Cobb Life Magazine November

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Cobb Life

November 2011 Volume 7, Issue 8 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!

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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

FREE

75 Day Trial Period on Hearing Aids

Zephyr

DR. LAURIE NELSON Audiologist

Hearing Aid Dehumidifier Not valid on prior purchases.

Expires 12-31-2011

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire CONTRIBUTORS

(from Dry and Store)

with purchase of any pair of hearing aids.

Mark Wallace Maguire

Allen Bell, Joan Durbin, Stacey L. Evans, Kevin Hazzard, Michael Pallerino Meredith Pruden, Heather Teilhet,Michael Venezia PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Reid Traylor PHOTOGRAPHY

Joshua Campbell, Samantha Shal Nathan Self PROOFREADERS

Caroline Brannen, Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Atlanta Lyric Theatre Atlanta Dance BBQ Grill Dr Beltone Big Shanty BBQ Blackwells Jewelers Carpet Dry Tech Center For Allergy & Asthma Chatahoochee Technical College Children's HealthCare City of Smyrna Cobb Hardware Cochran Shutters Cumberland Diamond Exchange Dermatology Consultants DK Gallery Emory Adventist Hospital Fabric & Fringe Fireplace Company First Cherokee State Bank Fresh N Fit Gail Holman - Remax Around Atlanta Gas South Broadway Series Geico GOBBLE JOG Golden Rugs Good Measure Meals Halo Salon Harry Norman Henry's Joanna Conyingham Johnson Ferry Baptist Juleps

57 36 63 38 50 31 62 7 17 2 22 60 53 29 44 52 39 10 10 51 11 40 56 11 65 54 21 32 32 20 12 41 16

Kennesaw Dental 54 KSU Continuing ED 46 Lavida Massage 15 Magnolia Room 61 Marietta City Schools 37 Marietta Hearing 4 Marietta Pilgrimage Home Tour 30 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 67 Milestones 58 New Life Chiropractic 55 Northside Hospital Sleep Center 6 Parc @ Piedmont 47 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 5 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 26 Resurgens 33 Roswell Street Baptist 12 Rug Décor of Kennesaw 40 Savannah Court 50 Sawyer Baily Salon 64 Solaris 3 Spot On Consulting 62 Sue Hilton - Keller Williams 20 Sundial Plumbing 59 The Bottoms Group 9 The Framery 16 The Georgia Ballet 57 The Henssler Financial Group 27 United Community Bank 23 Wellstar 68 Wellstar Atherton Place 45 West Cobb Funeral Home 13 White Rabbit 28 Winnwood Retirement 53

A D V E R T I S I N G S TA F F COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER

Becky Opitz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Reneé Aghajanian, Stephanie deJarnette, Carole Johnson, Dawne Edge, Paula Milton, Cheryl Myrick, 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, contact Matt Heck at 770.795.5001 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

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42

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features 14 BEHIND THE SCENES Come with Cobb Life as we show you a year unseen 24 GIFT GUIDE Present ideas for everyone on your list 42 FORGING EXCELLENCE Inside a Marietta custom car shop 48 GHOST DANCING Kennesaw native carries on sacred tradition

departments 18 SPICE Farm to table no fable at Chicken and The Egg

in every issue FROM THE DIRECTOR

08

NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

10

HIGHLIGHTS

56

34 STYLE Before and after holiday makeovers

SCENE 58 52 WINE Thanksgiving wines Georgia-style

ON THE COVER: Marietta resident Elizabeth Williams holds her daughter, Madison Williams.

SLICE OF COBB

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

The search for the perfect gift Gift giving sure is a custom that changes with age isn’t it?

When I was younger and the adage of, “I don’t need anything, I’ve got all I want” was uttered by an older relative, the phrase baffled me. I was not a greedy child, but I could never quite grasp onto how someone could not want a present.

I mean, opening a gift is just plain fun.

The ripping of the paper.

The surprise within.

Finding something in a box that you’ve been wanting all year.

Even as I now enter my 39th Christmas on the planet, I still enjoy receiving presents. Something of that childlike wonder has not left me. And I haven’t run out of ideas to provide my family when prodded. A matter-of-fact, my lists have remained quite solid and full of things I would never buy for myself. For example, last year my list included a New Zealand rugby jersey, a subscription to The New Yorker, vintage pub signs, garden statues and rare coffee.

Of course, many times my relatives, particularly in-laws, don’t ask me what I want. Take, for example, my first Christmas with my wife’s family. My sister-in-law Peggy gave me a woman’s zip-up fleece. Yep, a woman’s fleece. I had a difficult time mustering a thankyou before we got in the car after Christmas dinner, but I did it.

But, I digress. While I’ve got my list together each year, the challenge I face these days is picking the perfect present for other people.

Take my dad, for example. He doesn’t really need anything or for that matter want anything besides chocolate.

For many years, we used his love of the Dawgs to buy him just about everything and anything related to the red and black: Caps, shirts, watches, ties, magnets, cups, mugs and bottle openers that play “Glory, Glory to Old Georgia” (and he doesn’t even drink.) But eventually you run out of things to buy. I mean, I really couldn’t picture a 64-yearold man donning an A.J. Green jersey and red and black trousers on a Saturday, much less to wear to work Monday

through Friday.

So, we’ve acquiesced to his wishes and have returned to getting him what he always wants - books, gift certificates to bookstores, homemade gifts from his grandchildren and the aforementioned chocolate.

Then there is my wife.

Finding the right present for my wife has always been tough. Before we became parents, I spent lavishly on her each year buying her everything she wanted and everything I thought she wanted. I batted about .500 which I think is about average for husbands. (If not, please don’t tell me).

Now, every year she says she doesn’t want anything, except for small kitchen appliances. Kitchen appliances are fine and dandy, but I just can’t justify giving one as a Christmas gift.

I know the fail-safe plan for ladies is jewelry, but my wife rarely wears jewelry and is extremely particular on what clothes she wears. It is a lose-lose situation for me, so I usually do my best and hope to compensate for any failures by over-giving her immense amounts of chocolate.

One of the best ideas for gifts I ever heard was from someone who said that in their family the rule was all gifts must be consumable.

I like that idea.

Imported candy, rare jams or honeys, fine cheeses, real ground grits, country hams or fine wines are all winners in my book. The person will always enjoy them and will use them. That is a guaranteed win-win.

Another good idea I got from my grandmother, Louise Maguire. Last Christmas she said she was buying a cow in each of our names for Christmas to be given away to a poor family. When she first mentioned this, I was a bit concerned. I had visions of her – now in her mid-80s – wrangling a weary bovine onto a trailer attached to her Mercury Marquis. Then she explained it was through an international charity that allows folks to give gifts such as chickens, cows, goats, wells and so forth to poor people in third world countries.

Sounds like a winner to me.

One thing is for certain though in this issue. With our gift guide, you should be able to find something for everyone on your list. We also made a point that everything is local and affordable. We know that while the Neiman Marcus gift catalogue can be amusing to flip through, we also understand a $250,000 houseboat might be a bit out of reach for some of us this year.

Happy hunting.

Mark Wallace Maguire

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[food]

Cook’s Warehouse goes OTP here Affordable Fabrics & Trim

Superstore: 770.794.8106 2440 Canton Road • Marietta, GA 30066 www.fabricsandfringe.com

The newest Cook’s Warehouse has opened in the Merchant’s Walk center in east Cobb. It is the first to be located outside of the perimeter.

Mary Moore, owner and founder of the local retail chain, said the 4,800-square-foot store is the second largest, topped only by the 6,500-square-foot Ansley Mall store in Midtown.

“East Cobb has been the most-requested store location since the day I opened The Cook’s Warehouse in 1995,” Moore said. “The area has a vibrant demographic, a strong sense of community, is very friendly to business, and a thorough review of registrants to our cooking school showed a significant percentage from east Cobb came to our classes.

“Finally, the re-birth of Merchant’s Walk and the location next to our close friend Whole Foods Market sealed the deal.”

The store sells a wide range of gourmet culinary equipment, from the basic to the hard-to-find, as well as household, grill and picnic and tabletop items. It has a 400-squarefoot demo kitchen and offers a regular calendar of cooking classes.

Information: www.cookswarehouse.com.

Canoe hires new pastry chef

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November 2011

COBB LIFE

Pastry chef Sarah Koob has returned to one of Cobb’s most famous restaurants – Canoe. Koob brings her expertise and culinary passion back to Atlanta after managing her own catering company in Ohio and teaching courses at Art Institute International Culinary School’s Cincinnati campus.

Koob’s experience includes stints at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead, Tom Tom A Bistro in Buckhead and Van Gogh Restaurant and Bar in Roswell. As pastry chef at Canoe, Koob will assist in developing current and regionally relevant dessert items for the menu while creating breads to complement and complete main dishes and appetizers. Canoe is located at 4199 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30339. For reservations or more information, visit www.canoeatl.com or call 770.432.2663.

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news & noteworthy [people] Ransom’s Santas on the holiday hot list Remember Ron Ransom?

We featured this woodworker extraordinaire in our December issue in 2009. Ransom handcarves these unique Santas, right, with meticulous detail.

Well, now you can get Ransom’s creations at High Cottage at 101 Church St. just off the Marietta Square. If you want a special Santa, you can call Ransom directly at 770.

420.0550.

WEST COBB EAST COBB CUMBERLAND/VININGS SMYRNA ACWORTH CARTERSVILLE HIRAM

Au t o • H o m e • B o a t • Cyc l e

2125 Roswell Road • Marietta • 770-565-9696

COBB LIFE November

2011

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[business]

[arts]

Marietta-based design business named tops in nation

Cobb natives continue box office success

Marietta-based Atlanta Design & Build has been named to the 2011 Top 500 list of remodeling firms by Qualified Remodeler Magazine at No. 484.

Founded in 1996, Atlanta Design & Build provides all types of design/build remodeling services to residences in the north Metro area. For more information on the company, call 770.565.8999 or visit www.atlantadesignbuild.com.

CONYNGHAM

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

WERNZ

REALTOR®, SFR (678) 641-8101 Cell Carson.Wernz@HarryNorman.com

Li st

in g!

1801 Villa Rica Road

Fe at ur ed

Powder Springs Listed for $850,000 Absolutely the most beautiful 25 acre parcel of land in West Cobb! Land features a large 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath house, fenced pasture and barn/stable.

Land would also be perfect for a family compound. Located close to East-West Connector and Dallas Highway. Call agents for more detail!

Call us today for a free Home Market Analysis!

HARRY NORMAN REALTORS 770-422-6005

Smyrna natives Alex and Stephen Kendrick continue their tear of breaking into the box office with their faithbased movies. Their latest offering, “Courageous,” produced by Albany's Sherwood Baptist Church, continues a remarkable run on more than 1,100 movie screens throughout the nation.

As of press time, the film had raked in more than $16 million. The Kendrick brothers have said they expect the movie to remain in theaters until January.

The Kendrick brothers have been featured in Cobb Life several times, including as the cover story of our 2006 November issue. They grew up in Smyrna and many of their family still live in Cobb.

Fifth Third adding to the arts

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November 2011

COBB LIFE

Fifth Third Bank, which has several locations in Cobb County, has secured the title sponsorship of the 2011-12 Broadway Across America-Atlanta series. Broadway Across America presents touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities, and the Atlanta series is now billed as Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta.

A big shout out from Cobb Life — Fifth Third Bank were also supporters of the Kennesaw State University College of the Arts Flourish Awards luncheon.

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behind the

SCENES with

This issue marks our seventh year of publication. On our five-year anniversary we ran a Behind the Scenes feature that featured photographs that show us in the field, plus a few special Photographer Reid Traylor gets in the zone shooting our November Holiday before and after makeover shoot on the 12th floor of the Rennaissance Waverly Hotel.

You can’t ever have too much of a good thing, especialy when it comes to cover ideas.

Here are two cover ideas that didn’t make the cut for our June/July issue.

photos that didn’t make it into each issue. The section was such a hit we made it an annual feature. We hope you enjoy this year’s Behind the Scenes. Thanks for being along for the ride.

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This photo was taken when Andrew Branicki was featured in our August/September feature on bow ties.

We didn’t have room then to feature the photo of him and his sister, Sarah Elizabeth, but we had to include it here. It is just so darn quintessentially Southern.

Abstract photos can be fun to look at, but don’t always translate to print.

Here a shot from artist Rip Potter’s studio.

Photographer Mia McCorkle and writer and designer Stacey L. Evans put the final touches on a plate of food for a shot at Cuban Diner.

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We do our best all the time to maintain a professional attitude in the field. However, writer and designer Stacey L. Evans just couldn’t help getting a photo with HGTV stud John Gidding when he came to the Atlanta Home Show. Below, Rose Donelson, who works in accounting, lent her artistic expertise to help us wrap presents for a shoot.

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November 2011

COBB LIFE

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Best Of Who is the best? You tell us

Cobb

It’s time again to vote for our annual Best Of Cobb issue. We have categories that feature dining, art, shopping, community and more. The winners will be featured in our January/Febuary issue.

This year, you can vote digitally by visiting www.mdjonline.com, our parent company’s website. There you can fill out the form and email it.

One lucky winner will be drawn at random to receive a $50 gift card. So come on and show your love for your Best Of Cobb.

Deadline for entries is Thanksgiving Day.

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for the family Family “Friendship” with the Local Arts Scene $50 Elm Street Cultural Arts Village 8534 Main St, Woodstock 678.494.4251 www.elmstreetarts.org

CANTON TIRE AND WHEEL “Quality Tires and Professional Service...

Today and Down the Road” Celebrating

25

th Our Anniversary!

The Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, a growing compendium of artists from every possible medium, is now offering the opportunity for local families to partake in some wholesome entertainment as well as pledge their support for a culturally-rich and diverse addition to the Cherokee County community.

The gift of a family membership to become "A Friend of Elm Street" includes two tickets to any Elm Street Players performance and will support their ongoing construction of a four acre cultural arts complex in downtown Woodstock.

• Computerized Wheel Alignment • Computerized Wheel Balancing • Complete Brake Service

for the parents

• Oil, Lube & Filter • Transmission Service • Radiator Service Serving Cherokee County Since 1986

CUSTOM WHEELS MANY STYLES & BRANDS AVAILABLE

HWY 20 W - AT 115 RIDGEWOOD DR (1/2 MILE WEST OF K-MART SHOPPING CENTER) MON-FRI 8am - 6pm • SAT. 8am -12pm

770-479-6556

An Original Work of Art from Local Artist Ann Litrel $25-$500 Ann Litrel Art 8594 Main Street, 2nd floor Woodstock 770.517.3060 www.annlitrel.com

Across from the historic train depot in downtown Woodstock, you’ll find local artist Ann Litrel’s studio filled with archive-quality prints and originals to suit every art collector’s budget.

For Healthier, Safer Grilling Litrel, who decided that she was an Our complete inspection & cleaning process: It’s a • Removes harmful carcinogens that can be transferred to food dirty job: artist at age six, is a long-time • Prevents future corrosion let us do it!

• Helps extend the life of your grill BEFORE AFTER Cherokee County resident and often • Protects your valuable investment uses its landscapes as a muse for for We repair grills too! her glowing landscapes. Particularly in GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE her “American Visions” series, you’ll *Grill Cleanings from $99.

Some Restrictions Apply.See Website for details. recognize many local scenic places, Special price valid through 12-31-11. Can’t combine w/ other offers. such the Mill at Sixes Road, the Canton Theatre, and a series on the 770-733-3426 Woodstock Depot.

November/December 2011 C HEROKEE L IFE 18

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V

Multi-Millon Dollar Producer

(678) 631-1713 Direct Line Visit my website @ www.suehilton.com An Independent Member Broker

20

November 2011

COBB LIFE

(678) 631-1700

isual clues to the character of west Cobb’s newest restaurant were everywhere on a recent afternoon as we waited while word was passed to owner and chef Marc Taft that we had arrived.

Open, spacious, with clean lines and a refined rusticity, Chicken and the Egg’s ambience evokes the spirit of a country cottage or an updated farmhouse.

Off to the right is a door marked “Chef’s Table” leading to a private dining space. The chef’s table experience, in which a small party of diners get the chef’s personal attention and a remarkable meal created just for them, is characteristic of many excellent urban eateries but until now, unavailable anywhere in Cobb County.

This, combined with the fact that two of the five flat screen TVs above the long, curved bar were showing the Food Network and Cooking Channel, indicated this was a place that took food seriously. And the overwhelmingly positive buzz on food-centric blogs and message boards since the restaurant opened in August underscored that hypothesis.

Owner and chef Marc Taft has conceived a menu that at first glance would seem to be Southern, but many of the dishes would be at home on any Sunday supper table in rural communities throughout America’s heartland.

“It’s what a farmer might sit down to eat after working the fields, but glamorized,” Taft said.

In keeping with this idea, Taft sources his produce and eggs from local farms. “My goal is a radius of 100 miles. If not, it will be from a state that touches ours,” he said.

Only animals that are raised and slaughtered humanely and certified to be without hormones or antibiotics make it to Chicken and the Egg’s kitchen.

And unless seafood is on the list of sustainable species, it won’t be served.

That “green” sensibility is reflected in some of Taft’s choices for the restaurant’s interior. He had dining tables made of reclaimed wood, for example, and decided on concrete flooring because it’s a sustainable product.

All of these factors set Chicken and the Egg apart from other Cobb restaurants. But it’s the food that really catches attention.

One of the most popular items is the starter of fried green tomatoes. Their perfectly crunchy exterior and crisp, slightly tart interior will make Southern hearts flutter. But Taft elevates the dish with dabs of housemade tomato jam and pimento cheese and wafers of country ham. The winning combination of salty and sweet, played off against the acid note of the tomatoes and richness of the cheese, is a well-executed balancing act indicative of a thoughtful hand at the helm.

Pork belly, an ingredient rarely found on menus outside the perimeter, makes an appearance in two notable dishes. Pork belly sliders are a starter that I could easily make an entire meal. Much like bacon, crisp and salty on the outside but more lush and creamy on the interior, pork belly is terrific when cooked properly, and these sliders on house-made brioche buns are a match made in heaven.

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Above, short ribs garnished with tupelo honey, baby carrots and gremolata. Right, talk about comfort food, this dish of smoked gouda au gratin potatoes will satisfy a troubled soul any day.

COBB LIFE November

2011

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The pork belly is from Nueske’s, a 78-year-old Wisconsin meat producer that has earned a sterling reputation for its traditionally smoked specialties. Its second appearance is on the fancifully named Three Little Pigs, where it shares plate space with chef-made pork sausage and pork tenderloin.

The tenderloin is cooked sous vide, a contemporary technique involving immersion in circulating water that slowly brings an ingredient to a predetermined temperature and then holds it exactly at the desired temp until ready to serve, guaranteeing that nothing is ever served overcooked.

“It’s simple ingredients and simple food, but high technique,” Executive Chef Joseph Ramaglia said of Chicken and the Egg’s approach.

Dedication to technique is evident in something as basic as fried chicken. Here, starting 24 hours in advance, a super-fresh bird free-raised in North Carolina is twice brined, once in a salt and lemon solution, then in hot sauce-spiked buttermilk. Pan fried in an iron skillet, the chicken comes out with a satisfyingly crunchy skin and moist, flavorful meat. It’s time-consuming, but it’s head and shoulders above most restaurant versions, more like how your grandma might have made fried chicken at

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home.

Pastry Chef Karie Brown, who most recently was at Canoe, offers several sweet treats, including a knock-out praline bread pudding and a modern take on banana pudding that stands well on its own, but is even better deliciously spiked with Woodfield Reserve, a super premium small batch Kentucky bourbon.

Speaking of adult Chicken and the Egg beverages, be sure to 800 Whitlock Avenue check out the fabulous cocktails creatMarietta 30064 ed by master mixol(678) 388-8813 ogist Brandon www. chickandtheegg.com King. The Dirty South, with handcrafted gin from a Georgia distillery laced with house-pickled okra juice, is becoming a customer favorite. We fell in love with a Manhattan, featuring fruit whiskey made pre-Prohibition style, single barrel 4 Roses, bacon-infused whiskey and sweet Vermouth.

A veteran of the hospitality industry in functions such as food and beverage operations, concept development and executive chef, Taft is a west Cobb resident who says he wanted to bring a new level of dining excellence to his neighborhood. With his high standards for ingredients, execution and customer service, the fledgling restaurant is already drawing customers from beyond its environs.

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The holiday season starts this month and with it comes the arrival of gift buying season. While some folks may fret about where and what to buy, we’ve got you covered for everyone on your list. What’s best of all?

All of these gifts are available right here in Cobb.

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for the athlete

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for the artist (or the adventurer) Painting class $28-38 Corkscrews and Canvas 800 Whitlock Ave. NW Marietta 678.641.6151 www.corkscrewsandcanvas.com

Garmin sports watch $179 Best Buy Stores in Kennesaw and Smyrna One of the best sports watches on the market, this Garmin watch seems to do it all. The Forerunner 110 GPSEnabled Sports Watch records position, speed, distance and caloric data to help you reach your fitness goals. It is also water-resistant and has a builtin rechargeable lithium battery.

for the chic chick INC fur poncho $169.50 Available at Macy’s with locations at Cumberland Mall and Town Center Mall Show her style and love with a touch of warmth with this item.

The best gifts in life have a great memory attached to them. With a gift certificate to Corkscrews and Canvas you’re giving two in one: A fun and memorable experience and their very own creation to hang in their home. At these unique art classes, patrons can bring along their favorite beverages and snacks to enjoy while learning how to paint the artwork designated for that class. Two-hour classes are $28 and threehour classes are $38. You can also arrange for special events such as birthdays or girls night out.

for her Cotton Pearl jewelry From $20 for charms to $61 for gold toggle pearl and crystal necklace PearTree Interiors, 4444 Marietta St. Powder Springs, www.peartreeinteriors.com, 770.222.8272 Cotton Pearl jewelry designs by Susan Shaw are one of the latest fashion trends with 24k hand-cast gold and sterling silver plated metals and semi-precious stones. The Italian Intaglios charms, rings and initial bracelets are classic and glamorous. Inspiration originates from Northern European styling and each piece is hand-made and its quality is guaranteed. PearTree has the bracelets, earrings and necklaces as well as the designer’s initial charm bracelets.

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for anyone

for the kids Tasco Telescope $79.99 Best Buy Stores in Kennesaw and Smyrna Got a spouse or a child who is a sky watcher?

Then get them this gift.

The Tasco 60mm telescope will help bring the planetary orbs into view. The telescope comes with a tripod and CD-ROM.

Get your car ready for the New Year From $5.95 to $169.95 Hoppy’s Car Wash Two locations 101 South Marietta Pkwy, Marietta 4350 Austell Rd. Austell Who doesn’t want to start 2012 with a clean car?

Get your loved one’s vehicle detailed and shiny at Hoppy's Car Wash. The business, a fave of our staff here, has been making cars and trucks dazzle inside and out for years in Cobb. They provide everything from the basic car wash with towel dry to the ultimate package, including detailing, waxing, hand-cleaned and much, much more.

for the chef The Brisket Book $29 Bookstores throughout Cobb

PARTY X O T O B r 8th vembe No

26

5-7pm

November 2011

COBB LIFE

November Fall Special 75% OFF Any Injectable Filler

A well-cooked brisket is so delicious that every community, every culture, every family seems to have a brisket recipe. Finally, this cross-cultural wonder is getting the love and attention it deserves: “The Brisket Book: A Love Story,” with recipes by Stephanie Pierson.

It’s the first and only book entirely devoted to brisket. The tome offers everything from cooking advice to chef interviews to butcher wisdom to the remarkable history of brisket in a lively format full of mouth-watering color photographs, illustrations, cartoons and graphics.

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for the tea drinker Earl Grey Box of Tea $7.99 The Corner Shop 114. S. Park Square, Marietta 770.794.847 www.thecornershopga.com Indulge your anglophile with special packaged Earl Grey Tea. This box contains 50 bags. Want more? Toss in the teddy bear for $7.99.

for the outdoorsman Columbia River Desert Big Dog Combo Edge Knife $89.95 Hodge Army & Navy Stores 507 Cobb Pkwy, Marietta 770.428.6922 Every man needs a good knife or two. This knife was designed for use in desert environments, but will be right at home in Georgia. It is a gorgeous blade that has received good reviews across-the-board. It features a stainless steel triple point blade a locking system and a Teflon plated clip.

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for the parents

Winter Bliss by P. Buckley Moss $100 The Framery, 2520 East Piedmont Rd., Marietta, www.theframerymarietta.com, 770.977.8667 Winter Bliss is a limited edition - on paper by P. Buckley giclee Moss, one of America's most prized living artists. Moss is dedi-

for him

cated to painting the hope of the future and hope that seeds positive thoughts of love, family and the beauty of the world.

The Framery offers a full line of P. Buckley Moss prints, ornaments and gifts great for the holidays. It also offers award winning design in all phases of custom framing and specializes in needlework framing as well as shadowbox memorabilia.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Sweater $29 Available at Macy’s with locations at Cumberland Mall and Town Center Mall Get your man snazzed up for the winter months with this twist on a classic.

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for mom Monogrammed item $5 and up Embroidered Expressions www.embroidered expressions.com 404.277.4109 Personalized gifts are a great way to say, ‘I think you’re special’ and show that you put thought and time into the gift. East Cobb resident Jessica (yes that is one name) can monogram and applique just about anything, with over 400 fonts and 400 colors to choose from. She has some premade items on her website, but Jessica says it’s best when people bring in the items they want personalized. For only $8 for a 4 x 4 inch area, Jessica can transform an ordinary article into a unique present. For example, names and gold thread can be added to stockings for only $8 each. Shown above, barrettes are $5 a pair or $3 each, and the clippy-keeper is $10.

for dad Gift Certificate to Total Wine Prices vary 740 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW Kennesaw 678.354.0168 Winner of Cobb Life’s Best Of wine selection, this amazingly huge beverage store offers roughly 8,000 different types of wine, 3,000 types of spirits, and 2,500 different beers. Find dad that perfect gift to ward off the winter cold while relaxing in front of the fireplace.

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for the entertainer Classic Cup Set $25 One of a Kind 783 Whitlock Ave. Marietta 770.499.780 ooakshoppe.com This classic cup set is just one of the many unique gifts at One of a Kind. The boutique contains vintage and antique wares that range from $1 to $1,000.

for her

Material Girl Necklace $29 Available at Macy’s with locations at Cumberland Mall and Town Center Mall This hip and colorful necklace will accent any outfit.

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10/23/2011

for the entertainer Vinturi wine aerator $39.95 Williams Sonoma, Avenue East Cobb This is a dandy little gadget that allows red wine drinkers to begin sipping almost immediately, without the need for the lag time normally involved in letting the wine breathe.

Simply hold the aerator over a glass and slowly pour the wine through it. The wine mixes with enough air to release its bouquet and flavor. Dishwasher safe, the aerator comes with a no-drip stand, travel pouch and sediment filter.

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for her Scarfs $16 to $30 Go Fish 130 S. Park Square Marietta 770.421 .2495 Funky, chic and oh-so-cool, these scarfs will accent any wardrobe and are perfect for keeping cool in the winter.

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for anyone Give a gift in someone’s name Cost varies Sometimes a contribution to a local charity or foundation is the best way to honor a loved one.

Many charities offer special opportunities during the holiday seasons to honor and memorialize loved ones by making a gift in their name. Even a small gift in someone’s name can go a long way to helping the less fortunate. Here is a list of a handful of Cobb charities you can give to.

Center for Family Resources 770.428.2601 www.thecfr.org.

Cobb Center for Children and Young Adults 770.333.9447; www.umbrellaweb.org.

Cobb County Habitat for Humanity Inc. 770.432.7954 www.cobbhabitat.org.

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Cobb Community Foundation 770.953.6865 e-mail: cobbfoundation@mindspring.com.

COBB LIFE

Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers 770.427.1926 www.shelteringarms-forkids.com.

Tommy Nobis Foundation 770.427.9000 www.tommynobiscenter.org MUST Ministries 678.218.4513 www.mustministries.org

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sparkle Cobb Life teamed with Sawyer Bailey salon in Marietta and Bravura in east Cobb to create holiday looks that will make you

& shine

It’s beginning to look a lot like … the holidays!

Social calendars fill up quickly as holiday festivities abound, but December’s hectic schedules can also be a major source of stress for busy women. Don’t let your party calendar put a cramp in your style! Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, there are plenty of wearable winter fashion trends that will leave you looking — and feeling — your best this season.

BEFORE

Rachel Odom of West Cobb

Since Rachel is in her early 20s, the Sawyer Bailey team chose to take her hair style a bit more edgy with a modified pompadour for height, which accentuates her facial structure. >>

BY MEREDITH PRUDEN PHOTOS BY REID TRAYLOR

AFTER

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Tantalizing 20s

Special thanks to the Renaissance Waverly Hotel for letting us use their location for the photos.

If she were wearing a Santa hat, she could be Ms. Claus! Rachel Odom of West Cobb wears a one shoulder red Jovani jersey dress ($320 at Bravura). The jeweled embellishment down the asymmetrical arm adds eye-catching — and trendy — detail to a hip, fun dress choice perfect for almost any holiday party.

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10/21/2011

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Thrilling 30s Animal print isn’t just for the cast of Jerseylicious anymore, so take a walk on the wild side at your upcoming holiday soirée with one of the season’s most popular trends! Molly Wheatley of Marietta proves a long evening dress can still be sleek and sexy in a python-inspired metallic dress by Nicolle Miller ($695 at Bravura).

BEFORE

Molly Wheatley of East Cobb

The Sawyer Bailey team set Molly’s hair in flowing, elegant waves reminiscent of 1940s Hollywood glamour paired with the volume and drama of the 1970s. >>

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BEFORE

Fabulous 40s Lyane Scheele of Marietta wears a one shoulder platinum evening dress by Terani Couture ($450 at Bravura). The understated floral and gem trim transforms the season’s flair for embellishment into elegant cocktail attire that is sure to be a show stopper at any holiday affair.

November 2011

<< The team at Sawyer Bailey Salon wanted to keep Lyane’s brunette locks classically simple to contrast the striking detail of the platinum cocktail dress. The full waves and tons of body in her hair contrast Lyane’s small frame and hint at the 1950s era in a subtly modern way.

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This black Sherri Hill cocktail dress ($378 at Bravura) boasts a subtle jeweled sleeve and attached sequin shrug to add a hint of bling to the staple little black dress. Embellishments and sequins are hot, hot, hot for the winter party season, and who doesn’t love some sparkle and shine during the holidays? For this look, Sawyer Bailey Salon chose a full twist to pull Lyane’s hair away from her face (and the eye catching sequin shrug of her dress). This classic hairstyle, a la Audrey Hepburn, adds a layer of chic sophistication to a surprising twist on an old holiday dress favorite. >>

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Lyane Scheele of east Cobb

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Tantalizing 20s

>>

The deep V took root as a men’s wear trend back in fall 2009; thankfully, it was short lived and has since morphed to a new women’s trend for winter.

Rachel wears an olive Jovani dress with a sultry deep v back and snake applique embellishment. Talk about meshing two hot trends in a tasteful way to create something that’s an ideal choice for a winter cocktail party. The team at Sawyer Bailey Salon wanted to accentuate the back of Rachel’s dress, so they left the height of the original modified pompadour but swept her hair up off her back while keeping it modern and elegant.

COBB LIFE November

2011

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makeover magicians

Thrilling 30s

<<

Looking for some Christmas inspiration? It doesn’t get much more holiday flair and finesse than the formal Tony Bowls Evening gown Molly wears ($518 at Bravura). Jewel tones, like the luxurious emerald green of this dress, are a sought after trend this season and are sure to make a truly bold statement at any formal party occasion. For this look, Sawyer Bailey Salon introduced intricate braiding in Molly’s loose updo, which is both modern and a fashionable trend this winter.

The Sawyer Bailey team, from left, Gabriella Giarrano, April Sawyer Bailey, Amber Welty and Victoria Newman.

Sawyer Bailey is at 800 Whitlock Ave., Suite 125 in Marietta. 678.809.4224 www.sawyerbaileysalon.com

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FORGED IN STEEL refined in Marietta at Forged Performance where customizing half a million dollar cars is just another day on the job

BY MICHAEL PALLERINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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Those must have been really something for

Sharif Abdelbaset.

After seven years of doing the corporate America thing, the self-admitted car junkie went from reporting to work each day for a Fortune 50 company to setting up shop – literally – in his garage.

Sharif, owner/general manager and a certified tuner for Forged Performance in Marietta, knew that the corporate world wasn’t for him. So the Southern California native, who grew up dreaming of fancy cars, decided to quit his corporate gig at Nestle and follow his passion. The move was inspired by the advice his parents had given him as a child. “Don’t focus too much on the money,” he recalls them telling him.

“Do the best job you can do with something you enjoy – something you are passionate about – and the money will come.”

So cars it was. Already working nights and weekends tuning high performance vehicles on his own and as a

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freelancer for other shops, Sharif moved his operation from his garage in Charlotte to the Atlanta area, where he saw a greater level of opportunity and talent.

Today, his full service parts, distribution, installation, tuning and fabrication facility is one of the premier Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi and Porsche specialty shops in the country. The company, founded in 2004, has grown into a 17-person team of motorsports enthusiasts dedicated to personalizing, upgrading and modifying highline performance cars.

“The key to success is to have the best people around you – and that’s what I have,” Sharif says. “We are passionate about high-performance racing.

It’s not a job to me. It’s something I am very passionate about. There’s nothing routine or generic about what we do. Every day, I am surrounded by awesome machines, and I never find myself looking at the clock to see what time it is.”

Over the past few years, in a toochallenging-for-words economy, Forged Performance continues to grow, posting a 30 percent increase each year since 2005. And if that’s not impressive enough, Sharif is expanding his company’s services into parts development and manufacturing products such as sway bars, intakes and roll bars. “This

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will make us even more of a resource,” he says. “Now we can test each product and make sure they are the best out there.”

Sharif’s fast track ride to success seems to be getting faster. Today, in addition to handling the daily operations at Forged, he is one of the only tuners in the country that knows the ins and outs of the Nissan GT-R’s complex engine and transmission control systems. It’s not uncommon for his clients to dispatch him worldwide to far away places such as Dubai and Panama.

And if that’s not enough, he is a decorated racer, having held class track records at Road Atlanta, Carolina Motorsports Park, Virginia International Raceway and Sebring International Raceway. In addition, Sharif is a licensed driving instructor for NASA, PCA and other prestigious motorsports groups.

Ask Sharif, and he will tell you that true success comes from gaining the trust and respect of those around you.

For example, the Forged team’s work has been well documented in industry publications such as Speed Hunters, Modified Magazine, Import Tuner, and Nissan Sport Magazine. “It’s all about customer service and what you are able to deliver to your customers, who in

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our case, trust us with their pride and joys – their babies,” he says. “I tell my team every day to treat these cars as if they are your own.”

One of this customers, Roy Mallady, a retired medical sales professional and founding member of Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville, is a true believer in Sharif and his team.

Last year, they met after Mallady bought Forged Performance’s race prepared 2009 Nissan GT-R, a record setting high-performance sports car estimated at around $180,000 (all tuned up). They became fast friends. How close are they? Sharif is the only person Mallady trusts to drive his 2012 Lexus LFA on a race track (Road Atlanta) at a true race pace. The $400,000 collector’s dream, one of only 500 scheduled to be built, was the third model off the production line and first to be sold in the United States.

The first model went to the Toyota museum, the second to the owner of Toyota Japan.

“Sharif knows his business,” Mallady says. “I trust him. What he does is custom made for people like me – people who dream of being racecar drivers. “He is the best in the business. And the best thing about it is that he is right here in our own backyard.”

Sharif is so good that longtime customer Roy Mallady, here, trusts him completely with his vehicles, the two LFAs pictured at the beginning of the story. Total value for both: About half a million dollars. You can contact the shop at www.forgedperformance.com 498 Cobb Parkway South Marietta (770) 792-0202

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shifting gears

WITH SHARIF

Secret to success – Surround yourself with good people and be passionate about whatever it is you do.

Advice you give your team – Customer service is everything. Treat your customers and their cars with respect. Make sure everybody is 100 percent happy. Today, if you make a mistake in what you do, with the Internet, you’re one click away from one million people knowing what you did wrong.

Favorite Car – Lexus LFA. From a raw driving experience standpoint, it’s the best OEM sports car on the market today.

Best car experience – In 20072008, I built a Nissan 350z Roadster show car and drove it on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah at around 180 mph.

Favorite car movies – “The Italian Job” and “Fast Five.”

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BY KEVIN HAZZARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

It was somewhere in Los Angeles.

At a strange house in a seedy neighborhood.

The crowd was young. Everything about the place felt more like punk rock than folk music. Kennesaw native Jay Bland slipped into his dancing shoes – fitted with taps – and lined up next to a band of Old Time string musicians.

He wasn’t sure how buck dancing would go over but the music started and then so did he and all at once the crowd came alive.

Buck dancing, often referred to as jigging or flat footing, is an amalgamation of Northern European and African dance styles – a wild, free-form cousin to clogging. It isn’t choreographed, its steps have never been formalized or written down and so, by necessity, it is passed from one generation to the next through live performances. Buck dancing traces its origins back to the early days of this country and took root in Appalachia as early settlers mixed English, Irish and Scottish clog dancing with similar forms practiced

by Native Americans and African slaves. As such it is a truly American folk tradition that exists today as a thriving but underground phenomenon. And it is this attribute that makes it popular not only in North Carolina and West Virginia, bastions of Old Time music, but also California.

“People here really dig it,” Bland says in between dropped cell phone calls. He’s somewhere between L.A. and San Francisco, a desolate stretch of Highway One, enjoying a rare moment of peace in an otherwise hectic ten-day tour the west coast. “The crowds have been eclectic and buck dancing’s non-commercial, underground scene really connects with young people.”

Buck dancing is folk music’s answer to jazz, an art form based on improvisation whose practitioners all cultivate their own unique style. For Bland, a Kennesaw native, that means a deliberate, percussive approach. “I try to make it look smooth but I want my dancing to be a part of the music, of the band,” he says. “Old Time music is based around strings so I make myself the drummer.”

Two generations ago Bland’s grandmother, Helen Odom, used to clear out rooms in her Kennesaw house for square dances and Bland, himself, started out clogging. But time and circumstance led him into buck dancing where he’s become as much of a celebrity as an underground art form can support. He’s won national and regional competitions, traveled the country, played festivals, sat in on informal jam sessions and attended university symposiums. It’s a world you’ll never hear of but one Bland insists is very much alive.

“Usually you find buck dancing at fairs or small events but the shows we’ve had out here have been packed,” he says, adding, “There seems to be renewed interest, especially among the young.”

This is a promising development given the oral tradition upon which buck dancing relies. Bland notes a sense of community among attendees, where respect is given to the movement’s elders as they pass down their styles, knowledge and passion to a young and attentive generation.

Bland, himself, is part of this new wave.

Like so many others his life is split down the middle – the first act fading into the memory of a pre-recession America and the second existing in a sort of alternate reality shaped by realigned priorities and new opportunity.

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Bland is no stranger to national titles and first place trophies. He started out dancing at age 6 and went on to dance with a local clogging team, the Little General Cloggers. He remembers being on a team with Jimmy Carter's daughter, Amy and dancing at the governor's mansion. He also shared the stage with Roy Acuff and Jimmy Dickens at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn.

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“I was a consultant before I lost my job,” Bland says. “I do remodeling work now. It’s different but I never would’ve been able to pursue buck dancing the way I do now with my old job.”

Asked about the financial gains of buck dancing, Bland laughs. “If we get paid that’s a bonus. This is a labor of love. Riches aren’t money. I’m traveling around, going to these shows, having a lot of fun. This is where the real riches are.”

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Gthanks iving

with Georgia Wines

By Michael Venezia Georgia wines will have a prominent place at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Venezia Thanksgiving meal. The annual celebration always features wines which ultimately must be delicious with the complex and not too subtle aromas, flavors and textures which are often found on the Thanksgiving menu.

Informal, yet delicious, the buffet options offer a wide range of complex, savory main dishes to sweet desserts. Our menu at home usually features classic roast turkey with sage dressing and tender, gamey giblets, honey baked ham with warm biscuits and apple butter, squash casserole, baked yams and brown sugar glaze followed by pumpkin pie and peach cobbler.

A delicious menu it is, but it does challenge finding good pairings for classic wines such as chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.

My selections must be universally appealing to our somewhat wine knowledgeable guests. In the past I have served wines from California, Oregon, Washington State, Burgundy, Champagne, Tuscany and Portugal. After a wonderful experience recently tasting through a range of Georgia wines, the following selections ranked very high in comparison to other considered options.

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Georgia Wines The Boegner family’s Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery has a most credible array of wines, which in addition to the extraordinary food experience offered at their Dahlonega estate, their traditional classic method sparkling wine is truly exceptional. The Blanc de Blancs Brut is crisp, fruity and elegant, a perfect aperitif to sip while fine tuning the buffet menu.

Karl Boegner, gastronome and winemaker extraordinaire has offered some of his favorite dishes with appropriate

Wolf Mountain wines. If you are a food and wine lover, consider a visit to this most idyllic estate. Wine is liquid food served in a glass to complement solid food served on a plate! These are the kinds of food and wine pairing you can discover at Wolf Mountain.

on the menu

WOLF MOUNTAIN pairings www.wolfmountainvineyards.com Lobster Bisque Wolf Mountain Blanc de Blancs Brut

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Baked Ham with Honey Apricot Glaze Wolf Mountain Blanc de Syrah Brut Mushroom Strudel Wolf Mountain Vineyards Instinct

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THREE SISTERS www.threesistersvineyards.com The Three Sister’s Vineyards is located in the Frogtown community of Lumpkin County in the Chestatee River Valley. At an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level then Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin planted the ceremonial first vine on May 1, 1998. A red wine selected to complement Thanksgiving dinner will be their cabernet franc. High toned red berry flavors, bright acidity and a long finish will enhance the cranberry relish I enjoy with turkey. It will even complement my preferred morsels from the richer meat found on the thigh and leg.

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A dessert wine is a must and there is nothing better than Three Sister’s Vineyards Dahlonega Gold, an ice wine style produced from 100% frozen vidal blanc grapes.

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www.tigerwine.com Dr. John and Martha Ezzard of Tiger Mountain Vineyards produce a great selection of wines from their estate in Tiger, Georgia. A versatile red wine simply called Rabun Red is my choice to enhance the flavors of both the turkey and ham.

Keep in mind that these wines are made in relatively small quantities. To secure them for your Thanksgiving feast consult their websites and enjoy.

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A closer look at events and activities throughout Cobb County this season

MASTERWORKS WITH GSO >> In “Master Works #2,” Georgia Symphony Orchestra performs with the GSO Chorus.

Works to be performed include Symphony No. 4 “Heroes” by Philip Glass, and Antonin Dvorak’s “Te Deum.” Directed by Michael Alexander and Grant Harville, performances are Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. at Murray Arts Center, 2250 Stilesboro Rd. in Kennesaw. Ticket prices range from $25 to $60 for adults, $22.50 to $54 for seniors, and $10 to $15 for students.

Information: 770.429.7016 or www.georgiasymphony.org

THE SOUND OF MUSIC >> Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents the classic musical made famous by Julie Andrews in the blockbuster movie “The Sound of Music.” This final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical.

When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain, and they marry. Upon returning from their honeymoon they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain’s immediate service in their navy.

The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre. Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” from Dec. 2 through 18 at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.

Performance times and ticket prices vary.

Call for details.

Information: 404.377.9948 or www.atlantalyrictheatre.com

SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS >> The perennial favorite holiday show has the sunny-voiced Sanders Family back just before the beginning of World War II. They're quirky, saintly and delightfully melodic as they interpret everybody's favorite bluegrass gospel music. The Sanders Family returns to Theatre in the Square for the 13th holiday season.

Performances of “Sanders Family Christmas” are Nov. 22 through Jan. 1.

Performance times and ticket prices vary.

Call for details.

Information: 770.422.8369 or www.theatreinthesquare.com

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LEWIS BLACK IS BACK >> Lewis Black is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs over 200 nights a year to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and The United States. Black’s live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. Black performs on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. in the John A. Williams Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $36 to $91.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS >>Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2011, a cherished holiday tradition marking its 14th anniversary, brings together a magical combination of musicians to celebrate this special season. Joining multi-Grammy nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Koz on the coast-to-coast outing will be trumpet player Rick Braun, South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler and Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer. The foursome will perform hits from their respective catalogues and jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites in an uplifting, high-energy show the whole family will love. Dave Koz and Friends will perform Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. in the John A. Williams Theatre in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $35 to $76.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR >> Lucia’s forced marriage sets off a chain of tragic events that leads to the most spectacular mad scene in opera. Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” reveals chilling tragedy on a grand scale and will leave you breathless. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the Atlanta Opera production of “Lucia di Lammermoor” is presented Nov. 12 at 8 p.m., Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 18 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. Call for ticket prices.

Information: 404.881.8885 or www.atlantaopera.org

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Best Of Cobb Who is the best? You tell us

It’s time again to vote for our annual Best Of Cobb issue. We have categories that feature dining, art, shopping, community and more. The winners will be featured in our January/Febuary issue.

This year, you can vote digitally by visiting www.mdjonline.com, our parent company’s website. There you can fill out the form and email it. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to receive a $50 gift card. So come on and show your love for your Best Of Cobb.

Milestones

CELEBRATING Engagements • Weddings • Anniversaries

Ryerse~Thurmond Lindsay Anne Ryerse and Brian Patrick Thurmond were married on June 11, 2011 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. Reverend Tom Gray officiated.

The Bride’s Maid of Honor was Taylor Pecora-Saipe, New York, NY. Bridesmaids were: Lydia Dorsey Pierce, Knoxville, TN, Katherine Thompson, Atlanta, GA, Christin Lawler, Greenville, SC, Kristen Steenerson, Salt Lake City, UT. Flower Girl was Mallory Westbrook, Marietta, GA. The Groom’s Best Man was Michael Thurmond, Dallas, GA. Groomsmen were: Ron Thurmond, Marietta, GA, Ken Thurmond, Epworth, GA, Roger Thurmond, Marietta, GA, Justin Ryerse, Atlanta, GA. Ring Bearer was Sam Westbrook, Marietta, GA. Lindsay is employed as a Software Developer at Interactive Advisory Software, Marietta.

Brian is employed as an Electrical Engineer at Scientific Research Corporation, Atlanta.

After a wedding trip to Seaside, Florida, the couple live in Marietta, Georgia.

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Pink Ribbon Classic

SCENE

The Pink Ribbon Classic, a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf tournament was held in October at the Marietta City Club.

The event raised funds for the American Cancer Society.

1. From left, Pink Ribbon Classic Co-Chair Ginger King, honoree Jan McMullen, honoree Joan Shuler and Co-Chair Cassy Ferrell. 2. From left, Katherine Montgomery and Linda Hagood, both of Marietta. 3. From left, Teresa Eldredge and Cobb County Commissioner Helen Goreham. 4. From left, Dona Crump of Kennesaw, Lila Brannon of Marietta and Lisa Cahoon of Marietta.

1

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA M. SHAL

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Pink Ribbon Classic

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5 5. From left, Wendy Bunch, Maryclaire Andres, Shelby Bodiford and Cassandra Buckalew, all of Marietta. 6. From left, Ben Blumenthal of Emerson, Gannon Gingrey Manning of Marietta, Hank Manning of Marietta, Linda Evans of Marietta, Casey Smith of Marietta and Linzy Roth of Marietta. 7. From left, Comcast representatives Nate Brown of Suwanee, Barbara Beauchamp of Marietta, Jennifer Goff of Dallas, Rita Chew of Powder Springs and Brian Kelleher of Mableton.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA M. SHAL

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Opera Ball

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The annual Atlanta Opera Ball was held at the St. Regis Atlanta in September.

Many Cobb residents attended the event which featured silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing, and an opera performance.

1. From left, Opera Ball CoChair Merry Carlos, Atlanta Opera’s Zurich General Manager Dennis Hanthorn and Opera Ball Co-Chair Cathy Cooper. 2. From left, President 4 A Great Cause Foundation Sonya Chambers of Buckhead, Brad Champion of Smyrna and Opera Co-Chair Cathy Cooper of Smyrna. 3. Jeff Asell of Smyrna and Tony Volk, of Smyrna. 4. Jen Mautz of Roswell and hairstylist Brent Hardgrave of East Cobb. 5. Owner of Jezebel Blue Jewelry Deidre Reese of Kennesaw.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN SELF

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KSU Flourish Awards

The annual Flourish Awards honors individuals and organizations in the community who support, promote or participate in the arts in the metro area and northwest Georgia. Presented by The College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University, the event was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 1. From left, Kathy Adkins of Alpharetta, Lacey Adkins of Smyrna and Mike Feldberg of Smyrna. 2. Kiki and Ike Van Meter of Atlanta, Rex Simms of Chamblee and Barbara Kirby of Marietta. 3. Barkley Russell of Fairburn, Linda Pinto of Marietta and Mark Buhrke of Marietta.

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KSU Flourish Awards

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7 4. From left, John Gentile, Palmer Wells, producing director of Theatre in the Square, and JoAllen Bradham, all of Marietta. 5. Doug Maynard of Smyrna, Amy Klein of Powder Springs and Sherry Roberson of Kennesaw.

6. Andy Fate of Smyrna and Wallace Watanabe of Buford. 7. Pam Carsillo of Kennesaw and Tim Hemans of Marietta.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

COBB LIFE November

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String Fling gala

2 1 The String Fling gala is the annual fundraiser benefiting the Center for Puppetry Arts. Many Cobb residents attended the gala which took place at the arts facility.

1. Kim Nickles and Michael Roach, both of Vinings. 2. From left, Stage Manager of the Puppetry Arts Center Gillian Wilson of Marietta, Bill Jones, Puppetry Arts Center Techician of Flowery Branch and Allison Murphy, of Marietta. 3. From left, former Coke CEO, Neville Isdell with wife Pamela and Puppetry Arts Founder Vince Anthony of Buckhead. 4. Lucious Brown of Jonesboro and Michelle Inman of Marietta. 5. Robert McGee and Emily Haynes, both of Vinings.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN SELF

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Slice of Cobb

BY HEATHER TEILHET

Welcome back Thanksgiving

W

elcome to the family members that fill up our rarely-used guest room and overflow onto the couch. Welcome to the crisp air that blows in the front door, the cheerful holiday hugs and the background hum of a football game on TV. Welcome to my formerly-loved, tagged and annotated cookbook (shelved when kids were born and replaced with a short list of weeknight quickies.) Welcome to a glass of red wine in the kitchen with my brother, while we chop vegetables.

Welcome to the chaos and affection.

Welcome to the three big dogs scrambling under my feet for turkey scraps and two preschoolers frolicking around in princess dresses and plastic high heels, preening for attention from two sets of grandparents.

Welcome to Thanksgiving, that deep breath of relaxation before the pressure sets in the first week of December, when we still haven’t put the Christmas lights on the front porch.

The Phipps Santa is sold out, and (gulp, panic) I can’t remember where I stashed the Elf on the Shelf last year.

Welcome to the memories and lessons learned from Thanksgivings gone by.

It was Thanksgiving of 2005 when I got my first sink or swim lesson in “winging it” during the holidays. As a newlywed couple of only seven months, of course we offered to host both sides of our family in our new home for our first Thanksgiving meal. How hard could it be to host a family dinner party, and cook a turkey?

Our first baby, a big, hairy, yellow one that we adopted from the pound just one month earlier, was getting acclimated to her new home. Rookies. We thought her touch of separation anxiety and slightly neurotic behavior was part of her charm.

I spent three weeks planning the perfect Martha-Stewartnewlywed-style meal for my parents and in-laws. Every night after work I pored over recipes, tagged cookbook pages, noted what time to put each dish in the oven, read and re-read the instructions on how to use a pop-up timer on a turkey.

When I called my husband from work the afternoon before Thanksgiving, he laughed as he described the latest house-

hold treasure to fall victim to our furry psychopath.

“Nothing to worry about, it’s just a pile of notes and cookbooks you left out last night,” he said, as clueless as only a newlywed could be.

As he described the pile of gnawed and shredded cookbooks and recipes on the floor, I erupted in tears, irrational as only a newlywed could be.

But true enough, she’d bypassed the dog toys and tennis balls we left for her. Our yellow lab, all 90 pounds of her, had climbed onto the kitchen counter, isolating her destruction to only my stack of cheat sheets: my cookbooks, individual recipes, my list telling me what time to start and remove each dish from the oven, and even gobbling up my plastic pop-up timer.

After the tears subsided (just mine) we took a few pictures of the destruction for posterity. We taped together the decipherable pieces, and somehow (thanks to the wisdom and experience of two wonderful cooks: my mom and mother-in-law) a delicious meal appeared on our newlywed table, without a single cookbook or my best laid plans.

So this year as I contemplate my Thanksgiving lessons and the things I’m thankful for (my list includes our doggy gate). But there’s so much more.

60-calorie dark chocolate Jell-O Pudding.

The church consignment sale.

Season tickets to see the Dawgs.

The Sprout channel on U-Verse.

My husband, and best friend, and the keen sensitivity he’s developed since that first Thanksgiving.

The steady beat of a little heart against my chest in the snuggle chair, that same heart that three years ago was wired to a monitor because of its tendency to get a little lazy.

The flushed cheeks of a healthy girl chasing a soccer ball.The sweet whisper, “Thank you mama,” when I go in, late at night, to tuck covers around little feet.

Yes, the dog ate my recipe and the sweet potato soufflé might not rise.

But I have more to be thankful for than I’ve ever deserved.

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COBB LIFE NOVEMBER 2011 Volume 7, Issue 8