Hope Girls Night Out

6. From left Debbie Johnston, Lisa Vitello and Michele Regan, all of Marietta. 7. From left, Joann Caskey, Vicki Gunnells, Patsy Jordan (in the back), Liz Bouis and Patrice Pollack, all of Marietta. 8. From left, Wanda Grogan and Georgia Mitchell, both of Marietta. 9. From left, Gail Mclarty, Judy Davis and Janne Gravel, all of Marietta and JackIe Smith of Kennesaw. 10. From left, Patty Mozley, Sunny Walker, Dana Rogers and Lisa Rogers, all of Marietta. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM BENNETT

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The Marietta Business Association recently held a business after hours event at Winnwood Retirement in Marietta. 1. From

Marietta Business Association

left, Mark Stuckey with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Omar Anderson, of New York Life, and John Rauls, owner of the Winnwood Retirement Community, attend the Marietta Business Association after-hours event. 2. From left, Lauren Fici and Sarah Floyd, with the Marietta Business Association. 3. From left, Dave Olsen, with the Marietta Business Association, and Christina Barth, of Aflac in Cobb County. 4. From left, Karen Demarco, of Protech Printing and Graphics in Kennesaw, and Arthur Eyzaguirre, Executive Director of Winnwood Retirement Community.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE FRYE

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Marietta Business Association

5. From left, Juan Cabrera, owner of Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Austell, Mark Morgan, realtor with Keller Williams in Marietta, and Raul Cabrera, with Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Austell, enjoy the Marietta Business Association after-hours at the Winnwood Retirement Community. 6. From left, Dave Olsen, with the Marietta Business Association, Mark Anderson, and Lew Stafford, with CrossCountry Mortgage. 7. Winnwood Retirement employees Mary Marshall, Assisted Living Coordinator, Lora Causey, Sales Counselor, and Kevin Finnegan, Executive Chef. 8. Kay and Mark Morgan, realtors with Keller Williams in Marietta. 9. From left, Jamie Ryan and Errol Powe, Of A1 Cleaning Services in Marietta. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE FRYE

Celebrating 35 Years Bellamy Funeral Home, Inc. - and Paulding Memorial Gardens

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Serving Powder Springs, Hiram and the surrounding communities since 1980 in which we have remained family owned and operated. Our longevity can be attributed to listening to the needs of those we have served and the confidence of the people in the community that we will serve in the future. Our commitment is to provide you and your family as well as your friends and neighbors with sound advice and personal service at a time when it is most needed. Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning At-need or Pre-need Funeral Services, Cremations, Cemetery spaces or Mausoleum needs.

Visit our website at: www.bellamyfuneralhome.com or call 770-943-3547 or 770-943-8050

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OW na the icon s l

dk Gallery Art Exhibit

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dk Gallery in Marietta recently held an exhibit opening for visual artist Holly Irwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solo show. Irwin debuted her vision in a grouping of figure paintings based on the life and work of fashion pioneer and icon Coco Chanel. 1. Gallery owner Donna Krueger of Marietta with featured artist Holly Irwin of Roswell. 2. Michael and Laronda Gary of Mableton. 3. Mark Albitz of Kennesaw and Catherine Turner of Marietta.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACEY L. EVANS

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dk Gallery Art Exhibit

4. Debbie Rice of Atlanta and Lynn Colson of Marietta. 5. Lia Tenebruso and Kathrin Duemmler of East Cobb. 6. John and Laura Yeste of Marietta.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACEY L. EVANS

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REFLECTIONS

The Bucket List By Tammy DeMel

The older I get the more I contemplate the idea of creating a bucket list. You know, the

list of things you want to do in your life before you, well, “kick the bucket.” Having not given this idea much thought, I turned to Google. My search returned over 13 million results including, “10,000 Things to do before You Die,” (I better get started). As you can imagine, many of the ideas had to do with climbing tall things, visiting far away places, and participating in, what I consider, dangerous adventures, like jumping out of an airplane. While those ideas were interesting, I decided that making a bucket list should be a more personal endeavor. But when I sat down and really thought about what I might want to do before I leave this earth, my somewhat Type A personality took over. It wasn’t good enough to just make a list, I had to be sure that I could actually achieve my goals — I had to ace the test. But how could I set goals when I didn’t know the deadline? I decided that the best thing to do would be to create a list that started with things that I had already experienced. Things that I considered bucket-list worthy. And I knew just where to begin. Growing up, I loved watching the Miss America pageant. It was the closest thing in my pre-teen mind to a real life fairy-tale. The beautiful evening gowns, the perfectly coifed hair, and of course, the crown. Ah, that “diamond” tiara that magically turned one lucky Miss State Pageant winner into Miss America. To my 9-year-old self, wearing that crown would definitely be bucket-worthy. And then it happened. It was 1990 and I was a young publicist working for a PR firm in Manhattan. Our client was a major sponsor of the pageant. As a sponsor, Miss America became their spokesperson. They received a certain number of days in her schedule and it was her job to make appearances at various retail stores around the country and endorse their product. My job was

to schedule media interviews around those visits and accompany her to ensure that she was staying on message. As the client’s representative, I became a part of the Miss America entourage. At the time, it included a chauffeur driven limousine and a chaperone named Ellie who was more grandmother than bodyguard but trust me, you didn’t want to mess with Miss Ellie. That year, Miss America was Debbye Turner, a smart and incredibly poised young woman from Missouri. Spending time with her was beyond my imagination and inside I was a star-struck pre-teen in awe of her Miss America-ness. She was only two years younger than me but she seemed to have it all figured out. On this particular day, we were in Boston. We had just finished at a local TV station and had planned to stop at a children’s hospital before the store appearance when Debbye realized that she had forgotten her crown. We asked the driver to stop by the hotel and I offered to run up to her room to retrieve it. As I exited the limo, Ellie, ever the protector of the crown and the ladies who wore it, smiled and wagged her finger at me. “You’re not going to try on that crown, are you?” “Oh Ellie,” I scoffed. I made my way to Debbye’s room and retrieved the small, wood-grained box that held the precious headpiece. I closed the door and walked back down the hall to the elevator. I stepped inside and realized that I was alone with the box and a mirrored elevator wall. I turned to face the mirror and nodded at my reflection knowing instantly what I had to do. Carefully, I lifted the lid. There resting on a pillow of red velvet was my holy grail. I placed the crown on my head and as I looked at my reflection I smiled and gave a royal wave. I could hear Bert Parks crooning, “There she is, Miss America.” It was awesome. It was bucket-list worthy and it’s something I will never forget it.

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