Cobb Life Magazine April 2012

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Cobb Life

April 2012 Volume 8, Issue 3 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Otis A. Brumby, Jr. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Otis Brumby III V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens

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

75-Day Trial Period on Hearing Aids

Zephyr

(from Dry and Store)

Hearing Aid Dehumidifier Not valid on prior purchases.

Expires June 30, 2012.

Jay Whorton E D I T O R I A L S TA F F DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES

Mark Wallace Maguire

FREE with purchase of any pair of hearing aids.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

DR. LAURIE NELSON Audiologist

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire CONTRIBUTORS

Allen Bell, Joan Durbin, Stacey L. Evans, Therra C. Gwynn, Adam Miller, Michael Pallerino, Meredith Pruden, Michael Venezia PHOTOGRAPHER

Reid Traylor

990 Whitlock Ave, Ste D • Marietta, GA 30064

PHOTOGRAPHY

Under Sophie’s Bar & Grill (formerly Whitlock’s Grill)

Todd Hull, Lindsay Field, Nathan Self

770-427-3033 • MariettaHearing.com

PROOFREADERS

Caroline Brannen, Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall A D V E R T I S I N G S TA F F

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Acorn Home & Garden Acworth Art Fest Acworth Group Business Page Atlanta Kubota Atlanta Lyric Theatre BBQ Grill Beltone Hearing Big Liquor & Wine Blackwell's Jewelers Carpet Dry Tech Center For Allergy & Asthma Champion Windows Chattahoochee Technical City of Smyrna Cobb EMC Cobb Hardware Cochran Shutters Compassionate Care Ministries Cumberland Diamond Exchange Dermatology Consultants Due West Integrated Health & Physical Medicine Center Expert Carmedics Fireplace Company Fleming Carpet Fresh N Fit Fusco's Gaines Park Assisted Living Home Georgia Memorial Park Harry Norman Harry Norman -Linda Moore Connor Henry's Louisiana Grill Heywood's Provisions Hutcheson Horticulture Joanna Conyingham Johnson Ferry Baptist Church KSU Continuing ED Lacey Drug Company Leafguard Gutters Life Grocery

60 26 27 56 68 72 11 57 73 60 3 37 18 14 2 78 48 12 67 44 77 80 6 49 79 24 46 75 28 28 25 40 57 40 10 65 25 45 76

Marietta Funeral Home 61 Marietta Hearing 4 Marlow's Tavern 19 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 83 Mini-Maid 75 MUST Ministries 69 New Life Chiropractic 41 Northside Hospital 9 Northside Hospital Sleep Center 36 Parc @ Piedmont 70 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 5 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 32 Private Gallery 20 R & D Mechanical 48 Resurgens 47 Roswell Street Baptist Church 74 Sawyer Bailey Salon 71 Signature Salon 66 Spot-On Consulting 76 Sue Hilton 20 Sumner Neurology 79 Sundial Plumbing 53 Superior Plumbing 21 & 46 Taste of Marietta 81 The Bottoms Group 7 The Branding Project / Marietta Square Artists Market 68 The Framery 66 The Georgia Ballet 71 The Henssler Financial Group 33 The Wild Wing Café 72 Trust Mark Gold 80 United Community Bank 15 Wells Fargo Advisors - Chris Busby 12 WellStar 84 WellStar Atherton Place 64 West Georgia Crematory 73 White Rabbit Cottage 51 Winnwood Retirement 13 Woodstock Antiques 24

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER

Becky Opitz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Reneé Aghajanian, Stephanie deJarnette, Carole Johnson, Dawne Edge, Paula Milton, Tamara Heil, Melinda Young, Candace Hallford, Tara Guest GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Caroline Brannen, Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leigh Hall CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Matt Heck I N F O R M AT I O N

Cobb Life magazine is published nine times a year by The Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 33,500 homes and businesses.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

To request a copy or to subscribe, visit our website at www.cobblifemagazine.com ADVERTISING

To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 SUBMISSIONS

Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com Follow us on facebook

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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E departments 16 SPICE Get a true taste of Italian at Vespucci’s 22 EYE ON BUSINESS Acworth takes center stage in our new feature on business in Cobb 62 WINE Cobb’s wine guru discovers new treasures

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in every issue F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R FEEDBACK NEWS & NOTEWORTHY H I G H L I G H TS SCENE REFLECTIONS

Grillin’ & Chillin’

08 10 11 66 70 82

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home and garden section 30 MILITARY MAKEOVER 34 GET LOST IN A LABYRINTH 38 DAZZLING DOORS

ths 12 mone sam sh ca s a

Accessories, Gaslights, Gas Grills (Natural /LP), Primo Grills, Outdoor Kitchens, Wood & Gas Fireplaces, Glass Doors for Pre-Fab & Masonry Fireplaces, Chimney Sweeping, New Construction & Remodeling

42 CALIFORNIA DREAMING 49 GARDENING IN THE SHADE 50 WHAT’S TO COME 52 LUXURIOUS LAVATORY

Atlanta’s Fireplace & Grill Specialists www.thefireplacecompany.com 2493 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066 Open 7 Days a Week

54 HIDDEN HOUSE 58 GARDENING MADE EASY

The living room of Jay and Tammie Sweetnich. You can read more about their home on page 42.

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from the director

Mexican fruitcake and Aunt Shirley ’s Orange Balls 2011 was not a good year for my body.

The corpus Maguire had its share of unforseen injuries. A broken toe, a broken tooth and, the granddaddy of them all, a broken arm on Thanksgiving Day. After growing frustrated with my futile attempts at gardening, painting and, yes, even playing piano and guitar one-handed I turned to my first love — reading.

One evening, after a week or so, I was getting bogged down and tired of the heavy books I had been reading. I had plowed through a couple of depressing novels, reread bits and pieces of John Keats and even delved back into the weirdly titled, “The History of The Irish Race.” Searching for something lighter to read, I dug into our rack of magazines. I read my weekly New Yorker (yes, I admittedly like to keep up-todate on Eastern Elitism), a Southern Living and even my wife’s Redbook in which I discovered that women, bless their hearts, still don’t have the darndest idea on what to get a man for Father’s Day. At the bottom of the bin, though, was a treasure - a cookbook from my grandmother’s church, First Baptist Church of Thomaston, Ga. If you’ve ever owned one of these church-produced cookbooks, you know what a treasure they are.

They contain recipes from just about everybody in the congregation, are filled with traditional dishes you have a hard time finding at most restaurants and have the greatest names ever assigned to dishes.

If you haven’t owned one and get the bulk of your recipes off the Internet or from Martha Stewart, let me show how you’re missing out.

First of all, there are the names of the dishes.

Here are a few of my favorites I found: Mexican Fruitcake.

Aunt Shirley’s Orange Balls.

Depression Cracker Pie. Can you really beat that for names of dishes? I doubt the creative and marketing geniuses at half the chain restaurants today could develop dishes as unique sounding.

Then there are the dishes that have peoples’ names attached to them. However, when you look closely at who actually submitted the recipe it is from a different person. Here is an example: “Mary Norris’ Meat Loaf” recipe is submitted by Sue Lewis. Think about it. Call me sentimental, but you know there is a story there. Was Mary Norris an old friend or neighbor of Sue Lewis?

How did Sue Lewis get that recipe? Is it a tribute - friend? There are others as well like to an old “Bumgarner’s Okra Casserole” submitted by Betty Ann Fordham and “Hazel’s Jalapeno Cornbread” submitted by Brenda Barnes.

Of course, the dishes themselves are center stage here. God bless the South, but virtually none of them are health-conscious. That said, they all sound dang good.

Beef Stew Meat with Red Gravy.

Vidalia Onion Casserole.

Million Dollar Fudge Pie. The list goes on and on.

Being a fairly pedestrian cook, I haven’t tackled any of the hundred or so recipes in the cookbook. However, I have bookmarked a couple and made not-so-subtle recommendations to my wife that they could make a fine Sunday afternoon meal.

In the meantime, I might just have to coax my grandmother to make the best recipe of all in the book, “Louise Maguire’s Chocolate Fudge Cake.”

And, grandmother, when you read this, just let me know when you feel inspired to bake and I will mark a day on my calendar and drive over, my wife and two sons in tow. I also promise to keep up the tradition of my father and my late granddaddy to do everything I can do in the kitchen to stay out of the way, make observations about the local newspaper and sneak tastes of the icing when you aren’t looking.

Best,

Mark Wallace Maguire

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f e e d b a c k

[letters] Honored to be honored

[facebook]

Dear Cobb Life: The picture on both the cover and the inside [by Cobb Life photographer Reid Traylor] are two of the best pictures I have had taken of me in recent years. You did a great job and thanks a lot for the good conversation we had during both shoots. I really enjoyed being a part of [20 Rising Stars Under 40 March edition] and am very honored to receive such a recognition.

from our link to an article about financial troubles at Theatre on the Square Cobb Life Magazine: Here's to hoping the state of cultural affairs on the Marietta square improves soon — http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/ 17597961/article-Around-Town--Marietta-theaterlovers-fear-it-may-soon-be-curtains?instance= home_editorial Amber Noble BOTH theaters are in turmoil?

Sounds like something new needs to be done and some thinking "outside the square/box" is needed (pun intended). Can't expect change while continuing to do the same thing. Bring newer theater productions to attract the 30-something crowd. Do free live mini-theater acts in Glover Park to promote shows. Bring in comedians. Be fun! Be lively.

Be fresh. My two cents.

Theresa Wallace Fednander Lower the cost to attend & let people know that you have. You might not get a much per ticket but if you sell a lot more tickets you will come out ahead. People are pinching pennies these days!

Sean Byrd they both would make great casinos.

Jimmy Swartz Vice President, Accounting WellStar Health System

clarifications Some information in our Brides issue was incorrect.

The Olde Towne Athletic Club in Marietta features a ballroom with over 8,000 square feet, outside terrace, bridal suite and a large gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. Executive Chef Scott Murtha and special events director Bob Cooper can guide residents through planning details of wedding receptions.

The website for An Exquisite Event is www.exquisiteevent.com.

Also, the photo of Sweet Caroline’s Cakes should have been credited to The Decisive Moment Wedding Photojournalism.

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news & noteworthy

[food and dining] Get Cheeky in East Cobb Cheeky recently opened at The Avenue East Cobb.

The restaurant focuses on Latin-inspired flavors and innovative drinks.

Cheeky offers more than 30 original dishes and nine homemade salsas including traditional queso and fajitas to crab cake tacos and a wide array of soups and salads. The restaurant also prides itself on its environment, that features eclectic furniture and roll-up garage doors.

Cheeky also features a “Pour Your Own Beer” draft system, through which customers at select tables can serve their own drinks using touchscreen technology.

The Avenue at East Cobb is located at 4475 Roswell Road in Marietta. The restaurant’s phone number is (404) 801-3616.

Jolt of java at Ellianos East Cobb residents got a new java spot with Ellianos Coffee Company recently opening. The coffee shop carries a wide array of gourmet coffees and small dishes with an Italian flair. It is located at 1270 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. The store’s phone number is (770) 956-7770.

Crazy Cuban comes to Cobb Aldo Ramirez, whose popular Crazy Cuban sandwich shop near Georgia Tech opened two years ago, has opened a new location at 2000 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. The restaurants serve authentic Cuban food. The Marietta shop can be contacted at (770) 690-9236.

Chazz opens new locale Al Boyce, a former Kansas City Chiefs player and the owner of the East Atlanta Village restaurant Chazz’s Southern Cooking, has opened a new location called Chazz’s Place at 531 Roselane St., Suite 520 in Marietta.

The family-friendly restaurant offers traditional Southern food and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant’s phone number is (770) 427-8226.

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[food and dining]

Summer hops Newcastle releases limited edition collection Newcastle, the brewer of the world-famous Brown Ale, is releasing a new series of Limited Edition beers.

The first to be distributed is Founder’s Ale, a pale ale for the spring season. This brew is smooth, slightly hoppy, a little bitter, with a hint of spice and a gentle bite on the backside. It’s a bit fruity to the nose, with a rich amber color. Everything about this beer is light, subtle, and well balanced. It pairs well with fish, sharp cheeses, and spicy foods.

At 4.8 percent, Founder’s Ale is a highly recommended and drinkable beer for fans of pale ales. The remaining brews in Newcastle’s Limited Edition series are a Summer Ale, Werewolf (for the fall), and Winter IPA.

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[arts and culture] Students set to take stage at Shuler Hensley awards Several Cobb students have been selected to perform in the annual Shuler Hensley Awards — The Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The program debuted in April 2009 with 15 participating high schools from five metro Atlanta counties. The Shuler Hensley Awards, part of the Foundation’s ArtsBridge program, honor and celebrate excellence in high school musical theater throughout the month of April.

“We are thrilled with the growth in the number of participating schools in the Shuler Hensley awards program that includes such a variety of shows and dozens of enthused schools spanning the entire metro Atlanta region,” commented Michael Taormina CFE, managing director of the Cobb Energy Centre.

Information: www.shulerawards.org.

Back row, from left, Jennifer Freedman from Walton High School, Shuler Hensley and Erin Deebel from The Walker School. Front row, from left, Gina McLoughlin from Walton High School and Grace Austin from Mount Paran Christian School.

ASO extends contract for Runnicles The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra recently extended the contract for Donald Runnicles to be the principal guest conductor through the 2013-14 season.

Runnicles is also general music

director of the Deutsche Opera Berlin, chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and music director of the Grand Teton Summer Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wy.

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E D I T O R I A L

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C A L E N D A R

As spring greets us, we are gearing up for another year of great issues celebrating the best of life in Cobb. Here is a brief look ahead.

Y COMING IN MA Y DAY! B EADY FOR DER

GET R

M AY cobb moms eye on east cobb business

J U N E / J U LY the search for cobb’s best pizza

AUG/SEPT do it yourself issue

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S T O R Y

H A V E I D E A S

C O N T A C T M M A G U I R E

A N Y

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C O B B

L I F E M A G A Z I N E

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C O M

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Vespucci’s makes an excellent Caprese salad. Deceptively simple, a Caprese is basically just fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, olive oil and basil. Chef Shahin Afsharian adds just a touch of balsamic vinegar glaze. Opposite page: Yes, even the paninis deserve mention.

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Vespucci’s

Ihard talian food isn’t to find in Cobb County.

Good Italian food is.

That’s why it took me a while to stop at Vespucci’s instead of driving by, as I had for weeks after it first opened in October of last year. I wasn’t eager to subject myself to what I feared would be one more mediocre pizza or plate of overcooked pasta.

BY JOAN DURBIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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Fried Ravioli Barbajuan hails from northern Italy. Filled with Parmesan, spinach, basil, risotto and Italian sausage, then deep-fried and served with Italian tomato sauce, these addictive little morsels are at once crunchy and creamy. Right, from top, Ray Atlaschi, general manager and co-owner, and Chef Shahin Afsharian.

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Yet the existence of this new eatery on a rundown stretch of Canton Road near the border of Cherokee County did intrigue me. Finally, one night when we were time crunched and decided we could live with less-than-stellar food if need be, we gave Vespucci’s a whirl.

Not expecting much, we walked up to the door, where we saw a young man busily writing the evening’s specials on a chalkboard.

“You have to try the soup,” he informed us. “It’s made with organic vegetables I grow.”

Okay, that sounded intriguing. I’m a sucker for homemade soup. And if the chef cared enough to use naturally grown ingredients, we might be in for a better experience than we’d anticipated.

Perusing the menu after we were seated at a banquette, we were pleased to see we could choose from several starters, salads, pastas, entrees and paninis, in addition to pizzas.

Of course I had to have the soup, which on this night was a cabbage concoction. It was a hot, satisfying brew, to which I added just a tiny pinch of salt to bring out all the fresh veggie goodness.

My dining companion ordered something we had never before encountered called fried ravioli Barbajuan, described as a specialty of a town in northern Italy.

Filled with Parmesan, spinach, basil, risotto and Italian sausage, then deep fried and served with Italian tomato sauce, these addictive little morsels were at once crunchy and creamy.

Packed with flavor on their own, the ravioli really didn’t need the sauce.

However, since the quality of its sauces is usually indicative of the skill in a restaurant’s kitchen, we tried a spoonful. It easily was among the better Italian red sauces we’ve had, confidently seasoned and wellrounded.

That gave us hope for our pizza, billed as the chef’s favorite: Prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil with EVOO and fresh garlic. And yes, it did live up to our expectations. The crust, while not as thin as Neapolitan-style, was still thin enough to give a nice ratio of dough to toppings in each bite.

Since the initial visit, we’ve tried many more dishes. After assurances that the veal was indeed fresh, not frozen, we tried Vespucci’s veal Parmesan and were rewarded with an excellent version of the Italian American standard. Chicken marsala, a personal favorite, featured moist, tender white meat chicken encompassed in a silky sauce that didn’t skimp on the fortified wine.

But Vespucci’s has more to offer than simply Italian.

Case in point?

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Want to go?

Vespucci’s 4805 Canton Road, Marietta (770) 928-1212

Fresh basil and tomato pizza.

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Something called jambalaya layer. There is nothing overly exotic about it — grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, green peppers and caramelized onions over fettuccine in a Cajun tomato sauce. But the mix of flavors and texture was perfect. I couldn’t stop forking it into my mouth.

Speaking of perfect, Vespucci’s makes possibly the best Caprese salad ever. Deceptively simple, a Caprese is basically just fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, olive oil and basil. Here, Chef Shahin Afsharian adds just a touch of balsamic vinegar glaze. The presentation is gorgeous and the fresh flavors are stunning. The only way it could be better is using locally grown tomatoes in season, which chef said would be the case this summer.

Even the paninis here deserve mention. Of particular note, at least to my tastes, is the marinated grilled chicken with pesto sauce and blue cheese on ciabatta bread.

Every dish that comes to the table is beautifully plated and presented. That’s testimony to the years Afsharian spent cooking in fine dining kitchens and being mentored by world class Chef Joel Robuchon at his Monte Carlo restaurant during the time the restaurant received its third Michelin star. His most recent gig was executive chef at the British Embassy in Mexico.

So how did he land at Vespucci’s? Ray Atlaschi, general manager and co-owner, shared that Afsharian is the son of a good friend of his business partner, who oversees operations at the original Vespucci’s Pizza on Atlanta’s Peachtree Street.

When the partners were ready to open Vespucci’s Pizza, Pasta and Grill on Canton Road in northeast Cobb, they contacted Afsharian. “Mike told him to come take a look at what we were doing and if he liked it, we could work together,” Atlaschi said.

It was a good fit. Afsharian, whose culinary background is strong in French and Japanese cuisine, brings a bit of a Continental twist to the southern Italian menu. The fried ravioli we enjoyed as an appetizer is a good example. It’s a Monagasque dish Afsharian encountered in Monte Carlo and spent months perfecting his own version.

“I play a lot with ingredients and presentation and won’t offer a dish until I’m totally happy with it,” the chef affirmed.

He is still learning what his customers here prefer. My advice is if you like fish that is slightly undercooked (to preserve moisture and texture) or pasta that isn’t overly sauced, mention it to the server to pass on to the kitchen.

Afsharian really wants to know.

Of course Vespucci’s features several traditional Italian American dishes, many of which are Atlaschi family recipes, such as the lasagna with ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta and mozzarella. And there’s a full bar for cocktails, wine and beer.

The restaurant’s interior is a bit more upscale than the run-of-the-mill red sauce joint. Mahogany tables, a cherry wood bar and chairs, subdued lighting and trendy stained concrete floors set the mood. Eager young servers are friendly and try their best to be helpful, although I think it will be awhile before they are seasoned enough to be really good at what they do.

But the restaurant has been open only since October of last year and is still finding its customer base.

“We wanted to bring a Buckhead-style restaurant to this area so people don’t have to travel all the way to town for nice atmosphere and a nice meal,” Atlaschi said.

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Left, Joanne Tubo and Jackie Etherton inside The Conservatory at Waterstone Grill.

Tubo has enjoyed success using her space as a restaurant and wedding destination. Far left, Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood.

Above, a panoramic view of downtown Acworth and a shot of the city at night.

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A C W O R T H

By Allen Bell Photography by Reid Traylor

A DECADE AGO,

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A C W O R T H

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One of the earliest visionaries for the Acworth Renaissance was Darlene Knight, owner of a gift shop, Serendipity House, and a restaurant and special events establishment, The Dogwood Terrace.

T

en years ago, downtown Acworth was a virtual ghost town, with boarded-up storefronts, a few struggling businesses and only a trickle of customers. But you would never know it from a stroll down the city’s vibrant Main Street today.

Not only are the bulk of the spaces occupied, but the new businesses are thriving, even during the current economic downturn.

In fact, Acworth has been so successful since a series of major public investments from the city and Cobb County in the early 2000s that it is now expanding the downtown footprint with new buildings that replicate the historic architecture of those that have lined the city’s busiest thoroughfare since the early 20th century.

In 2001, contractors broke ground on the Acworth Main Street Construction project. The multi-million dollar project was approved while current mayor Tommy Allegood was an alderman. Elected mayor in 2002, Allegood has continued to lead the vision of revitalization.

“Myself and our city council made a decision to begin to invest in our city to make it a place where people would want to live,” explained Allegood. “We began building quality of life in our city. We began to work on the different components of quality of life that would spur economic development.”

Those investments have paid off in numerous accolades, with Acworth named a Top Ten Georgia Main Street City in 2009, nominated as an All-American City by the National Civic League in 2010 and the National Main Street designation for 10 years running.

“Our downtown has become a restaurant mecca and has drawn tourists downtown,” Allegood said.

“We’ve never lost that small town feeling. It’s like you’re walking in Showcasing 25,000 Sq. Ft. of Quality Antiques & More Mayberry. People are friendly.

Everybody can find a parking place.

The restaurants make sure they give good food and good service. Our businesses, local government, our Turn your unused furniture & decor into cash! citizens – everybody has worked to create this downtown shopping and 5 6 4 3 B e l l s F e r r y R d • Ac w o r t h , G A 3 0 1 0 2 dining experience with a friendly w w w. Wo o d s t o c k A n t i q u e s . n e t • 6 7 8 . 4 4 5 . 7 8 6 1 atmosphere.”

Now accepting quality consignment!

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A C W O R T H

A shot of the iconic caboose in downtown.

And Allegood isn’t the only one proclaiming the businessfriendly environment and quality of life in the charming town center. Joanne Tubo owns The Conservatory, a special events and reception space on Main Street.

“I feel like we’ve become a destination town in a way,” she said. “A lot of the businesses downtown are long-established and successful. We don’t have a lot of turnover anymore. The city has been very supportive of us. They’re very pro-business.”

One of the earliest visionaries for the Acworth Renaissance was Darlene Knight, owner of a gift shop, Serendipity House, and a restaurant and special events establishment, The Dogwood Terrace. A native of Michigan, Knight moved to Acworth in 1995 and bought the 1879 Queen Ann Victorian house that became her gift shop. In 2008, she opened The Dogwood Terrace after razing a 1950s ranch and constructing a new building with high ceilings, exposed beams, a stone fireplace, and an outdoor patio.

“When I opened Serendipity, there was only one other shop,” Knight said. “There were doctors’ offices, and empty buildings, and it was pretty sad. Over time, the area started to boom and people were coming in. There’s been a constant evolution over the last 16 years. One of the neat things in this town is the cohesiveness of the entities working to make things happen.”

Director of Downtown Development Amanda Sutter notes that Acworth has become a wedding destination, as well as a hot location for festivals and special events. Annual events include the Love the Lake Concert Series, July 4th fireworks, Love the Lake Fest, The Acworth Opry series, fifth Saturday car shows, Taste of Acworth and the new Acworth Art Fest on April 14 and 15.

And the expansion of the downtown area is projected to help the city lure in more events.

“The second phase of downtown improvements is from Dallas Street to Morningside Drive,” Sutter said. “We’re installing utilities, public parking, lighting, wide streets, and sidewalks. It’s nice because it allows us a place to have events without closing down Main Street.”

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A C W O R T H From left, the Long family, from Acworth, enjoy the patio atmosphere of a meal at Fusco’s. From left, Maddie, Scott, Kristie and Hannah.

STILL COOKIN’ ow in its eighth year of business, Fusco’s Via Roma, is thriving on Main Street. Established in 2005, the eatery is run by Mike Fusco, his wife, Diana, and his brother, David.

“This space was empty when we came in and took it,” Mike recalls. “We had been looking all around. We were looking for something that had some charm and history behind it. The space just really spoke to us. We immediately knew where we wanted to put the bar, the booths and the kitchen. We did the renovations on it and we’ve been here ever since.”

Fusco’s joined the stalwart of Acworth dining, Henry’s Louisiana Grill, as two of the restaurants on the main street.

Those two are still cooking today with strong crowds and loyal foodie followings.

For the Fuscos, their decision to open a restaurant in Cobb was based on its proximity to metropolitan amenities, as well as its pastoral landscapes and charming cities.

“The thing that drew us to Cobb County twenty years ago is that you’re close enough to Atlanta to have all the things a big city has to offer, such as the arts and professional sports, but you still have the feel of being in a small town or the country,” Mike said. “With the renaissance of Acworth, there are a lot of things that you used to have to go to Atlanta for, but you don’t have to anymore. But it is nice to have the Atlanta Braves to go to.”

Although the economy has been tough the last few years, and the owners have been working 80-hour weeks to support the restaurant’s operations, Fusco’s is seeing things turn around with a strong 2011 and good signs for business in 2012. And the restaurateurs give some of the credit to the city for their economic development efforts.

N

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO ACWORTH

Acworth Bookstore and Library • Civil War Books • Military History Books • Biographies

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A C W O R T H

A C W O R T H Population, 2010

20,425

Population increase, 2000 to 2010

52.2%

Homeownership rate, 2006-2010

70.7%

Land area in square miles, 2010

8.24

- Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2

0

1

2

A C W O R T H

Here is a quick glance at some upcoming events this year.

April 14 and 15: Acworth Art Fest May to October: The Acworth Opry, second Saturdays, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Logan Farm Park near downtown Acworth May 18 and 19: The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour May 28: Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point June: Concert on the Beach at Cauble Park June 24: PT Solutions Allatoona Triathlon July 4: Concert and Fireworks at Cauble Park Aug. 5: Acworth Women’s 5K Sprint Triathlon at Dallas Landing Park Sept. 1 and 2: Love the Lake Festival on Labor Day weekend in Downtown

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Oct. 3: Taste of Acworth in Downtown

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h o m e & garden

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a makeover for a

MILITARY MAN He won’t talk about it much,

by Joan Durbin photography

by Reid Traylor

because he says it seems like bragging.

But clues to Richard Kennelly’s 30-year career as a United States Marine are everywhere in his study.

From the drawings, photographs, certificates and other keepsakes, all tastefully framed and artfully arranged on the walls, carefully placed on shelves or protected under glass, it’s crystal clear that the Corps was and still is an integral part of the East Cobb resident’s life.

The mementos are everywhere. On the floor, a scatter rug in the form of the USMC seal. Standing tall, the USMC flag.

Artwork by the wife of Robert O’Malley, the first Marine who received the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration, in the Vietnam War, shares office space with a reproduction of the iconic photograph of six dogged Marines

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Former Marine Richard Kennelly recently had his office decorated with military memorabilia.

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2012

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raising the Stars and Stripes on Iwo Jima, signed by one of the flag raisers.

And a handwritten note thanking him for his service to his country is carefully preserved in plastic, lying on top of a display case holding a military helmet. The note appeared one recent morning on the windshield of his car, and it was included in Kennelly’s collection, perhaps to mitigate some of the sting of the anti-war years of the ‘60s and early ‘70s when gratitude from civilians was in short supply.

A street kid from Queens, NY, who quit school at 17 to join the Corps, Kennelly was a crew chief on helicopters. His first cousin, brother and son also were Marines.

To everyone who knows him, it’s clear that pride in the Corps is a defining aspect of Kennelly’s life.

“It’s in his body language. He just lights up when you mention the Marines,” said Jan Britt of Jan Britt Interiors and a continuing education instructor at Kennesaw State University who has become a Kennelly family friend.

She first met Kennelly’s wife, Adela, when the latter was a student in one of Britt’s classes. The two women hit it off and when Adela Kennelly mentioned a desire to remake a room in their Oak Springs home into a study for her husband, Britt offered to help.

For many years, the small living room off the front entry had been home to a perpetual Christmas tree, a vast collection of porcelain Christmas houses and a very, very pink color scheme. “It was dedicated to Christmas all year long,” Britt said.

Settling on the new décor was easy. Out from the boxes and boxes of USMC-related items Kennelly had stored away came carefully selected items to carry out a theme that easily could be called “Semper Fi.” Using the colors in the Marine flag as her guide, Britt brought in rich red and

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pale yellow tones and complemented them by framing the selected mementos in elegantly dark, burnished wood.

Because the Kennellys didn’t want blinds, Britt, a window treatment specialist, fabricated the drapes around core insulation to aid in saving money on heating and cooling bills. The positioning of the draperies still allows all of the sunlight to come into the room when they are opened, she said.

The bottom portion of the valance has a curvy design and adds a three-dimensional shape to the window treatment that emulates the shape of a flag blowing in the wind.

The room redesign was a collaborative process and proceeded in increments over two years. Still to come are two chairs, but for all intents and purposes, the study is complete.

Although it has nothing to do with the Marines, a framed document behind Kennelly’s desk might well be one of his most prized possessions. It’s his degree from KSU, a Bachelor of Science in secondary education received in 2006 after an educational hiatus of decades.

“Of all the Jan Britt of things I’ve Jan Britt Interiors done with my life, that was 3600 Dallas Hwy. the hardest. I Marietta broke my butt 770.919.2393 to get it,” he affirmed. www.janbritt.net Before health issues sidelined him, Kennelly was briefly a teacher at Sprayberry and Lassiter high schools.

Today, Kennelly is working on his memoirs, putting on the page what he won’t talk about out loud. His wife of 35 years still works full time as an office manager for a Marietta company that provides service and maintenance to critical power data center equipment.

And west Cobb resident Britt and the Kennellys continue to maintain a close relationship.

“Not only did I get to do over a house, I also got a friendship,” Britt said.

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h o m e & garden SALUTE IN THE STUDY: A bookcase in Richard Kennelly’s Marine-themed office contains memorabilia from his military days.

Opposite page, the office was formerly a small living room showcasing the Kennelly’s Christmas collection.

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happily lost in a

labyrinth

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W

hen Carol Maurer has a lot on her plate, she finds it useful to visit the labyrinth made of river rocks at the Delaware Art Museum, in Wilmington.

“It quiets my mind,” said Maurer, who lives in Hockessin, Del. “It sets the path for me so I can spiral inward.”

Labyrinths, which have been constructed for thousands of years, have become a popular addition to hospitals, gardens and public institutions.

With a single path in and out, labyrinths are designed to encourage reflection. They differ from mazes, which are designed as puzzles. Labyrinths have been associated with religions and cultures throughout the world.

The number of labyrinths in the United States has been steadily increasing for about 15 years, said Robert Ferre, a labyrinth builder who founded Labyrinth Enterprises.

“Nowadays they’re so widespread, it’s more about how to best utilize them than what they are,” he said from San Antonio, Texas.

When he started the business in 1995, churches were his primary customers. Labyrinths were an important feature of European Roman Catholic churches in the Middle Ages; walking one was a devotional activity and represented a spiritual journey.

The most famous remaining labyrinth from that period is at Chartres Cathedral, near Paris. Many newer labyrinths are based on the Chartres pattern.

They can be constructed of turf or stone or painted on pavement.

Today, labyrinths are widely used in secular spaces too, said Maurer, who serves on the board of The Labyrinth Society, an organization dedicated to using and promoting the paths. She helped get the labyrinth built near the sculpture garden at the Delaware Art Museum.

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h o m e & garden “People are looking for ways to travel inward,” she said. “They’re trying to find a deeper connection with themselves that may be spiritual but not necessarily religious.”

It’s even possible for homeowners to build labyrinths themselves in their yard, with rock, gravel or mulch, Ferre said. Plans are available online or through his company.

Patricia Cadle, the oncology chaplain at N.C. Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill, N.C., encourages patients, family members and hospital employees to walk a labyrinth.

The medical facility dedicated an outdoor labyrinth in 2009, and just completed an indoor one this month (February).

“It’s a great tool for meditation and relaxation,” Cadle said.

“Labyrinths can help connect the mind, the body and the spirit. I think we can use that when we’re dealing with disease.”

Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland built a labyrinth in 2005 as part of its integrative health program, which focuses on holistic approaches to healing. The walking path has become widely used on campus, said Cherie Snyder, a professor and director with the program.

“Many of the faculty here have incorporated it into their teaching,” she said.

The community, initially unsure of the labyrinth, also has put it to good use, she said.

“A lot of times people think it’s a religious cult,” she said. But once area residents understood the labyrinth’s history, they began to visit. Cancer support groups, church groups and organizations that serve the developmentally disabled have all used the labyrinth, Snyder said.

“It’s just been a wonderful tool to introduce people to walking meditation, walking prayer and communing with nature,” she said.

Many users feel a labyrinth inspires creativity, said Katja Marquart, a member of The Labyrinth Society and an associate professor of interior architecture at the University of WisconsinStevens Point. She has encouraged graduate students to walk a labyrinth to help them sort out their work.

“They always came back with really great insights,” she said.

And walking a labyrinth does not

have to be a solo endeavor, said Amy Morgan, a homeless services coordinator for The Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Ashland, Ohio, which has a labyrinth on its grounds. To build a sense of community, Morgan walks through it with a women’s group she leads.

“As you walk, you are able to release what you need to release. You go back out prepared to reenter the world,” said JoAnn Shade, corps officer for the Salvation Army facility. “You get a sense of, what do I believe and who am I.”

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making a

GRAND

ENTRANCE AFTER

Jennifer’s Glassworks replaced the single door with sidelights on the home of Marietta residents Steve and Linda Ridenour with an elegant double door that fit into the curved archway.

BEFORE

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h o m e & garden

ADD A SPLASH OF

STAINED GLASS

by Stacey L. Evans

I

photography by Reid Traylor and courtesy of Jennifer’s Glassworks and Steve Ridenour

t may not always register consciously, but the front door plays a key role in welcoming you home. After a long day, it’s the gateway that transports you from the outside world to your safe haven, your home.

There’s something comforting and refreshing about turning the knob when you return to your abode. So why not be greeted with elegance and style, something that makes you smile?

The entry door is also the portal through which you welcome guests and family into your home.

It’s one of the first things people notice about a house.

“Great design begins at the front door,” said Carol Simmons, who owns Jennifer’s Glassworks with her husband David. “Your cabinets in the kitchen, your faucets in the bathroom—your neighbors may or may not see it. But everyone sees the front door, including you. You go in and out of it every day.”

Jennifer’s Glassworks specializes in decorative doors and windows. The 40-year-old company started as a stained glass venture in the ‘70s and due to customer demand kept growing and expanding its operation. Now the company also creates tempered glass and wrought iron designs in their Smyrna studio, and owns a mill shop in Ellijay, where they custom build wood doors. What makes Carol Simmons Jennifer’s unique is the quality of wood they use.

Most doors on the market are engineered wood, meaning, “a really nice piece of wood about this thick glued on to a piece of junk” said Carol, holding her fingers about half an inch apart. When the company first began making doors, they used the manufactured doors but began noticing a few years down the road their customers would have issues — the wood would start splitting and peeling. So they started building their own doors, using solid pieces of mahogany that can be refinished to look like new whenever they experience wear and tear.

“Our doors you can sand and refinish over and over again,” said Carol. “It’s not trash after a few years.”

Like a true craftsman, David selects each piece of wood by hand.

“We just have a little more artistry I’d say,” David said about their process.

“It comes from the birth of where the company came from.”

In addition to a better quality door, many homeowners are also going bigger, replacing single entry doors with double doors. Iron doors (seen at top), are also gaining popularity.

Jennifer’s Glassworks was started

by David and Carol Simmons in 1972.

David, a skilled stained glass artisan, learned the craft through a “vintage apprenticeship” in a 100-year-old studio in California. The couple sold stained glass and taught classes at first, and then evolved into a supply warehouse and eventually started working on the entire product, producing and installing doors and windows.

“One of the distinct things about us is we are design-build,” said David.

Jennifer’s Glassworks is the only studio in the state of Georgia accredited with the Stained Glass Association of America, according to David. There are only 35 in the nation. The company uses the same technique artisans used in the 13th century, with a few modern upgrades. According to David, stained glass was in its heyday in the Victorian era, then almost died as an industry during the Great Depression and WWII. The artform has resurged in popularity in recent years with many homeowners and builders installing the colorful artwork above bathtubs or as accents in doors. Carol said one new trend is to put stained glass in kitchen, bar and china cabinets.

“Stained glass can complement almost any type of architecture,” said Carol. “It’s one of those things that just adapts itself to anything.”

While stained glass can be beautiful on the front door, Carol said the most attractive designs use color sparingly.

“The idea is to complement, not overwhelm,” she said. “You don’t want to get too wild on your front door. Put a little color as an accent.”

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BEFORE & AFTER

As seen in these before and after photos, a new door can have a transforming effect on a home.

doors, which are a huge trend, can be personalized almost any way a customer wants, said Carol. Many clients choose to have their initials put into the artwork.

Another trend is a full iron entry.

“People like that feeling of ‘safe and secure’ and love that old world charm,” Carol said about iron doors.

At Jennifer’s Glassworks you can

custom design your door right down to the handle and lock set. Even those small details matter, said Carol.

“When you put a really beautiful handle set on the door, it’s just the finishing touch,” she said. “It’s like the jewelry.”

Jennifer’s Glassworks is at 4875 South Atlanta Road in Smyrna. 404-355-3080; www.jennifersglassworks.com

CONYNGHAM

in g!

REALTOR®, ARS, REBAC, SFR (678) 462-4299 Cell Joanna.Conyngham@HarryNorman.com

Li st

“A big door just makes an impression,” said Carol.

Clients Steve and Linda Ridenour chose to replace their single door and sidelights with decorative glass double doors on their Marietta home.

“It’s a night and day difference,” said Steve Ridenour. “It’s hard to compare the before and after. It certainly improved the appearance; it’s a much more dramatic appearance to the front entry. We get tons of compliments from the neighbors.

Everyone loves the door.”

Adding double doors with windows can also brighten a home, allowing sunlight to flood into the foyer, which is traditionally a dark area in the home. In addition to illumination, design glass can add some animation to a room.

“I love bevels in glass because they throw rainbows into the room,” said Carol. “And texture—you get all this texture on the foyer floor from the light shining through, which is neat. Quite often the foyer becomes the favorite room in the house.”

Wrought iron accents on wood

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Finally Free from Arthritis Pain Without Drugs or Harmful Side Effects Living with arthritis pain can affect every part of your life. It keeps you from enjoying the good things in life – time with grandkids,playing golf, even working in the yard.

It would be nice to get out of bed, just one morning, without pain.

Every time you try and push through the pain, like standing or walking for a long period of time, you pay for it for the next 2-3 days with even more pain.

Do you have any of these arthritic problems?

• Osteoarthritis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Bursitis/tendonitis • Degenerative joint disease • Lumbar disc problems • Aching pain in the arms or legs

Pain Pills Are Not The Answer Do you remember the Vioxx scandal? It was a medication designed to relieve arthritis pain... but like all drugs,it had side effects.After years of use worldwide, the makers withdrew it from the market because of the overwhelming evidence it caused heart attacks and strokes.

There's a time to use pain medications, but not before seeking a natural way to correct the cause of the problem! Ask yourself – after taking all these pain medications, maybe for years... are you any better off?

Pain Is Not Just “Old Age” Have you had one doctor after another tell you this is just the natural process of the body getting older - that you should expect to have arthritis?

Sure, if you don't take care of your damaged joints now, as you get older they will be worse (which is why you shouldn't wait any longer to see if I can help you.) However, old age is not the cause of your arthritis. I'll venture to say all 360 joints in your body are the same age, yet arthritis and joint degeneration has not affected every one of them – only your previously injured joints that have never healed properly.

My name is Dr.Amy Valente owner of New Life Chiropractic Center. Over the past six years since we've opened the doors, I've seen hundreds of people come in suffering with arthritis and leave the office pain-free. I've made it my mission in practice to help those suffering with chronic pain like you.

“I only wish I had found you sooner...”

I hear this too often, so I decided to do something about it. Just call before April 25th, 2012 and you'll get my "Arthritis Evaluation" for only $20. Here’s what you’ll get: • An in-depth consultation about your arthritis where I will listen – really listen.

• A complete nerve, muscle and spinal exam to find the cause of your problem.

• A full set of specialized x-rays to look for joint degeneration (arthritis) (These would normally cost you at least $200).

• A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so I can show you how to fix the problems.

I'll answer all your questions about chiropractic and arthritis pain. The appointment will not take long at all and you won't be sitting in a waiting room all day either.

To take me up on this special offer, you must call before April 25th, 2012.

Call Today!

678-574-5678 Feel the improvement and say "Yes" to life again!

Listen to what someone else has to say about it…..

"I came into the office with terrible hip pain and stiffness.Now I am able to move around without all of the pain! Before I came to the office I had a lot of trouble sleeping but now I can sleep 7 hours a night without taking any medication!"

Thanks! – D. Hames "When I came in to NLCC I was dealing with pain that at times left me unable to function normally. Activities such as working out, doing yardwork and lifting my grandson were difficult.

Now that I am getting well I feel like a normal person again. I can exercise, lift weights and even pick up my grandson without worrying about the pain!"

Thanks again! – K. Sears With my "Arthritis Evaluation",we can find the problem and then correct it.Think of how you could feel in just a few short weeks! See and feel your life change for the better. Start your body on the way to pain-free, normal living.

Feel tight joints rest, relax, free up. Feel PA I D A DV E RT I S I N G

muscles tied in knots become more supple.

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As you begin to see motion returning to your joints, you're preventing and reducing chances of disability and a crippling future.

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Arthritis can be successfully treated.

Healthy, pain-free living should be yours.

Please call our 24-Hour Helpline at 678-5745678 and tell the receptionist you'd like to come in for the Special Arthritis Evaluation before April 25th, 2012.

We can get started with your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there's an opening in the schedule. Our office is located on the corner of Mars Hill Road and Hwy 41.

I look forward to helping you get rid of your pain so you can start living a healthier, more joyful life.

Sincerely, Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. P.S. The only real question to ask yourself is this... isn’t life too short to live in pain? Call us today and soon I'll be giving you the green light to have fun again!

New Life Chiropractic Center 3451 Cobb Parkway, Suite 6 Acworth, GA Call Today:

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Owners Jay and Tammie Sweetnich, opposite page, were attracted to the home for its clean lines, numerous windows and muted colors among other items. The home resembles a modern art museum in many aspects.

Black and white photography and contemporary furniture enhance the sleek ambience.

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h o m e & garden

By Allen Bell

Photography by Reid Traylor

california

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h o m e & garden

ucked away on a treecovered property in Vinings is a California-inspired home that has distinctive personality.

With soaring ceilings, stark white walls and tall picture windows, the design of the house resembles a modern art museum.

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The study is lined with bookshelves that contain everything from the exotic to the commonplace.

Opposite page: The streamlined kitchen.

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The numerous Pella windows in the house allow natural light to stream into the rooms and have the effect of bringing the outside indoors.

Contemporary artwork, black and white photographs and modern furniture complement the design of the home, emphasizing clean lines and muted colors. Even the light fixtures are well chosen, with recessed lighting in the living room and Frisbi chandeliers designed by Achille Castiglioni hanging in the dining area.

While a home that appears this formal may not be to everyone’s taste, touches such as the living room fireplace, the kitchen breakfast bar and the loft-like office make the space feel livable and inviting.

“I think the kitchen is a great gathering area,” Tammie Sweetnich said. “Where we have our regular meals there is a view out over the property. It’s very peaceful, it’s very relaxing.”

The interior of the home, with its open floor plan and spacious rooms, is only part of the admiration the structure inspires.

It also features several outdoor living spaces, including a deck off the living room, a patio attached to the master bedroom, a millstone fountain and a garden bench nestled in the woods at the intersection of gravel walking trails.

“There’s a bench that’s set back from the house probably 20 yards out that’s set on a bed of river stone and you look toward the house and the fountain,” she said. “I like to sit back there with our dog. I really like the view of the back of the house.

It’s very clean, with the windows looking into the house from the outside.”

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h o m e & garden

Above, the backyard features a melodic fountain and looks out into a tree-shaded lot. Top right, while the inside of the house is grand, the front view is quite unassuming and approachable.

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The home was built by the original owners Jo and Steven Knapp in 1995 after a trip to California where they fell in love with modern house design. They contracted with Roswellbased architects Karel Pruner Associates to draw up the plans.

The Sweetnich family kept all of the original appliances and fixtures, and even a handful of the furniture. The improvements they made are subtle ones, consistent with the architect’s design, including a new kitchen backsplash of transparent glass mosaic tiles in shades of gray and black, and Bruce Mineral Forest wood laminate flooring installed in the living room.

“When we had our flooring laid, the guys said they had never seen a more square home in their life,” Jay said. “We loved what the previous owners did. We felt compelled to see through their vision. They put their heart and soul into it and we wanted to respect that. We could see it was hard for them to give it up. We wanted to make sure they knew we would be good stewards of the home.”

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Thanks to Kelly Chancy for her assistance with this article.

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h o m e & garden

MADE IN THE SHADE: One of the toughest tasks in gardening is dealing with the dark side: coaxing plants to grow where the sun won't shine.

But the challenge is worth it. Shade gardens can introduce many subtle colors and varying leaf textures to other-wise barren parts of the landscape.

First, though, define darkness. Just how shady is it where you plan to plant?

Measuring daylight is an inexact science. Even the experts don't always agree about how to quantify light levels, which are divided into as many as seven different categories, from full sun to deep shade.

"A commonsense filter has to apply here," said Renee Shepherd, founder of Renee's Garden Seeds in Felton, Calif.

"There's light shade and full shade, afternoon shade and morning shade. Under one kind of tree you might have extreme shade; under another it may be dappled."

Finding the right location can mean life or death for a plant that needs some degree of sunlight to grow and reproduce.

"Vegetables that have foliage, like greens — lettuce, spinach and the cold crop family —can get by with four to six hours of direct sun," said Keith Hansen, an extension horticulturist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, in Smith County. "But anything that produces fruit needs light - the more the better."

You can meet most light intensity challenges by: — Pruning. Thin out thick stands of trees to reduce competition for nutrients and sun. Cut away branches that block sunlight. "Trees can be thinned, lower limbs can be removed. But that's a temporary fix," Hansen said. "They'll continue to grow and cast more shade. Find plants that match the circumstances for the proper long-term remedy."

— Amending the soil. "You don't want to put too much mulch down or you'll smother the roots," Hansen said.

Compost can help retain moisture and insulate plant roots.

— Going natural. If native plants such as ferns, lily of the valley and Virginia bluebell can grow despite being shaded by trees in the wild, then they should survive similar conditions in your yard.

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arden

delights The Anne Hathaway Garden Club garden tour took place last year. The next tour is in June. These photos were taken at the home of Joe and Maetlin Sheram.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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n Joe and Maetlin Sheram.

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h o m e & garden

the luxurious lavatory Creating a spa-like bathroom adds both value and enjoyment to a home

By Therra C. Gwyn

There’s a very particular feeling homeowners know.

It starts when your bathroom doesn’t seem to come completely clean no matter how hard you scrub, when you realize your tile was fashionable two decades ago, or you find yourself squinting at your own face in the mirror because the light is just a little too dim.

Your friends might notice you staring into space over lunch and ask you what’s on your mind. “Grout,” you will dreamily say.

It continues as you find yourself taking notes while watching home-makeover TV shows where they start with regular bathrooms and within an hour turn them into sparkling spa palaces.

The feeling subsides only when you’ve either updated or completely re-done your own bathroom.

With the dip in home prices and sales in the last few years, fewer people are selling and more are staying put and looking at their current residence with an eye towards how to improve their homes to enjoy now and at the same time add value for better economic times. One of the best ways to add both value and enjoyment to your home is with a bathroom or kitchen makeover.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in your house. Those are the rooms that guests notice,” says Lance Smith, owner of Cobb-based Affordable Contracting.

Affordable Contracting is in the business of making rooms noticeable. A general contracting firm that opened in 2004, they remain busy year-round supplying homeowners in Cobb and statewide with the information, trends, design and labor to make their homes a more enjoyable place to live. Smith says homeowners are enthusiastic about bathroom upgrades, even in a down marketplace, and he’s noticed a few recent trends.

“More and more people are doing away with tubs and going with larger showers. If

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Photos courtesy of Affordable Contracting

they are looking for tubs they want free-standing tubs, claw foot tubs or something beautiful as opposed to standard drop-in tubs,” he says, “In colors, bathroom designs are veering away from gold, which was all the rage for a few years and going toward darker, warmer colors, like rubbed bronze.”

Smith recommends homeowners ask themselves two questions before they start to talk to a contractor about a remodel: “What do I like about my existing bathroom? What do I hate?” He says you don’t have commit to an entire makeover to make a better bathroom.

Above,these two bathrooms created by Affordable Contracting showcase current trends in remodeling: free-standing tubs, huge, walk-in showers and warm colors.

Affordable Contracting is at 2451 Cumberland Pkwy. in Vinings.

INFORMATION: 770.577.6279, www.affordable contracting.com.

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Last year Affordable Contracting held their first “Ugliest Bathroom Contest,” offering a $10,000 bathroom makeover to a winning homeowner anywhere in the state.

People were encouraged to post photos of their bathroom on Facebook and let the public vote.

From there judges were dispatched to see the top 3 bad bathrooms and pick a winner.

Carl Mahaffey Lance Smith of Douglasville posted photos of his family’s bathroom after learning about the contest from a friend who entered. He jokingly said he wanted to give his friend’s bathroom some competition.

That competitive spirit paid off when he and wife Karole won. Within two weeks in January their bare and basic bathroom was totally updated, complete with an oversized shower and heated floors.

Although they re-do hundreds of bathrooms per year, Affordable Contracting staff enjoyed the “Ugliest Bathroom” contest and construction so much they’ve decided to do it every year.

“Everyone wants to live comfortably and make the most of what they have,” says Lance Smith.

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(re)new and improved

h o m e & garden

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

after .................

Affordable Contracting transformed this “Ugliest Bathroom” (top photos) into a much improved, modernized restroom. The update included heated flooring.

Photos courtesy of Carl and Karole Mahaffey

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Blooming with history and promise

By Michael Pallerino Photography by Reid Traylor

Stately fireplaces. Twenty-inch rock underpinning each room.

A beautifully crafted design accentuated with square nails and wooden pegs.

Close your eyes and the enchanting two-story Victorian home on 505 Kennesaw Avenue, known today as the Marietta Educational Garden Center, will take you back to a time and place when the city of Marietta was the belle of the ball in Southern architecture.

Today, the architecturally significant home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a beacon of civic and cultural pride. Serving as a public meeting place and event facility, the 150-year-old home is headquarters to 21 local supporting garden clubs and nearly 655 members of the Marietta Council of Garden Clubs.

Built by the Newton family in 1852, the home went through several owners before Clara and Howard Benson eventually purchased it in 1919. It wasn’t until the Benson family moved out in 1962 that community leaders saw the historical treasure it had in the home. And it was almost too late. Sitting idle for nearly four years, the home began to get rundown, eventually becoming a frequent target of vandals.

Enter the Marietta Council of Garden Clubs, which just happened to be looking for a new home. In 1966, then chairman Anne Cannon asked Clara Benson if she’d be interested in selling her home to the Council. Instead, the Bensons graciously decided to deed the property to the Council to be used as a Garden Center.

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The grounds and the building itself is a paragon of beauty in the area. Far right, Linda Pou and Mary Ansley Southerland.

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After 12 years of searching for a home and three years of restoration, the dream became a reality.

“I’m sure while the home means different things to different people, one of our greatest legacies is that the garden clubs of Marietta had saved and restored one of its most beautiful, historic homes,” says Linda Pou, president of the Marietta Council of Garden Clubs. “A few more years and the home would have been lost forever. Now it is ours.”

The Board of Trustees, made up of garden club members, oversees the upkeep and maintenance of the house and grounds. Together with the Council, the two boards function as the Marietta Educational Gardens.

Founded in 1949, the Marietta Council of Garden Clubs Inc. coordinates the interests of the Garden Clubs of Cobb County, helping to promote the love of gardening and study of horticulture throughout the area. It also helps protect native trees, wildflowers and birds.

The Council sponsors two annual flower shows at the North Georgia State Fair, holds ongoing horticulture and flower design classes, and participates in a series of beautification, conservation and pollution control projects throughout Cobb County.

As for the Center, the historic home is prominently located on 3.5 acres, which makes it the perfect, intimate gathering spot for the community (think weddings and receptions). The house accommodates up to 150 people for a standing affair or 70 for a seated meal.

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An inside look at what just a handful of the Council’s garden clubs of Marietta do: Anne Hathaway Garden Club – Plants and maintains four outdoor planters in front of Marietta Welcome Center; picks up trash along Kennesaw Avenue; financially supports Marietta Tree Keepers Bridal Wreath Garden Club – Presents monthly horticulture lessons for Council meetings English Laurel Garden Club – Helped Rotary Club and Marietta Tree Keepers plant 1,500 trees at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park; leads culinary arts edible garden and teaches “farm to table” process at Marietta High School Flower Garden Club (Marietta’s oldest surviving club, est.

1928) – Maintain 10 planters at the Marietta Education Garden Center Four Seasons Garden Club – Along with the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department, it is developing an entrance garden to Hickory Hills Park; financially supports YWCA of Marietta for improvements to facilities used by abused women Liberty Oak Garden Club – Helps maintain outdoor landscaping around the Root House, a local historic home listed with the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society Sope Creek Garden Club – Donated money from plant sale to the Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs Memorial Garden at the Center for Families of the Fallen at Dover Air Force Base

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keys to

LOW

MAINTENANCE gardening

If you're gardening more but enjoying it less, maybe it's time to add some labor-saving ideas to that list of New Year's resolutions.

Those can range from downsizing to mulching, from using native plants to switching to raised beds.

"There's no such thing as 'no maintenance' gardening. All gardens require some effort," said Christopher Starbuck, an associate professor with the University of Missouri's Division of Plant Sciences at Columbia. "But one good way to reduce the workload is consolidation, and you can do that by going with raised beds."

More crops can be grown - and grown more easily - when concentrated in small areas, he said. That simplifies adding organic matter to the soil, and it also makes plants more accessible for watering and weeding.

"Start in one corner and put in a few raised beds per year. Just peck away at it," Starbuck said. "You'll find it takes a lot less energy and produces higher yields in the end."

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Using less fertilizer. Recycle as many nutrients as possible by leaving grass clippings on the lawn or foliage over plant beds. Base fertilizer use on soil tests, Starbuck said. "Over-fertilization leads to excessive growth that needs frequent pruning or mowing."

Mulching. "Mulch is the ultimate low-tech, high-impact gardening tool," said Doug Welsh, a professor and extension horticulturist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service at College Station. "It conserves water, cools temperatures in summer and warms them in winter. It also keeps the weeds down."

Native plants. "Choose plants adapted to your environment," Welsh said. "Don't try to grow Bluegrass in Texas or rhubarb in the South. You can always be a pioneer, but it takes more effort to grow plants not native to your environment."

Containers. You can manage water and fertilizer use more easily in containers, Welsh said.

"The biggest mistake people make with containers is getting them too small," he said. "Start almost at the whiskey barrel size and then scale down to what your plants really need."

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Xeriscaping. Choosing drought-tolerant plants saves on water and watering time, two big pluses for busy gardeners. "All plants within a (planting) zone should have the same water requirements and be watered as a group," according to a Clemson University fact sheet.

Avoid high-maintenance plants, or put them where they can be reached easily with a soaker hose. Choose day lilies, iris and other perennials that require little attention.

Reducing lawn size. Replace it with perennial beds, decks, trails, sidewalks or mulch. "Grass is one of the highest input plants that we grow," Welsh said. "Turf means watering, mowing, fertilizing and pest control. Do you really need 5,000 square feet of grass?"

Naturalizing. Incorporate your surroundings and let plants grow wild, said Sydney Eddison, author of "Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older." (Timber Press, 2010).

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e h c a c

Cobb’s wine guru Michael Venezia discovers a

r a l l e c e h t n i

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL VENEZIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

r

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Barely visible, the wooden box was found hiding in the deepest recesses of the cellar where the wines were stored. Long forgotten, it laid untouched, away from the other stacked cases; reposing in this stone and earthen floored space, underneath a modest 1960s brick home in East Cobb.

Cinderblocks and two-by-fours were used to raise the stacked cases. This allowed for air to circulate around the boxes of wine so they did not come in direct contact with the soil and stones.

It was my second full day in the cellar and by late afternoon I had removed more than 600 bottles from this secret hiding place. The wines belonged to an elderly gentleman who asked me to remove the contents and catalogue the cache. He had

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been a lover of wines for many years and now his wish was to enjoy and share them with friends. I gladly accepted his invitation to work for wine. The agreement reached after a short discussion was that I would be able to select any 48 bottles from the mysterious contents of this pristine environment.

The entry to the cellar was sealed by a large wooden door which over time had become stuck in place and it was necessary to remove it from its hinges. Once open, the humidity, cool temperature and distinct underground aroma slowly came back to life. With the glow of my flashlight the pitch black space revealed a gallery roughly 24 feet long and four feet wide. The cases of wine were stacked along the walls on either side of the dugout.

Fortunately the area was over seven feet tall so I didn’t have to stoop to enter.

Absent of any light and with perfect temperature and humidity, it promised optimum conditions for long term wine storage. By count, more than 60 cases or more than 700 bottles were packed and stacked like soldiers in parade formation.

After setting up some temporary lighting to illuminate the cellar I began to remove each case to a staging area in the basement of the home.

To my utter amazement and surprise each box contained an assortment of fine vintage Bordeaux and Burgundy, an impressive selection of California cabernet sauvignon, vintage ports from the mid to late 20th century and a small but distinguished collection of Italian Amarone and Barolo.

With my task almost complete, it was then that I directed the flashlight to the farthest corner of the cellar. It seemed that the ray of light shined on a box half the size of the others, cowering in hopes that it would not be discovered. It had a lid and a moldy red velvet ribbon which was loosely tied around its frame like an elderly gentleman’s belt. I lifted it from its place and brought it out for closer inspection.

Holding my breath I removed the ribbon, opened the lid and slowly gazed the contents of the hidden cask. To be continued‌.

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H

ighlights

A closer look at events and activities throughout Cobb County in April

SHULER HENSLEY AWARDS >> Each April, schools from throughout Georgia convene at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for the Shuler Hensley Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. Fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the awards are named in honor of Shuler Hensley, a native of Marietta, who is also a winner of the Tony Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Drama Desk Award. Festivities begin with a fan and paparazzi-packed red carpet prior to the awards ceremony. Attendees make their way to the John A. Williams Theater where high school musical productions are recognized in 15 performance and technical categories. Staged by industry professionals, the evening will be an action-packed celebration of the artistic achievements of high schools and students. The Shuler Hensley Awards are April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

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This screening of “The General” is part of Marietta’s celebration of the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase, which began in Marietta with Union spies spending the night at the Kennesaw house. Buster Keaton did extensive research in producing this film, including site visits to Marietta and Kennesaw. These two screenings will feature Harper Harris, with the Southern Museum of Locomotive and Civil War History, who will introduce the film, as well as a book signing, and an encampment by Civil War re-enactors on the Marietta square, and other surprises. An organ pre-show will feature Strand organist Ron Carter performing at 7:30 p.m. Screenings of “The General” are April 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. in The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, students, and members of the military.

Information: 770.293.0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org

THE SECRET GARDEN >> Based on the beloved 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and adapted by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman, “The Secret Garden” centers on an eleven-year-old orphaned girl who must come to grips with the loss of family while searching for identity amidst a strange new world.

Performances of “The Secret Garden” are April 10 to 14 at 8 p.m., and April 15 at 2 p.m. at Howard Logan Stillwell Theater in the Wilson Building on the KSU campus. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, military, faculty, and staff, $15 for alumni, and $12 for students.

Information: 770.423.6650

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TUNA DOES VEGAS>> Some of the more colorful denizens of Tuna, Texas head for Las Vegas. And you can bet on hitting the belly-laugh jackpot.

Grits meets glitz as some Tuna regulars run head-on into a pair of dueling Elvises and other riotous Sin City citizens.

This show is the latest in the Tuna cycle as two actors play multiple roles with lightning fast costume and character changes.

Theatre in the Square presents “Tuna Does Vegas� from April 25 to May 27. Performance times and ticket prices vary. Call Theatre in the Square for details. This show is recommended for audiences age 16 and over.

Information: 770.422.8369 or www.theatreinthesquare.com

CHAKA KHAN>> Jazz 91.9 WCLK celebrates its longstanding legacy of jazz and service to the Atlanta community by featuring a signature jazz benefit concert each year. This year marks the 38th Anniversary for the station, which hails as the longest running jazz station in Atlanta and the southeast.

The benefit concert with Chaka Khan is sure to make this an especially memorable occasion converging upon the musical genres for which Jazz 91.9 has become acclaimed over the years.

Jazz 91.9 WCLK presents, live in concert, music legend, rhythm and blues icon, and jazz pioneer Chaka Khan on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the John A. Williams Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $53 to $98.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

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JOSH TURNER>> Josh Turner, the Hannah, South Carolina native, has sold more than five million albums and garnered numerous multi-week number one hits. His debut album, “Long Black Train,” was certified platinum for more than one million copies sold, and his sophomore album, “Your Man,” was one of only four country albums to reach double-platinum status in 2006. The debut single, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” from his current album, “Haywire,” was the most-played song on country radio in 2010. "Why Don't We Just Dance" took home an American Country Music Award for male single of the year. Six years after his Grand Ole Opry debut, he was inducted into the prestigious organization, becoming one of the youngest artists to receive such an honor.

Josh Turner performs on April 14 at 8 p.m. in the John A. Williams Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $33.50 to $54.00.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

DON GIOVANNI>>

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Widely regarded as the greatest opera ever composed, “Don Giovanni” tells the story of the devious schemes and shenanigans of history’s most beguiling scoundrel, Don Juan. Mozart’s anti-hero has a personality so engaging that audiences root for him, even as his dark side emerges. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, performances of “Don Giovanni” are April 28 at 8 p.m., May 1 at 7:30 p.m., May 4 at 8 p.m., and May 6 at 3 p.m., in the John A. Williams Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $24 to $139, plus fees.

Information: 404.881.8885 or www.atlantaopera.org

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CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET>> With its mighty sound and spectacular power, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet contributes to the distinctive “Chicago Sound” with its rich brass sonorities. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet performs April 1 at 3 p.m. at the Bailey Performance Center on the Kennesaw State University campus. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students.

Information: 770.423.6650 or www.kennesaw.edu/arts

A STORYTELLING CONCERT>> KSU Tellers Showcase features an evening of performances by resident student storytellers. Directed by Charles Parrott, this event may not be suitable for all audiences. Admission is free of charge, but donations are welcome. The KSU Tellers Showcase is April 17 at 8 p.m. at the Studio Theatre in the Joe Mack Wilson Building.

Information: 770.423.6650 or www.kennesaw.edu/arts

SPRING HOOPLA-PALOOZA>> “Spring Hoopla-Palooza” features performances by the student improv ensemble to help audiences shake off the doldrums and waggle their funny bones for a change. Side-splitting, surprising, downright silly, and absolutely and entirely on the fly, these comedic performances are coordinated by Jamie Bullins. Not suitable for all audiences, performances of “Spring HooplaPalooza” are April 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the Black Box Theater in the Wilson Annex on the Kennesaw State University campus. Admission is free of charge.

Information: 770.423.6650 or www.kennesaw.edu/arts

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THE EVOLUTION OF A DANCER>> The Georgia Ballet’s dancers will immerse audiences in the world of dance, and particularly classical ballet, as they demonstrate what it takes to become a professional ballet dancer. Attendees will experience an amazingly athletic art form in action, from the classroom to the stage. The demonstration will begin with pre-professional ballet students, as well as professional artists, participating in an actual ballet class. Then the dancers will continue the visual evolution to perform both classical and current works. “The Evolution of a Dancer” is April 20 at 11 a.m. in the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. Tickets are $5.

Information:770.528.0881 or www.georgiaballet.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK ON THE MARIETTA SQUARE>> The new season of First Friday Art Walks on the Marietta Square begins on April 6, and continues on May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, and October 5. Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of the Marietta Square’s eclectic art scene. Galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques host artists within their businesses from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine. Look for an official Art Walk banner in the window to identify participating venues. Choose your own route, or begin from Artists' Alley at Dupre's Antique Market at 17 Whitlock Ave. Art Walk informational maps are provided at each participating location. Pick one up to learn about the various locations and artists participating in Art Walk.

There is no admission charge.

Information: 770.429.1115 or www.artwalkmarietta.com

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dk gallery art opening

dk Gallery in Marietta held an opening reception for the exhibit, “All Dressed Up” featuring artists Holly Irwin and Susan Freda. The event took place in February. 1. From left, Eric and Lori May of Marietta. 2. From left, Janice Wright of Acworth, David and Rebecca Brewer of Kennesaw and Rita Maynard of Kennesaw.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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4 3. From left, Riley Kole of Kennesaw, Kelly Kole of Kennesaw and Mary Koronkowski of East Cobb. 4. From left, gallery owner Donna Krueger of Kennesaw, artist Holly Irwin of Roswell and Julie and Jim Edwards of Marietta.

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Oscar Night

The Center for Family Resources held its annual Oscar Night event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. More than 700 guests attended the function which raised money for the Center for Family Resources, a Cobb-based nonprofit group. 1. Corinne Dege and Drew Eckford of Marietta. 2. Ian and Emily Trenbeath of Marietta. 3. Jo and Clint Smith of Marietta.

4. Devin Thompson and Rachel Smathers of Kennesaw. 5. Adam and Caroline Whaley of Marietta.

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Oscar Night

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Mardi Gras Party

The Earl Smith Strand Theatre held a special Fat Tuesday party. Patrons were treated to live New Orleans jazz and drinks to celebrate the day. 1. From left, Don and Paulette Rucinski of Marietta with Jeanie and Jim Boyette of Kennesaw.

2. Ann and Alan Scheibe of Marietta. 3. Sybil Parr and Boyd McCeown of Marietta. 4. Marilyn and Joe Cutcliff of Marietta.

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Mardi Gras Party

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5. Leigh and Keith Cleghorn of Powder Springs.

6. Erik Vanderheijden and Laura Downes of Kennesaw. 7. From left, Jodi Bulaga of Marietta, Pam Overton of Marietta, Linda Parrish of Marietta and Georgia Crowley of Griffin.

8. From left, Dave Parrish, Noel Batten and Steve Thornton, all of Marietta.

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Mardi Gras Party

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The Georgia Ballet held a special fund-raising event at the Murray Arts Center in January. The event, titled “Swirling Soiree: An Evening of New Dances, Great Finds and Tasty Eats,” featured dances, a reception and a silent auction to raise money for the ballet and its arts in education funding.

1. Margaret and Clyde Bearss of Marietta. 2. Harry Lembeck, wife and Superintendent of Marietta City Schools Emily Lembeck, and granddaughter Kailyn Lembeck. 3. Aileen Szabo and Carelene Weis, both of Kennesaw.

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Georgia Ballet Soiree

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8 5. From left, Lucille Black of Kennesaw, Margret Adam of Kennesaw and Trish Cleary of Kennesaw. 6. Mathew and Teresa Pastore of Smyrna with Debbie and Vince Carozza of Atlanta. 7. Patti Pearlberg, Eddie and wife Shan, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and general manager of the company’s Marietta facility, and Ryan Wallace, all from Marietta. 8. Danny Thomas and Nevanne Hensley-Thomas, both of Kennesaw.

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reflections

My neighbors must wonder what the heck I’m doing.

I swear I see them peeking through their blinds or glancing my way from their back porches.

Sometimes I wonder what the heck I’m doing, too.

I catch my childrens’ friends staring in wonder at me.

(It’s the same stare I get when they see me jumping rope like Rocky in the driveway.)

I feel my wife staring at me from our kitchen window.

Yet, despite all this, I keep at it.

It being the ivy-clover-weedgrass morass that is my backyard.

For over seven years, I’ve been hacking, digging and cutting away at the overgrowth, trying to carve out a playable space for my family.

Granted, there are times when I

By Adam Miller still don’t know what I’m hacking at, but in the rhythm of creating space and pushing earth, I do feel a connection to nature.

Oh yes, I’ve got plenty of dissension in my labor, even when I’m totally alone with my rudimentary implements.

My blistered hands, my scratchy skin, the voices in my head that remind me there are companies and machines that could do this a lot faster.

There are times I’ll take days or weeks just cutting down a small tree. There are weekends my wife gasps in horror (I can hear her over my iPod) at the new nuisance I’ve created. There are times I share her horror after I finish

loading the fifth truckload of my efforts.

I know sometimes I’m my family’s favorite form of entertainment. I’m fine with this, and will need to be as I do not plan anytime soon to stop shaping my backyard with my own blood, sweat and cheap wood and metal tools.

And still, I’m pretty sure the neighbors wince as darkness falls as I wield and cut away my backyard.

Should you happen to see me sweating this spring or summer, toiling away with medieval landscaping techniques, remember the great contrast between the ease of our insulated offices, computer screens, air-conditioning and the sun-beaten back and the raw hands with which our ancestors worked the soil with.

For me, it all boils down to finding the human connection with the stuff I’m made of — ashes and dust and clay .

In other words, there’s a pure, almost religious pleasure to playing in the dirt.

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