Cobb Life September 2015

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Cobb Life September 2015 Volume 11, Issue 6

EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Otis Brumby IIl

GENERAL MANAGER Lee B. Garrett

V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens

EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Stacey L. Evans

CONTRIBUTORS

Tammy DeMel, Therra C. Gwyn, Meredith Pruden, Michael Venezia, Jennifer Hafer, Adam Miller

PHOTOGRAPHY

Samantha Shal, Rob Verdaguer

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire

PROOFREADER

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Aaron’s Lamp & Shade Center 6 Acorn Home & Garden 10 Aqua Guard Basements 88 Atlanta Braves 55 Atlanta Communities 58 Atlanta Fine Homes - Jim Glover 14 Bellamy Funeral Home 86 Blackwell’s Jewelers 13 Bow Wags 40 Brawner Hall 85 Brookwood Christian School 67 Cobb EMC 11 Cobb Hardware 87 Copeland’s 65 Creekside Assisted Living 53 Critter Sitters 36 Cumberland Diamond Exchange 31 Dermatology Consultants 30 Diamonds R Forever 26 Ed Voyles - Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 3 Elon Salon 27 Faith Designs Florist 75 Fleming Carpet 25 Gaines Park Senior Living 64 Georgia Cancer - Northside 63 Georgia Funeral Home 40 Gracepoint School 58 Grilled Eats 19 Happy Trails Pet Center 37 Harry Norman - Cobb Marietta 26 Henry’s Louisiana Grill 19 Indy Style Salon 60 Ivy Lane 24 Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 52 Julep’s Home Décor 67 Life Grocery 44 Manders Dental 44 Marietta Cobb Museum of Art 71 Marietta Hearing 4

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Marietta Podiatry 74 Marietta Rotary 15 Marketing Inspirations 81 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 89 Medford - Peden Funeral Home 74 Miracle Method 84 Mt. Paran Christian School 57 North Cobb Spine & Nerve 49 North Georgia State Fair 41 Northside Hospital 5 Omega Learning 64 Pali Proto 3D Imaging 62 Parc @ Piedmont 48 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 9 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 21 Presbyterian Village 79 Roeber 45 Roswell Street Baptist Church 78 Salon Spa Venessa 68 SAMS BBQ 1 60 Skin Cancer Specialists 69 Spring Place Pottery 85 Sterling Estates Senior Living 12 Superior Plumbing 2 & 88 Tennis Dynamics 36 The Barter Company 66 The Bottoms Group 7 The Event Station 75 The Framery 14 The Walker School 62 UPICKEM Contest 63 Vibrant Smiles Family Cosmetic 68 Waldron Dentistry 61 WellStar 92 Wendy Bunch - ReMax Pure 91 West Cobb Funeral Home 59 White Rabbit 54 Winnwood Retirement 32

Whitney Betts

ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Guest

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Opitz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie deJarnette, Paula Milton, Jill Abbott Jordan Emerson, Kim Fowler, Katy Ruth Camp

GRAPHICS COORDINATOR Beth Poirier

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Hall, Carlos Navarrete

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Dave Gossett

INFORMATION Cobb Life is published 10 times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 30,000 homes and businesses.

To subscribe, email circulation@ cobblifemagazine.com or call 770.795.5001 To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com

Cobb Life September 2015

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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departments 16 SPICE Two Cobb restaurants get the savory reboot

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28 TRAVEL Discover Roanoke, Virginia for a fall get away 72 WINE Dinner with a wine snob at Barnsley Gardens

ON THE COVER Marietta residents John and Janice Opila with their dogs Maggie, a Weimaraner chocolate lab mix, 2, and Rocky, a Coon Hound Boxer mix, 7, at Kennesaw Mountain.

features 22 FIREPITS AND THE FALL Discover luxury outdoor living 33 PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS Meet some of Cobb’s sweetest and most unique pets 56 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY GUIDE Comprehensive listing of Georgia’s colleges 76 OWL MEETS O LINE KSU football kicks off

in every issue

STORE CLOSING 75% off entire stock River View Village Shopping Center

3220 Cobb Parkway SE, Suite 106 Atlanta, GA 30339

770-952-9459

(Open Monday-Friday, 10am – 5pm)

(1/2 Mile South of Cumberland Mall)

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EVERYTHING MUST GO!

FROM THE DIRECTOR

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TALK OF THE TOWN

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NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

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KID-FRIENDLY COBB

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HIGHLIGHTS

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SCENE

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REFLECTIONS

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Summer 2015 Cobb Life

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Punt, pass and pontificate

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It’s that time again: College football season.

Us devoted fans have suffered through a long summer, NFL pre-season games, SEC Network rebroadcasts and reading every preseason magazine you can imagine to finally make it to this point.

We’ve relived last year’s failures and wins and made our list of ‘must-wins’ for this year. And, we’re ready. Ready with new caps and shirts and eager for old gameday traditions and tailgate dishes. Most of us have had every game marked on the calendar since February.

This year, the only new wrinkle to my game day ritual is to unveil new recipes for the smoker and the Crockpot. As I always say, if the game goes south, you always got something good to eat on hand and your wife doesn’t have to cook.

With that said, I give you my annual observations, wish list and predictions for this year’s football season:

Bobo does well as long as CSU doesn’t become Bama West. This will also give me another team to root for and an excuse to stay up too late on Saturday nights watching west coast games on ESPN 8.

GEORGIA, ON MY MIND: Age can be a tough thing, but one aspect of it I like is how I view the games now in my fourth decade on this orb. When the games are on, I still become quite intense and relish whooping and barking and yelling. But, when the games are over, I find it easier to ‘turn it off.’ Oh yeah, losses still sting (no pun there for you Tech fans), but it is difficult to stay super mad when you’ve got to get dinner ready, the kids to bed and be up in some type of reasonable shape for Sunday morning church. All that said, come on Dawgs! Let’s have a good season. At least beat South Carolina this year and please don’t let Missouri win the east again. I mean, really, Missouri? They have some fine fans, but this is getting old.

MUSCHAMP MAKES A FACE: Arguably the best last name for any defensive coordinator in the country, Will Muschamp, the one-time Florida head coach and former UGA player, will take over the defensive reins for the Auburn Plainsmen Tiger Eagles. Will the maligned defense do a 180 and have a fierce defense to match their up-tempo offense? Who knows? But one thing is for sure, we are in for some more amazing faces from Mr. Muschamp who is known to contort his expressions in ways unknown to the average man.

His intense rage-laced visage will make a fun counterpart to the golf catalogue sweater vest and visor look of head coach Gus Malzahn.

BAMA BLUES? I have no idea how good or bad Alabama will be this year, but if I hear any more fans of the Tide nation complain about their record last year, I might just have a fit. Get over it. You’ve got two national titles in the last four years. Are you kidding me? And you’re complaining? Come on over to where I sit in the Bulldawg nation and we will gladly switch records as will roughly 100 or so other college football teams.

I CAN SEE MILES: LSU coach Les Miles still eats grass on the sideline. Les Miles says silly things like, “When I wake up in the morning and I turn that film on, it’s like reading a book and it’s exciting. I don’t read books, but if I read books it would be like reading a book.” Les Miles wore a referee cap and outfit to sign autographs this summer. Les likes to end television and radio interviews by saying, “Have a great day.” Go Les go! Keep it interesting!

COLORADO STATE RAMS: Former UGA record-setting offensive coordinator and onetime quarterback Mike Bobo left the Dawgs at the end of last year to become the head coach at Colorado State University. He has also pulled some Dawgs into the fold, including former quarterback Joe Cox who is working as a graduate assistant. I hope

And finally, for my wish list: >>>UGA unveils the mighty Wishbone which viewers have not seen run with such magnificence since the 1980 Oklahoma teams. Nick Chubb, Keith Marshall and Sony Michel all have 1,000-yard seasons as the Dawgs roll to an impressive 14-0 record. >>>Clemson breaks out those so-ugly-they’re-pretty orange jerseys with the purple pants. Hey, why not a purple helmet, some purple cleats with orange shoelaces, too! >>>Mississippi State wins the SEC West. Why? Because they’re Mississippi State for crying out loud and Starkville, rarely get respect. >>>Ohio State loses three games, including an upset to the mighty Terrapins of Maryland. >>>Washington State head coach Mike Leach is a Renaissance Man. He earned a law degree from Pepperdine, runs a creative pass-happy offense, loves pirates and has even written a book called, of course, ‘Swing your sword.’ He has also not done too well since he joined WSU after leaving Texas Tech. Here’s hoping the old pass-happy swashbuckler comes back with a great season, just because, well, pirates. That’s why. >>>UNC has a decent season, but, more importantly, scraps the navy blue trim and returns to the white and gray. >>>Georgia Southern has a great season, with their only loss to UGA, placing them in a BCS Bowl where they resoundly beat Michigan 41-3.

Enjoy the season, Mark Wallace Maguire

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Summer 2015 Cobb Life

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TALK OF THE TOWN

CELEBRATIONS In mid-August, Josetta and Louis Walker celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at the Cobb Galleria.

The plated dinner celebration marked 50 years of marriage for the Marietta couple. Two hundred guests attended the fete themed “OH! The Places We Have Been.” In keeping with the gold and white color scheme, Josetta wore a full length gold dress with matching fascinator. The couple was toasted by their nephew, Gerald Brooks.

The Walkers met while attending college at Tuskegee University. They dated for 3 years, and married on campus on Aug. 7, 1965. Immediately upon graduation, they made Marietta their home and reared their family here. Both taught school in the Marietta City School System. Louis, one of the first African American

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Ruth and Harvey Spurlock, Edna teachers in Marietta City and James Washington, Doris Schools, retired from the and Thomas Webster, Betty and school system in 1999 Freddie Williams, and Frances and Josetta retired in and George Williams.

2001.

The couple has one ♦♦♦ daughter, Bianca (Tricee) Williams who with her Happy birthday to Leona husband, Ken, hosted Wollesen of Marietta who turned the celebration. They 95-years-young Aug. 5. She was have three grandsons: honored at multiple celebrations William Cofield III (high

By Sally Litchfield for her 95 years of youthful continuschool senior); George ing energies — always making a real L. Williams (7th grade); difference for others. and Tamar Williams (high school More than 25 years ago as an employee, senior).

Wollesen co-founded and still singularly Celebrating with the Walkers were: chairs the original Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Lamuriel Adams, Anthony ColeGeorgia Retiree Association (The Ambassaman, Clemontine Durham, Carol dors.) The organization evolved to include and Charles Edwards, Sandra and all the BCBS retirees and executive officers.

Fred Ervin, Toni and Carl Etter, One of the first in the country, the association Annette and Ken Gillespie, Joan continues as the only one existing within the Harrell, Mae and Fred Oliver, Rona entire BCBSD, WellPoint, Anthem (now the Roberts, Cleo and Arthur Scott, largest health care insurance systems nationCarolyn and Timothy Simmons, wide) organizations. Honoring their co-founder (the only over- 80-year-old woman in the nation heading a retiree organization), the Ambassadors recognized Leona at their July quarterly meeting along with a special cake that read “Happy 95th Birthday to Our Chief Ambassador.”

On Aug. 1, Leona was joined with friends and relatives for her 14th annual lawn picnic at the Happy Birthday Smyrna event on the Smyrna Village Green where “Banks & Shane” specially serenaded her with a special musical “Happy Birthday Tribute.”

On Aug. 2, an annual open house celebration was held at Leona’s home with family and friends. Among the attendees were outof-towners Bonnie and Vernon Langford of St. Simon’s Island (Leona’s daughter and son-in-law); granddaughter Mendie Langford Lange and husband Tripp both of Woodstock; grandson Scott (currently on work assignment in North Carolina) and wife, Kim of Douglasville, granddaughter Terry Martin and husband Pat of Clarksville, Tennessee, along with son, Woody Wollesen of Marietta.

On Aug. 5, the actual day of Leona’s birthday, the Red Hat Royal Queens honored the birthday girl at a special celebratory dinner at Scallini’s Restaurant in Marietta.

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news and noteworthy Acworth Walking Tour debuts The Acworth Walking Tour recently debuted.

Centralized within the city of Acworth’s historic downtown district, the tour covers 30 different locations with historic significance ranging from businesses to historically significant homes to the African-American community.

“It’s not an organized walk. It’s a ‘do on your on time’ walk,” said Acworth Tourism Director Kim Watt, an Acworth resident.

The tour was organized through Acworth’s Tourism Authority Board. Local historian and Chairman of the Tourism Board, Abbie Parks, organized the tour for Acworth.

The tour highlights many significant places such as the Collins Avenue Historic District, which features four homes designed by Leila Ross Wilburn, a famous female architect who designed homes in Inman Park, Grant Park and Peachtree Street.

The tour is an easy thing to do by oneself or with a friend. “It’s fun. Downtown (Acworth) is very walkable. It’s a very walkable city,” Parks said.

Download the self-directed tour of Acworth at www.acworthtourism.org and visit attractions.

Malinda Howe of Acworth stands in her rose garden in front of her 1928 Leila Ross WIlburn style bungalow as she prepares for the Acworth Home Walking Tour in the historic Collins Avenue District.

Red Hare Chase Red Hare Brewing Co., 1998 Delk Industrial Boulevard SE in Marietta, will have the Red Hare Chase 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Sept.

26.

The event is a celebration of both running and craft beer. Participants can tour the streets of Marietta and enjoy a beer garden finish, complete with live music and a beer tasting. The event will also feature a Special “Chase the Rabbit” contest, a special cask tasting of a “Breakfast Beer,” unique awards and raffle prizes.

Online registration closes at 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 23. Entry fees are $35 online until Aug. 30, $40 online until Sept. 23, $45 packet pick-up/day-of race and $20 for 12 and under participants.

Participants must be registered by Sept.

8 to guarantee a T-shirt, otherwise while supplies last.

Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/redhare-chase-5k-tickets-17157271862.

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September 2015 Cobb Life

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[for the grill]

Grilling this fall and can’t decide between gas or charcoal? Doesn’t matter.

Great grilling has nothing to do with the heat source and everything to do with the grate — where the meat meets the heat and the actual cooking takes place, according to Cartersville-based GrillGrate LLC. The company’s award-winning product, GrillGrate, is interlocking panels that work on any grill to form a new surface.

The three-dimensional design is highly conductive, smooths out hot and cold spots and magnifies and focuses the grill’s heat, converting most of it to infrared heat. The heat is rapidly transferred up the raised rails to cook food fast and evenly. The design also offers protection from flame flare-ups, preventing charring and drying out. This means meats are juicier, more evenly cooked and perfectly seared.

It works on steak, chicken, pork, fish, vegetables ... even pizza.

What’s more, GrillGrates are easily transportable, so you can have better and cleaner surfaces when camping or grilling out in a local park. Prices start at $39.99. Available at www.grillgrate.com

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Want more Cobb Life?

Visit our website at

www.cobblifemagazine.com >>> See the latest issue Find past issues

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve missed <<

>>> EXPLORE EXTRAS, including videos, behind-thescenes photos and giveaways!

September 2015 Cobb Life

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KID-FRIENDLY COBB Events and a c t iv it ies for chi ldren 10 and und er East Cobber Parade & Festival

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta September 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The one-mile parade will begin at 10 a.m. in the Mount Bethel Elementary School parking lot, travel south on Johnson Ferry Road, and turn left onto Olde Towne Parkway.

The Festival will be in the south parking lot of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and will feature carnival games.

770.640.7070

Art in the Park

Glover Park on the Marietta Square North Park Square, Marietta September 5 to 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The juried fine art show is a Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society and will feature The Children’s Art Alley, where young artists will have the opportunity to create puppets, noise shakers, sand art creations, mosaic art and more.

770.429.1115

Food Truck Thursdays

Mable House Arts Center 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton September 10 (every other Thursday) at 5:30 p.m.

Food, arts and crafts and live music until 8:30 p.m. www.mablehouse.org

Jim Glover Group, Inc. If you are selling your home, I am dedicated to using every possible marketing tool needed to get your home sold. My goal is to provide my clients with a superior level of service and resources to make informed decisions with your real estate purchases.

As a Cobb native, my network and knowledge of the metro Atlanta area proves beneficial in purchase and sales transactions. As a member of The Luxury Home Marketing Institute, I am constantly networking with area agents and affiliates.

• Fifteen Years Experience • Coauthor, Marietta 1833-2000 • Sixth-generation Mariettan • Cofounder, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

Office: 404.974.4420 | www.atlantafinehomes.com 3290 Northside Parkway NW | Suite 200 | 404.835.9600 © MMX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Street in Saintes-Maries, Van Gogh, used with permission. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

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The Little Mermaid

The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta September 11 and 12 at 8 p.m.

Cost: $20 Atlanta Lyric Theatre’s junior Lyric goes “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking. The production stars kids and teens ages 9 to17. http://atlantalyrictheatre.com/jr-lyric

Taste of Kennesaw

September 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

City of Kennesaw 2529 J. O. Stephenson Ave., Kennesaw Cost: Admission is free; food samples range from $1 to $4 each Sample more than 30 local restaurants. There will be local entertainment all day and an enormous Kids Zone with interactive inflatables featuring the 33’ Shark Slide, Euro Bungee Quad Jump, 24’ Rockwall, 120’ Roller Coaster Obstacle Course and more.

770.423.1330

Mumferd Safety Tales

Mountain View Regional Library September 15 from 11 a.m. to noon Ages: 3 to 7 “Mumferd Safety Tales,” presented by the Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre Programs — Georgia, will be staged as storytime programs at Cobb County libraries. In this 30-minute production, Mumferd learns skills to help him stay safe — and shares what he learns about safety at home and in the community along the way.

Mountain View Regional 770.509.4964 Also Wednesday, September 16 at West Cobb Regional from 11 a.m. to noon, 770.528.4699 and Tuesday, September 22 at Switzer Library from 11 a.m. to noon, 770.528.2141

North Georgia State Fair

Jim R. Miller Park 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta September 24 to October 4 Cost: see website for pricing and specials The Superior Plumbing North Georgia State Fair features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, flower shows, blue ribbon competitions, local entertainment, and fair foods. There are more than 40 games and rides — one of the largest carnival midways in the United States. New rides for the 2015 season include The Black Forest- a stateof-the-art fun house, Balloon Ferris Wheel- a 40-ft. high family ride and The Lolli Swing- a kiddie swing ride. Shows include a wolf pack performance, an aerial gymnastic routine, a human cannonball, BMX bike stunt show, sea lion performance, pig racing and Oscar the Robot.

770.423.1330 or www.northgeorgiastatefair.com

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The 27th Annual

Golf Tournament Presented by: The Rotary Club of Marietta Metro The Rotary Club of Marietta Title Sponsor:

Thank You to All of Our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:

Photo Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

CONTRACTORS TIRE CO. INC.

Hole Sponsors

Accounting Consultants of Cobb ASAP Signs Atherton Place / Wellstar Attic VI Self Storage Bethel Law Group Bob Harper, MD Bob Wall Brookes Services, INC Chattahoochee Technical College Cobb Audio-‐Visual Donavan Reporting Service Fairground Body Shop Hawkins, Moore & Cubbedge, LLC Haynie, Litchfield & Crane Holly Enterpirses Honor of William H. Dunaway & William B. Dunaway James A. Merriman, DMD, PC K. Mike Whittle Designs, INC Lawson Hale / Sound Associates Level 3 Associates Marietta Country Club Martin & Associates Moore, Ingra, Johnson & Steele, LLP Robert I. Donavan, Attorney at Law Servis 1st Bank

Shea Medlin, CPA State Bank & Trust Company Sundial Plumbing The Whitlock Inn United Community Bank Waldron Dentistry Walt Walker & Family Wharton Management, INC

Golf Ball Sponsor

K.C. Kadow State Farm Agency

Beverage Cart Sponsor W.D. Little Mortgage Corp

Lunch Sponsor

Chick-Fil-A on Barrett Parkway

Contributing Sponsors Aquarama Pools & Spas Envision Printing Futren Corp Golfsmith Pugmire Lincoln & Ford Suntrust Bank Marietta Fire Department

Lassiter Financial Advisors, LLC

Join Our Sponsors’ List!

Next Tournament will be held on

Monday, May 16, 2016 • Marietta Country Club Please visit mariettametrorotary.org or mariettarotary.org for more information

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z

BY JOAN DURBIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

Two of Cobb’s established eateries get the reboot and the result is

REFRESHING 16

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Above, Cafe 33â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seared rack of lamb is crusted with stone ground mustard, panko bread crumbs and is served with root mashed potatoes, roasted green beans and a veal demi-glace. Below, WR Social House offers a superfood salad that features prime butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steak, kale, quinoa, field peas, dried cranberries, radishes and sweet & sour dressing.

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WR Social House 25 North Park Square Marietta (770) 792-9995 www.facebook.com/WR-Social-House

Once known as Willie Raeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

, the Marietta Square eatery came as a package deal when Katie and Micah Pfister bought the restaurant next door, Simpatico, in January 2013.

They rebranded Simpatico first, turning it into The Butcher, The Baker, a palette for showcasing the many and varied hues of their first-rate culinary imaginations and skills.

For two years, the couple continued to operate Willie Raeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s without change to the jumbled menu of Tex Mex, Creole and Southern items while they concentrated on getting The Butcher, The Baker on firm

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Top, Micah and Katie Pfister sample the house corn dog in their newly remodeled WR Social House. Pickled mustard seeds are served with the house corn dog. Left, the carbonara features house-rolled fettucine, farm egg, bacon, mushrooms, arugula and parmesan.

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Grilled Cheese Donut!

Time For A

1/2 Price Grilled Cheese Donut with any Drink Purchase.

Corner of Cobb Pkwy & Barrett Pkwy

1200 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Kennesaw 678.498.8321 FEATURED ON: Shark Tank, Man VS Food Nation & The Chew

footing.

Then in January of this year, just months after the Marietta couple’s son Nix was born, they began remodeling Willie Rae’s with new booths and tables, a relocated and rebuilt bar, repainted walls from “mangy tan” to slate gray, wall sconce lights and pendant lights made from colanders and a new outside awning.

In May, it reopened as WR Social House. The menu now offers salads, sandwiches, burgers and starters, all with a unique and gently upscale spin. Ingredients are top quality, sourced locally and regionally, and everything is made in house “except the ketchup,” Katie affirmed.

As the baking half of the couple’s dynamic, Katie makes all the bread and sweets daily for the two restaurants, including the sandwich buns. She spent many summer days pickling and canning fresh fruits such as peaches, cherries and blackberries for pies and cobblers later in the year.

On a recent visit, desserts at the Social House were light-as-air beignets, hot from the fryer and fried peach pies. Other recent offerings were deep dish blondies and ice cream sandwiches. “I make whatever

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I feel like making for dessert that day,” she said.

Micah, the executive chef, knows his way around meats. He buys and butchers a half Berkshire Farms pig weekly for such varied uses as pork belly nachos, braised pork and his house made hot dogs and sausages.

Beef burgers are freshly ground from brisket and chuck, and in addition to the classic, there is always a daily chef’s burger creation.

Fried chicken, steak, shrimp, handmade pasta and oysters, both raw and cooked, all contend for diners’ attention.

“We want this to be a neighborhood hangout, casual, but with the same quality of food as diners would get in the city,” Micah said.

The Pfisters like to offer themed menus and gatherings at the Social House for events ranging from Cinco de Mayo to the annual Georgia/Florida gridiron battle. In between, “we have something special every day of the week,” Micah said. Kids eat for free on Mondays, for example, and Thursdays are for burgers and brews.

Still a work in progress, over time the interior of WR Social House will get more fine-tuning, including murals painted by local artists.

There is live music on weekends and the kitchen stays open to 2 a.m., a boon for hungry night owls.

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Above, Café 33’s Black & Bleu Flat Bread starts with spicy Naan topped with a fresh chili oil, bleu cheese crumbles, caramelized shallots, marinated tenderloin, bleu cheese dressing and arugula. Below, from left, Cafe 33 chef/owner Shane Clements, chef de cuisine Rashim Mantilla, general manager Heidi Van Buskirk and chef de cuisine Ryland Bissonnette.Top left, Italian Nachos at Café 33 are made with Yukon gold kettle chips topped with fresh diced tomatoes, chives, a white wine and roasted garlic cream sauce and parmesan cheese. Left, the Caprese Tower features fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, a roasted and raw garlic pesto with a balsamic reduction and fried basil leaf.

Café 33 2520 E Piedmont Road, Marietta (770) 977-6915 www.cafethirtythree.com www.facebook.com/Cafe-33 Getting a table at Café 33 on Sandy Plains Road during lunchtime was always a matter of luck, and on weekends it was often darn near impossible.

“We were turning away business during the week, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we

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were turning away big,” said Shane Clements, the café’s executive chef and owner.

And Clements’ popular catering business, also operating from the four-year-old café, was growing and putting even more pressure on the kitchen, which at 150 square feet was even smaller than the average home kitchen.

It was clear to Clements that relocation was in order. Fortunately for his loyal customer base, he found an ideal site for the café in a strip center on East Piedmont Road, less than half a mile from the original.

It had housed a few other restaurants, but none caught on. Clements and his crew went to work, gutting the space and rebuilding it within three months and in June of this year, the new Café 33 opened its doors.

“We went from 1,800 square feet with room for 63 seats to 4,400 square feet and seating for 113 inside and 60 outside on our wraparound patio,” Clements said. A bar was also added and the liquor license is in progress.

Best of all, from a cook’s point of view at least, the kitchen is now 1,400 square feet. And in celebration, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Café 33 is offering dinner in addition to its regular breakfast and lunch services.

Dinner items are a mix of Pacific Rim and Spanish tapas plates and three entrees of beef, fish, poultry or pasta. Clements said this evening menu will give him opportunities to “do any cuisine I enjoy cooking, such as German, Russian, Jamaican and more.”

What sets Café 33 apart from the norm is the high standards Clements sets for ingredients of impeccable quality and the care that goes into the execution of each and every dish. Components are sourced from farmers’ markets and first-rate vendors or house made. The kitchen’s attention to each and every detail pays off in food that is appetizing for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Flavors pop in the café’s tapas of artfully stacked tomatoes and freshly made mozzarella drizzled with balsamic reduction and fried basil. Underneath is a pesto of roasted almonds, olive oil and both roasted and raw garlic, which adds just enough punch to complement the subtler aspects of the cheese and tomatoes.

The café’s kettle chips are Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced very, very thinly so they fry quickly and have none of the oily residue that can ruin enjoyment. The chips are a side item, but also star in a plate of Italian nachos, which with a light Parmesan cream sauce, chopped Roma tomatoes, chives, a smattering of jalapenos and

balsamic reduction can be a great vegetarian tapas, or an entrée with the addition of chicken or blackened salmon.

If lamb is on the menu the night you are there, consider yourself fortunate. Mustard crusted and cooked to a perfect medium rare, the meat served to us with a robust demi-glace was so moist and tender it could be cut with a butter knife.

Of course the regular menu is still available, but even there diners will find a few new additions, Clements promised. “What I want to do is keep us fresh and exciting.”

There will be live music on dinner nights and special events once a month, including wine and beer dinners and hands on cooking classes.

LABOR DAY SPECIAL Fall into a NEW You....

20% off valid 9/1-9/30

September 2015 Cobb Life

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n e t h g i r b your up k yard c a b

By Stacey L. Evans Photography by Samantha Shal

Fire has intrigued humans since the dawn of time. So it’s no suprise that fire pits have become musthaves for outdoor retreats.

Fire pits are ideal because they provide several functions.

They provide heat to keep guests warm, making winter outdoor parties possible.

Marshmallow and skewers roasted over the open flame rekindle memories of childhood campfires and teenage bonfires.

The hardscape is also like a piece of art, providing a focal point in the back yard landscape.

And, most importantly, it compels people to gather around it.

“A fire pit creates a social situation because people are surrounding it,” said Todd Guilmette, owner of Unique Environmental Landscapes in Mableton.

Fire pits are especially adept at providing a cozy retreat in a large landscape, which is why it was the perfect option for the back yard of Kennesaw couple Brennen and Marilyn Kelly.

Both have large families and host guests often. They also love to entertain friends and family in both small and large gatherings. The

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Cobb Life September 2015

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Brennen and Marilyn Kelly relax by the bluestone fire pit in the back yard of their Kennesaw home. The fire pit and surrounding landscape was designed by Unique Environmental Landscapes of Mableton.

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Marilyn and Brennen Kelly relax by the fire pit at their Kennesaw home. Unique Environmental Landscapes built the hardscape for the couple in 2013, as part of an overall master plan for the landscape, which is being planted in phases. The couple’s once barren back yard was transformed with Deodar Cedars, Black Dragon Cryptomeria, Limelight Hydrangea, Flirt Nandina, Purple Diamond Loropetalum, Gold Mop Cypress and Russian Sage. The fire pit was built with a roughly 15 by 20 foot patio area to provide plenty of space for entertaining. The award-winning company is located at 7021 Mableton Parkway in Mableton.

For more information, 404-691-9310 or http://unique-environmental.com.

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Kellys wanted an outdoor living space that would extend beyond their deck, but didn’t want it to overwhelm the back yard.

They purchased the French country-inspired home in 2009, and hired Unique Environmental to gradually add trees and landscaping to fill in the barren land.

“Todd had a vision to make it feel more organic and less contrived,” said Brennen.

Todd created a master plan to add to the landscape in phases.

More than 50 trees were added, along with a variety of plants and flowers.

But it was the fire pit, added in 2013, that gave the space the ‘outdoor living’ feel.

“Todd made it feel intimate,” said Marilyn. “He is such an artist.”

The fire pit added character to the 1.3 acres of open space. Fluidity in both landscapes and hardscapes is important for the space to be aesthetically pleasing, said Todd.

In the Kellys’ home, a path leading from the deck to the patio creates the feeling of one connected space.

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Adding or shaping landscape is essential when building a fire pit or other type of hardscape, said Todd. Though the fire pit is the focal point, it wouldn’t be as aesthetically appealing without the foliage surrounding it.

“Landscaping softens hardscapes,” said Todd. “[Hardscapes] can be stark when you are finished.

A lot of people will say ‘it’s bigger than I thought or kind of ‘loud’’’ … plants make it flow. In a good landscape, everything flows together and ties in.”

Unique planted Gold Mop Cypress to frame the fire pit, and added colorful landscaping flowing up the hill by the deck.

The Kellys’ fire pit area transitions well from small to large gatherings. The patio has enough space to put the grill and a table, and the half-circle wall provides plenty of extra seating.

Backyard barbecue parties are frequent. Brennen loves to grill, and makes phenomenal chicken, steaks and roasted vegetables, said Marilyn. Also typically on the menu is a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes.

When it’s just the two of them, or a small group, they will relax in the oversized Adirondack chairs, mesmerized by the flames while they enjoy a glass of wine. Even when a fire isn’t burning, the bluestone hardscape provides an inviting area to unwind.

Mornings are a special treat for overnight guests.

The couple will typically get up early to purchase a bunch of egg and cheese biscuits from nearby Stilesboro Biscuits or Kennesaw Mountain Biscuits and set them outside with coffee for guests to enjoy as the morning sun filters in through the trees.

Marilyn even uses the nicely-shaded space as an outdoor office when she’s working from home.

The fire pit has also made them unintentional s’mores aficionados. Friends often gift them s’more kits, and so they spend many evenings trying different combinations and techniques of s’more making.

“It’s the perpetual search for the perfect s’more,” said Brennen.

Fire pit not your style? Here are other options Todd recommends for creating an outdoor living space: Water features: “Waterfalls don’t take up a lot

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8/22/2015 4:33:31 PM

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of space but create a lot of sound and creates a relaxing atmosphere in the back yard,” said Todd.

Ceramic pots that spout water are trending, he said, as are pondless water features.

Night lighting: Illuminating a hardscape, such as sitting walls, or highlighting parts of a landscape is a great accent for the yard. “It gives depth to the yard even in winter months,” said Todd.

A t i p f r o m To d d : Before redesigning your back yard, get a plan from the designer and stand in the back yard to visualize it. Take time to think about what you really want and how you plan to use the space. Think about your lifestyle and what will work best for you.

“Allowing the client to have time is important,” said Todd. “Don’t be in a hurry. That’s when mistakes happen.”

H O M E S H O W SEPT. 11 to 13 at Cobb Galleria Centre Get more tips and see other options at the Fall Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo Sept. 11 to 13 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Unique Environmental will have a large landscaped garden display with a water feature, pavers and a fire pit.

In addition, hundreds of exhibitors will showcase the latest home products and services for both indoor and outdoor living, and experts will speak throughout the three-day event to explain how to remodel, repair and refresh homes and landscapes. Vendors will display and educate about the latest products and services for kitchens, baths, porches, decks, pools, outdoor kitchens, landscaping, heating and air conditioning, insulation, fireplaces and more. HGTV star John Gidding will be the featured speaker.

M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n : www.atlantahomeshow.com 770-798-1997 General Admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the Show’s entrance and online at www.AtlantaHomeShow.com. Children age 12 and under and adults age 65 and older (with I.D.) are admitted free.

Members of Atlanta’s housing industry (Realtors, contractors, interior designers, landscapers, etc.) will be admitted for free (with business card at the show entrance) on Friday, Sept. 11. On-site parking is free. The Cobb Galleria

Centre is located at Two Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, Ga., 30339.

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We are giving away a pair of free tickets to the Home Show. Find us on Facebook for details on how to win!

Cobb Life September 2015

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Article and photography

by LaTria Garnigan

Take a

Roanoke respite O ne can’t help but notice the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge

inVirginia’s valley

Mountains when in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. Many cultural, entertaining and educational activities can be found in the cities of Roanoke, Floyd and Salem as well as the counties of Franklin and Botetourt.

With such activities as a zoo, breweries, wineries, museums and live performance spaces — there is truly something for everyone. The area is ripe for travelers with children, a solo meditative trip or a fun getaway with friends.

After a short one hour flight from Atlanta, I arrived in Roanoke eager to explore the region. With 217 miles of culture, nature and breathtaking views of the famed Blue Ridge Parkway, there was much to see and explore.

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8/22/2015 4:38:02 PM

Photo courtesy of Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo courtesy of Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Dining

Activities

One of the most important aspects of travel is food. And no visit to the city of Roanoke can be complete without a stop at The Roanoker — a 75-year-old institution where they hand roll 900 to 1,000 biscuits daily. The biscuits are perfectly fluffy, and the ham with red-eye gravy is sure to keep you awake for many of the day’s adventures.

While one wouldn’t think of dining at a hotel as a main stop, don’t count out the Regency Room at The Hotel Roanoke. If you’ve ever heard of Peanut Soup, this is where it originated. It’s a creamy, sweet and savory, warm soup that goes amazingly well with the accompanying Spoon Bread. You can’t have one without the other. Trust me, try it!

Just over in Franklin County, Homestead Creamery still delivers to local homes! While it boasts some of the creamiest and richest ice cream I’ve ever tasted — I highly recommend the Lemon Crunch — the creamery also has a functioning deli, small grocery section with fresh produce and an entire side of the store with baking needs, different kinds of jams and chocolates.

Mac and Bobs, in Salem, Va., has some of the best calzones and garlic knots I’ve eaten and has been feeding visitors to the Roanoke Valley since 1980. For a more refined dining experience a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Chateau Morrisette — at milepost 171.5 in Floyd, Va. — will not only deliver a true wine experience, but also a great meal. If you’re looking for a delectable treat, try the duck with scallion dumplings — it is creamy and savory.

Families, especially children, will enjoy the Mill Mountain Zoo — as did I. The zoo features a variety of animals and a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just near the zoo is the Roanoke Star and Overlook, which looks out onto the city and provides a clear view of the Appalachian Mountains, most importantly McAfee’s Knob. The star, which was put up in 1949 started as a Christmas decoration and has become the symbol of the city.

Downtown Roanoke also offers many experiences for all. Located in the Center In The Square building are several different museums and theatres — History Museum of Western Virginia, Pinball Museum, Harrison Museum of African-American Culture, Mill Mountain Theatre, a walk-through Butterfly Garden and the Science Museum of Western Virginia, to name a few. Art lovers will enjoy the Taubman Museum of Art. Open since 2008, it features nine galleries and rotates exhibits every 12 weeks.

Atlanta artist Jiha Moon will have her exhibit on display through Sept. 27.

Live music aficionados will appreciate the Harvester Performance Center in downtown Rocky Mount, Va. We were treated to a legendary performance by Dr. John and the Nitetrippers in the state-of-the-art facility. Viewers of “Salvage Dawgs” on the DIY network will enjoy a stop through Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, which specializes in repurposing and resale of doors, windows, period lighting and more. The business is often called on for pieces that are featured on many television and movie sets.

Sites

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Explore Park, off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 115, offers many areas to literally “explore.”

On any given day you can catch someone fishing, bike riding, hiking and admiring the scenes and taking photographs. And while there are many places to venture to off of the parkway, the parkway itself cannot be counted out. I stopped at several of the overlooks — Lost Mountain being the most highlighted spot — to take in the view of the mountains and to see the lush plant life that surrounded.

A drive over to Franklin County will take you to the Booker T. Washington National Monument, the site commemorating the founder of the Tuskegee Institute’s birth place, which also includes a small farm with animals and hosts several events throughout the year. Animal lovers — and kids! — will enjoy Smith Mountain Lake Farm Alpacas where you can get a hands-on experience and even participate in a quiz of all that you’ve learned at the end.

Also, a trip up the parkway is not complete without a stop at Mabry Mill, one of its most photographed sites.

The mill, which looks like a painting come to life, is a restored gristmill, sawmill, woodworking and blacksmith shop. On site historians offer visitors a short history lesson into the culture that once thrived at the location.

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Places to visit: The Roanoker Restaurant www.theroanokerrestaurant.com Homestead Creamery Franklin County, Va. (540) 721-2045 Chateau Morrisette (winery and restaurant) www.thedogs.com Mill Mountain Zoo www.mmzoo.org Center In The Square www.centerinthesquare.org Taubman Museum of Art www.taubmanmuseum.org September 2015 Cobb Life

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editorial calendar Fall is upon us and we are gearing up for our most exciting time of the year. Here is a glimpse ahead of what our future issues hold!

OCTOBER DIY HALLOWEEN TAILGATE TREATS NOVEMBER GIFT GUIDE SUPER SIDES DECEMBER HOLIDAY HOMES

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CTOBER! O IN G IN M CO ctivities a ll a f y il m a f

Cobb Life September 2015

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8/22/2015 4:40:57 PM

People

and

their

pets

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MUST LOVE DOGS Four-legged â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capture the hearts of Marietta couple

By Adam Miller Photography by Samantha Shal John and Janice Opila with their dogs Maggie, a Weimaraner chocolate lab mix, 2, and Rocky, a Coon Hound Boxer mix, 7, at Kennesaw Mountain.

Above: John holds a photo of the couple with their first dog, Jazz, who they adopted in 1983.

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Cobb Life September 2015

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Almost every day there’s a chance you’ll see John and Janice Opila traipsing along the idyllic trails of Cheatham Hill, or elsewhere in

Marietta’s Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, with their canine kids, Rocky and Maggie.

The parents of two grown children, the Opilas don’t see themselves as empty nesters, not with the explosive energy of their Coon Hound Boxer (Rocky) and Weimaraner/Chocolate Lab (Maggie) bursting into the yard when the door is open.

“Now [the dogs] are our kids,” says John. “We walk them every day no matter what. Rain, snow, ice. It’s been good for us, because it makes you exercise no matter what. It’s really helped our marriage because it’s down time for me and my wife.”

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PUPPY LOVE:

John and Janice Opila with their dogs Maggie and Rocky.

The couple adopts their pets from and volunteers with the Cobb County Humane Society.

The couple started with dogs (Janice wouldn’t date him if he didn’t buy a dog) and they’ll always have dogs. Over their 35-year marriage they’ve had six dogs in all--Jazz, Jackson, Coco and Sam--each generation teaching the next. Sam, who died over a year ago, taught Rocky the ropes and Rocky taught Maggie.

“Those two are inseparable,” says John. “If we ever split them up, they’d fall into a deep depression.”

The couple’s dogs are all “pound puppies,” as they like to call their Humane Society adoptees. Janice has volunteered with the TK Humane Society for years.

The couple has also owned fish, birds and cats, but the dogs have their hearts. An LED light salesman, John feels better leaving the house and wife behind with two full-size canines who like to bark and growl. And when the couple is together, which is most of the time, Rocky and Maggie bring energy and rhythm to their relationship.

“It’s a part of our lifestyle,” says John. “We never board them when we go on vacation. We just take them with us.”

And with the fall months coming, John and Janice’s favorite vacation spot with their half-furry family is at a campsite in Blue Ridge.

“They love running through the woods,” says John.

“It’s the best.”

Cobb Life September 2015

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8/22/2015 4:53:03 PM

shy kitty

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with Good Mews volunteer

Chardonnay is a shy, quiet girl whose coat is coal black – two traits that didn’t bode well for her finding a forever home.

But, lucky for her, a delay in the construction of a new shelter for Good Mews cat rescue led her to the Marietta home of Andrea Cartier.

“I was fostering three cats at home until the new shelter is finished,” she said. “After I brought her home, Chardonnay had lost a little weight, so I

would bring her downstairs away from the other cats to make sure she was getting enough to eat.”

Cartier, who volunteers at Good Mews and also sits on the group’s board of directors, said all of that couch time helped the pair form a special bond.

“The more comfortable she got with me, the more this wonderful little personality came out that we had never really seen at the shelter,” she said. “So, I decided to be selfish and keep her all to myself.”

BY JENNIFER HAFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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Cobb Life September 2015

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At four-and-a-half years old, Chardonnay had spent most of her life at the shelter after being rescued from a hoarding situation.

“There was one person taking care of 50 cats, which wasn’t a good situation for anybody; certainly not the cats, and not the person either,” Cartier said. “The cats were kept in a backyard shed, 50 cages stacked on top of each other, and I remember, there was a single light bulb in this shed.”

After such an ignoble beginning, Chardonnay was slow to come out of her shell.

“Knowing her history and watching her do things for the first time, like she just started playing with toys on her own for the first time a couple of days ago,” Cartier said. “She has responded very well to me. I feel like she was just meant to be with me.”

In finding her forever home with Cartier, Chardonnay has become one of the more than 6,800 cats Good Mews has placed in permanent homes since 1988. Good Mews, one of the few virtually cage-free, no-kill cat shelters in Georgia, opened its new 5,600-square-foot shelter on Johnson Ferry Road in August.

“I love all animals, but cats are better for my lifestyle,” Cartier said. “I think cats get a bad rap for being aloof or standoffish, but that’s not the case. They all have their own personalities and they’re wonderful creatures.”

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The only cat-specific shelter in Cobb provides adoptions and facilities where owners can come for services. The majority of the new shelter’s space is used as free roaming areas where cats and kittens can view the outside through several windows on every side of the structure.

Cobb Life September 2015

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Summer 2015 Cobb Life

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Meet curly-haired Casey, the cute

e l d o o p on a

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noodle

Cobb Life September 2015

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8/22/2015 5:04:24 PM

Laura Fritz with her seven-year-old poodle, Casey. Fritz has written three books, two of which feature Casey and benefit local charities.

Top right: Sean Mauritz, 7, grandson of Jane Mauritz of Woodstock, and Andrea Forehand of Woodstock and her twins Addison and Jackson, play with Casey at the home of Sharon and Jeff Lentz.

By Stacey L. Evans + Photography by Samantha M. Shal Casey is a small dog with a big personality.

Whether he’s digging up his collection of hidden bones to show off to his doggy friends, reading with children at a local library, posing for photos at an antique store or floating on a noodle in lake Allatoona, Casey has a zest for life.

“He’s funny; he’s entertaining,” said owner Laura Fritz, a Woodstock resident. “He’s got that poodle prance. People are drawn to him when we are at a dog park, or anywhere. Everyone stops and has to comment on him.”

The former Alabama show dog was adopted by Laura when she was recovering from breast cancer four years ago.

“When I was sick I promised myself once I got better I would get a dog,” said Laura. “I thought a dog would be a good way to make my recovery better, to make me get out and exercise.”

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She took him to dog parks, hiking, shopping and to hang out at the lake, one of Laura’s favorite activities. She even bought him a life jacket so he could ride along on her jet ski.

“When you’re hanging out on the boat everyone has a noodle, so I figured he could raft on the noodle and be in the water with us,” she said.

It worked. “When I put him on a noodle he would stop paddling and just float. He likes it; he just relaxes and hangs out on it.”

Other boaters would circle back to get another glimpse of the dog on the noodle. “One day in response I just blurted out, he’s a ‘poodle on a noodle!’” said Laura.

She had been posting photos of Casey’s adventures on her cubicle at work, and her boss suggested she create a children’s book from them.

Laura was doubtful at first. But then she realized the effect Casey had on others, and thought a book could have an impact. As a cancer survivor, Laura wanted the book to bring comfort and joy to children who are in hospitals. In the book, “Poodle on a Noodle,” Casey undergoes surgery to show young patients they are not alone.

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“It shows the young patients that even little poodles lose their curls,” said Laura. “[Dealing with cancer] was tough enough as an adult. I want to help children who are going through the same thing.”

The book also tells stories of Casey’s adventures — including an adorable dog birthday party and him flying a plane.

A portion of the book’s proceeds are donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and it’s Laura’s dream to raise funds to get books donated to children there. She is also working to partner with the Chattooga School of Gymnastics & Dance in Marietta, which is home to the Cobb County Special Olympics Gymnastics team, to donate locally.

After “Poodle on a Noodle” was published, Laura took Casey to events to promote it. One evening, just days before a fundraiser, Casey fell ill. He stopped drinking and had trouble walking.

Laura took him to several veterinarians and the prognosis wasn’t good. They said surgery may or may not work, and would cost thousands of dollars. A friend heard Dr. Michael Good speaking on a radio show and suggested him. The Marietta veterinarian assured the worried Laura that he would take care of Casey. He did. It took months of recovery, but in the end Casey was as good as new, and Dr. Good was interested in learning more about the “Poodle on a Noodle.”

“I was crying and thanking him and he said I could thank him by writing another book,” said Laura.

So she wrote “Poodle in a Puddle,” which tells the story of a lost dog (portrayed by Casey) and explains the importance of microchipping your pet. Dr. Good then collaborated with Laura to write an informational book for his Homeless Pet Clubs (see Dr. Good’s story on page 46).

Laura can’t give enough praise to the pint-sized companion that has brought so much joy into her life.

“He’s the bravest dog I know. He got attacked and will still walk up to big dogs,” she said. “He’s my baby. It’s like the love you have for a child. You look forward to coming home. You snuggle with them when you don’t feel good. You get enjoyment when they are happy. We were destined to be together for the purpose of the book. I wouldn’t be able to do it without him…. with his personality and the way he brings out a positive, feel-good feeling in people.”

WHERE TO GET THE BOOKS: All are available at

www.poodleonanoodle.com HOMELESS PET CLUBS INFO: www.homelesspets.com, or 770-971-0100. READ MORE ON PAGE 46.

CASEY’S FAVORITE THINGS: HOBBY: Burying things.

“I have seen him unbury bones to show off to his dog friends.

He knows where all his bones are all over the neighborhood,” said Laura. FOOD: Chicken and cheese. TRICK TO GET TREATS: “Every time we come back in from outside he gets a treat, so now he will go outside just to come back in and get a treat,” Laura said about the clever little poodle.

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Cobb Life September 2015

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the

GOOD doctor Marietta veterinarian is on a mission to find forever homes for all homeless pets through his Homeless Pet Clubs

Dr. Good is a man that lives up to his name.

Dr. Michael Good examines Storm, a 14-year-old Boston terrier. Right, Dr. Good spends time with Jo Black, a 1-year-old boxer mix, who is available for adoption through the Homeless Pets Foundation.

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The affable veterinarian is a hero among pets and animal lovers in the south. Over his decades as a veterinarian, he has touched countless lives – human, canine, feline and fowl (and probably a few reptiles too). He has garnered awards and grants for his charity work and organizations, including being named Huffington Post’s Greatest Person of the Week in 2012. He is currently being pursued by Animal Planet to host a TV show.

His Homeless Pets Foundation has found forever homes for over 15,000 animals since it was founded in 1998. The offshoot, Homeless Pet Clubs, is a phenomenal program that is spreading across the nation and already garnering acclaim. His passion is evident when he talks about his beloved animals—and to Dr. Michael Good, every animal is beloved. He is quick to quote studies touting the health benefit of having pets and how animals teach children many life lessons - he is a nonstop voice for the plight of homeless cats and dogs.

Six dogs and two cats have the privilege of spending every day with Dr. Good in his Marietta home, which is in walking distance from his clinic, Town & Country Veterinary Clinic. All of the pets were rescued from his organization. The cats, Rudy and Mystique, have feline AIDS. They are very loving, sweet cats, he said. When Dr. Good gets home in the evening, he spends time with the cats, the ‘adults’ as he calls them, before letting the young dogs run loose. A house full of animals keeps him entertained.

“I’m thinking about canceling my cable because I have so much fun with my animals,” he said. “The reason why we love dogs and cats … dogs especially always have this great attitude, no matter how bad of a day you’ve had. It’s like every day is Christmas when you get home from work; they are so happy to see you. It puts you in a good mood. Dogs love and protect.

If anyone tried to hurt me, [my dogs] would have none of it. They would take a bullet for me.”

Two of his dogs, Harley and Tess, were rescued by him 14 years ago.

The pit mixes, who were less than a year old at the time, were used as bait dogs. They were brought to the Fulton County animal shelter, where Dr. Good served as medical director for almost two years in the late 90s.

BY STACEY L. EVANS * PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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“The dogs were shredded to pieces,” he said. Normally, injured dogs would have been immediately euthanized under the previous administration’s policies. But the recently hired Dr. Good and the group that took over wanted to end the practice. He took the puppies to his clinic in Marietta and nursed them back to health.

When he was hired as medical director in Fulton, Dr. Good was hit with a devastating reality. At the time, the shelter was euthanizing over 90 percent of the animals it received. Several animals were cherry-picked to be sent out to adoption facilities, but most were tossed aside like trash. He was hired when the shelter was working to change, but it was a slow process. Dr. Good was asked to euthanize the animals on occasion. He would spend time petting and talking to them, to show them love in their final hours. And he made them a promise.

“I said I’m going to find a solution because this is ridiculous. I promised I would find a solution,” he said.

He began taking the injured animals to his clinic in Marietta to patch them up and make them adoptable. He worked seven days a week during his stint there.

His tireless devotion saved a thousand dogs and cats. But for him, it was not enough.

“I was bound and determined I was going to save them all. We’re talking about millions of dogs and cats — that’s how many are put to sleep in our country each year,” he said.

He organized a group of fellow animal lovers to form the Homeless Pets Foundation, which provides emergency veterinarian care, neuter/spay services, vaccinations and other health care to rehabilitate and socialize abused, neglected and abandoned animals, and then find them forever homes. The organization quickly grew as word spread about his efforts to save all animals. He had to purchase property in West Cobb to provide a sanctuary for all the animals.

The foundation also operates what Dr. Good calls the Underhound Railroad.

Unwanted dogs from the south are taken up north, where the demand for pets is greater than the number in shelters.

“So instead of being put to sleep in the south, they are living in penthouses in Manhattan,” he said with a smile.

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999 Hood Road | Marietta, GA 30068

Intersection of East Piedmont and Roswell Rd. (Hwy. 120)

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Why pets are good for you: Countless studies have shown that forming an emotional bond with a pet has numerous physical and psychological benefits, including: > lowers risk of heart disease > lowers blood pressure > less likely to be depressed > children learn important life skills from bonding with a pet Now he is on a mission to spread the word about the Homesless Pet Clubs, which he thinks is the answer to lowering the euthanization rate among shelter animals. Though great strides have been made in recent years, over 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S., according to the Humane Society.

How Homeless Pet Clubs work: A group (class, school, organization or small business) forms a club and partners with a local shelter or animal rescue organization. They choose an animal to ‘sponsor’ and then spread the word about that animal to help it get adopted. The clubs use flyers, social media and word of mouth to promote the homeless pet. Along with that, they are promoting animal rescue, responsible pet ownership, adoption of shelter animals, and animal welfare. It is free to join. Clubs may choose to raise money for the shelter they support or the foundation, but the purpose is to spread the word about adoptable animals.

Dr. Good’s goal is to get active clubs in all schools across the nation because he believes children’s love for animals is the answer. And the clubs, in turn, have many benefits for children, Dr. Good says.

The clubs teach empathy and responsibility, and are empowering for children. They give the children a purpose and show how they can make a difference — not only in the life of the dog or cat, but the person who adopts the pet.

“So now these kids have a sense of accomplishment,” said Dr. Good. “We tell them, ‘because you cared about that animal, now it has a great home.

You should be so proud of yourself.’ So now they feel empowered. For a lot of kids, they can take that a long way.”

Homeless Pet Clubs are the easy answer for any animal lover who wants to help, said Dr. Good. You may not have time to volunteer, money to donate or energy to adopt your own pet. But anyone can share on social media and spread the word about homeless pets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.homelesspets.com; 770-971-0100

Adoptable animals can be found at Town & Country Veterinary Clinic at 1343 Gresham Road in Marietta. Saturday and Sunday events are held at the East Cobb and Smyrna Pet Smart locations. Call for details.

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Attention Sciatica and Low Back Pain Sufferers...

Could One Hour With Our Doctors Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain?

Now, in Acworth, GA, Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C. & Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. have what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatment. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size - even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 & L5-S1 herniations.

If you've had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you're suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from.

Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column.

When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5, they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain.

The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery.

But here's the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.)

Before You Go Under The Knife And Opt For Spinal Surgery…

You should seriously consider a less invasive approach called spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new technology that has been proven to reverse disc herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, which pulls the disc back into its normal position and brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing.

Do You Have A Disc Problem?

If you experience any of the following in your back or neck, chances are your pain is due to a disc bulge, herniation or degeneration: • A vice-like squeezing feeling in your back • Sitting causes back or leg pain • Stabbing pain at the belt line or in your neck • Can't turn over in bed without hurting • Numbness in your toes or fingers • Fire down your legs • Searing pain radiates into your arm • Prickling in your leg or toes Finally, Some Good News……

If you've been suffering with back pain or arm/leg pain caused by a disc bulge, disc herniation or squashed or compressed discs. Until recently, the only advice for many of you suffering in pain was to try what you've been told: • Try exercising • Try physical therapy • Try pain medications • Try muscle relaxers • Try pain shots • Try dangerous back surgery • Just live with it If you're like most, none of these have worked for you or you are afraid of what could happen if you do try some of these.

Exercising makes you hurt more, pain medications and muscle relaxers cover up the problem and give you side effects. Pain shots can cause more pain, don't work or don't last very long or FIX the problem, back surgery didn't work, or made you worse.

Or maybe you were one of the lucky ones that back surgery actually helped, but now the problem is back with a vengeance.

Whatever your situation, you owe it to yourself to check into a Breakthrough Computerized Non-Surgical Treatment for back pain and sciatic or leg pain caused by a bulging, herniated or squashed disc or discs. It has helped hundreds of people who

were suffering just like you. This new treatment machine we are calling "the squashed disc machine."

How "Good" Discs become "Bad" Discs Over time the discs in your back tend to get squashed or compressed, especially if you've played certain sports when younger or have a job that requires lots of sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time. Car accidents, lifting things, very physical jobs just to name a few. It's kind of like a cookie with cream filling, and the cream filling will start to ooze out from between the sides of the cookie if pressure is applied on top of the cookie (like gravity on our spines). Eventually this happens to a lot of us. Statistics show over 80% of Americans will suffer with back pain some time in their life.

Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every once in a while I even catch a patient sleeping during treatment!

How Does This Machine Work?

Haven't you ever had the thought…"Gosh, if somebody could just pull me apart…I would feel a whole lot better." Yeah, we know you have. And it kind of makes a bit of sense. Well someone else, actually a medical manufacturer, back pain specialists, neurosurgeons and engineers have come up with just that. A machine that gently pulls you apart, stretches the disc to a certain point that causes a drop in pressure inside the disc (like a little vacuum in the middle of the cream filling) causing the cream filling to suck back in! You'll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We'll set the machine to focus on your problem area - then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises.

Does Decompression really work?

Absolutely! When you come in we will provide you with studies that show why decompression is a preferred method of treatment. But what provides the best "proof" on how well decompression works is what patients say about it: Just Listen to What Our Patients Had to Say: I started at North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute for pain in my low back that traveled down my right leg. The pain felt like a burning sensation down my leg and numbness into my toes. I was unable to walk my normal 5 miles. Since starting the spinal decompression therapy I am now able to walk again without any pain. The pain and numbness down my right leg is completely alleviated. I was surprised to find that I am even sleeping better at night and that the tension in my upper back has also been relieved. The staff here has treated me great and is very caring! Thanks - Bill Norman Before I started getting spinal decompression therapy I was having severe pain in my low back and numbness down my leg constantly. I had been suffering with this for 3 years. I had two nerve abrasions, multiple steroid shots in my back, pain killers, PT and water therapy and nothing worked. After the first spinal decompression treatment I could stand up straight with very little pain. I can now sleep through the night and exercise again. I am 90-100% better and I am so thankful I found this office. Thanks, John Ratledge As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate with helping disc herniations, sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you could be playing golf, enjoying your love life, or traveling again.

Feel the Improvement - and Say "Yes" to Life Again With my "Decompression Evaluation" we'll be able to find the problem and then get to work on it. Think of how you'll feel in PA I D A DV E R T I S I N G

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Dr. Amy Valente 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, muscles tied in knots will become more supple and strength in your muscles may increase.

You're able to live life like a normal person again, without back pain - able to play with your kids, enjoy time with friends, and finally get a good night's rest.

The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It's time for you to find out if spinal decompression will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 15 days only, we're running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression.

What Does This Offer Include?

Everything we normally do in our new patient evaluation. Just call before September 25th, and here's what you'll get…

• An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where the doctor will listen…really listen…to the details of your case.

• A complete neuromuscular examination.

• A full set of specialized x-rays to determine if a spinal problem is contributing to your pain or symptoms.

• A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free.

• An extensive review of your MRI. • You'll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like is has been for so many other patients.

Until September 25th, you can get everything listed here for $20. The normal price for this type of evaluation including x-rays is $250, so you're saving a considerable amount by taking us up on this offer.

Here's What To Do Now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, we suggest calling our office at once at 678-574-5678.

CALL TODAY!

678-574-5678 North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute 3451 Cobb Pkwy Ste. 4 Acworth, GA 30101

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u o Y can’t d a m e b hile w

g n i s kis ma a lla

It all started with two chickens.

Lindsey Harris Morrison says hello to baby llama Fred Astaire at Golden Pond Farms in Powder Springs.

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“Then six chickens and three peacocks. Goats were next, then came the llamas,” said Lindsey Harris Morrison about her father’s collection of animals. Her dad, Rick Harris, had always been an animal lover and wanted his own menagerie.

When Lindsey was a child, her family had ducks, rabbits and a pig at their Smyrna home.

They moved to a large farm in Powder Springs when Lindsey was in the seventh grade, and that’s when her father started bringing home a variety of animals.

“Once [my dad] got 13 acres, he went crazy,” she jokes about his collection of animals.

Lindsey’s mother Delores quit her job to help take care of the animals at what they named Golden Pond Farms.

As she got older, Lindsey followed suit. Though she now lives several miles away with husband Steven Morrison and their two-year-old daughter Lucy, she still manages the farm.

Golden Pond now has more than 75 furry or feathered creatures — including goats, llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, Great Pyrenees dogs,

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LEFT: Lindsey Harris Morrison with Ramona, the baby miniature donkey, at Golden Pond Farms. RIGHT: Lindsey and her daughter, Lucy, 2, pet Macchiato, their favorite llama.

peacocks, pigs, ducks, chickens and an emu. Some are for sale, but most are permanent residents and/or breeders, which are treated like family pets.

Lindsey says it’s impossible to choose a favorite because she feels close to many of the animals. But she’s especially fond of four-month-old Ramona, a very affectionate and playful donkey. She would have been sold, “but everyone got way too attached to her,” said Lindsey.

Lindsey also loves the goats because they are the

most entertaining.

“The goats are fun. They are very playful with each other, especially when they are babies,” she said. “They can jump so high. We put the different slides and things for them because they like to play king of the mountain with each other. One will be at top of slide, bouncing the others down.”

But it’s the llamas Lindsey names as her favorites to interact with.

“They are just so different and most are very affectionate,” she said. Llamas are curious animals, and typically have very laid-back temperaments, which is very welcoming to affectionate humans.

There is just something irresistible about those long furry necks — the height is perfect hugging, said Lindsey.

But the best thing is what Lindsey dubs ‘llama kisses.’ The animals identify people by the smell of their breath, so they will put their face directly in your face and politely sniff you out.

“You can’t be mad while kissing a llama,” said Lindsey. “They are great stress relief.”

Animals are a big part of Lindsey and her parents’ lives, not only at the farm.

At home, Lindsey has two Great Pyrenees, Bowser and Aurora. Her parents have two small dogs in their home, which is on the farm. At her parents’ company, Harris Diversified, LLC, where Lindsey also works full time, resides two Dobermans, two cats and two birds. Her dad visits twice a day to give them treats, so they are ‘very spoiled,’ said Lindsey.

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RIGHT: Lindsey Harris Morrison says hello to Kadie while hanging out by llamas Sasha and Bella at Golden Pond Farms.

TOP: Lindsey gets some love from Harrison, a two-month-old miniature horse, and Thelma. LEFT: Lindsey feeds Faith, one of her favorite goats.

WHY THEY MAKE GOOD PETS LLAMAS are curious creatures that typically have very easygoing personalities, said Lindsey. They can be outside in the rain and it doesn’t bother them.

They are great protectors for other animals, easy to train and pretty easy to care for.

PYGMY GOATS are playful and easy to take care of, said Lindsey. You need to keep them updated with vaccinations and deworming, as well as keep their hoofs trimmed. You can also leash train them.

“It’s like having a dog,” said Lindsey. “You just have to take them outside more ... and they may eat all your flowers.”

Goats that have been bottle fed are especially loving. “They are yours for life,” says Lindsey.

And as a bonus, they will keep the weeds under control!

MINIATURE DONKEYS are great guardians that make a shrill sound to alert that danger is nearby.

Donkeys are also typically affectionate and playful, said Lindsey. They love getting attention!

PERFECT IN PAIRS: Llamas, goats and donkeys all get along well with other animals, but Lindsey recommends having at least two of a kind to keep each other company.

GOLDEN POND FARMS >>> If interested in adopting an animal, call (770) 794-6668 or visit www.goldenpondfarms.net.

Please note: The farm is not open to the public.

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Whatever kind of student you are, Georgia has

higher learning to fit your needs and style. Are you old school, an online learner, prefer part-time or want to attend classes in person? Fresh out of high school, in-between jobs

or picking up college after some years away? You’re not alone. According to 2014 statistics there are more 11 million Americans attending college and more than 350, 000 of those students are right here in the Peach State. Here is a list of Georgia’s universities and colleges.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College 2802 Moore Hwy Tifton, 31793 229. 391. 5001 abac.edu In brief: Residential coed college on 516 acres offers associate and baccalaureate degrees. Students with horses encouraged to bring and board them on campus. First college in nation to offer degree in rural studies.

Agnes Scott College 141 E. College Ave. Decatur, 30030 404.471.6000 agnesscott.edu In brief: Highly ranked, private, fouryear liberal arts women’s college offering 30 majors and 25 minors. Founded in 1889. Poet Robert Frost was an annual visitor from 1945 until his death in 1962. He would read poetry in Presser Hall. Agnes Scott acceptance rate is 46 percent.

Albany State University 504 College Dr., Albany, 31705 229.430.4600 asurams.edu In brief: Historically black, progressive, four-year public institution. Offers on-campus and online undergrad and grad degrees.

Albany Technical College 1704 S. Slappey Blvd.

Albany, 31701 229.430.3500

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albanytech.edu In brief: Degrees and technical certificate programs prep for employment in business, technical sciences, health care technology, personal services and industrial careers.

American InterContinental University 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE Atlanta, 30328 404.965.6500 855.377.1888 aiuniv.edu

In brief: Online school with focus on flexibility. Degrees available from fashion to criminal justice. Physical campuses in Atlanta and Houston, Texas. Known for its 12-month MBA program.

Armstrong Atlantic State University 11935 Abercorn St. Savannah, 31419 912. 344. 3475 armstrong.edu In brief: Public university with urban campus in historic Savannah and affiliated center in Hinesville. Offers more than 100 degree programs including four-year, graduate, certificate, online learning. Tennis team has won multiple championships.

The Art Institute of Atlanta 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. N.E. Atlanta, 30328-1649 770.394.8300 artinstitutes.edu/Atlanta

Compiled By Therra Cathryn Gwyn In brief: The Art Institutes is a system of over 50 schools across the nation.

Creative and applied arts master’s, bachelor’s and associate degree programs as well as non-degree programs are offered.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School 1422 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, 30309 404.872.3593 johnmarshall.edu In brief: Law school in Midtown offers five Juris Doctor programs, an honors program in Criminal Justice and three Master of Laws programs. In 2011, AJMLS opened a branch in Savannah named Savannah Law School.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy. S.W. Atlanta, 30310-4498 404.756.4000 atlm.edu In brief: Four-year college with 42 programs of study. Open seven days a week, offering morning, evening and weekend classes.

Bainbridge State College 2500 E. Shotwell St. Bainbridge, 39819 229.248.2500 bainbridge.edu In brief: Offers associates and technical degrees and continuing education courses. Involved in community partnering with local business, cultural groups and industry.

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Berry College 2277 Martha Berry Hwy. NW Mt. Berry, 30149 706.232.5374 berry.edu In brief: Private college established in 1902 on 27,000 acres and named third of thirty “most beautiful” campuses in the country. Student-faculty interaction rated in top 10 percent. Twenty-one competitive sports teams.

Beulah Heights University 892 – 906 Berne St. SE Atlanta, 30316 beulah.org In brief: Christian university established in 1918 prepares students for careers in both ministry and marketplace with multiple degree programs.

Brenau University 500 Washington St. SE Gainesville, 30501 770.534.6299 brenau.edu

In brief: Private university with multiple campuses and online programs.

Ranked as one of the top 15 best higher education values in the Southeast by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years (2012).

Brewton-Parker College U.S. 280 at 201 David-Eliza Fountain Cr. Mount Vernon, 30445 912.583.2241 bpc.edu In brief: Georgia Baptist college offering liberal arts curriculum based in Christian-centered teaching. Offers associates and bachelor’s degrees. Eleven sports teams.

Brown Mackie College Atlanta 4370 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta, 30319 404.799.4500 brownmackie.edu In brief: Degrees and certificates offered in seven areas of study (business

and technology, construction trades, early childhood education, healthcare, legal studies and nursing and veterinary technology.)

Clark Atlanta University 223 James P. Brawley S.W. Atlanta, 30314-4391 404.880.6605 cau.edu In brief: Private, historically black university with distinguished history, alumni, faculty and grad and postgrad programs. Formed in 1988 when Clark University and Atlanta College merged.

College of Coastal Georgia One College Dr., Brunswick, 31520 912.279.5700 ccga.edu In brief: Four-year public college located on the coast in Georgia’s Golden Isles. Men’s golf team won NAIA championship 2014.

Clayton State University 200 Clayton State Blvd.

Morrow, 30260-0285 678.466.4000 clayton.edu

Columbia Theological Seminary 701 S. Columbia Dr. Decatur, 30030 404.378.8821 ctsnet.edu

In brief: Offers six master’s programs, over 30 baccalaureate degree programs.

Rated #8 among public colleges in the South by US News & World Report.

Sports are part of the Division II NCAA conference.

In brief: Educational institution of the Presbyterian Church and a community formed for ministry in service of the church. Offers seven graduate degree programs and dozens of lifelong learning courses and events as resources for church professionals and lay people.

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Education degrees and several pre-professional programs.

In brief: Features flexible learning online, on campus or mixture of both. Offers associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in addition to health career and technology certificate programs. Locations in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Duluth and Stockbridge.

Dalton State College 650 College Dr. Dalton, 30720 – 3797 800.829.4436 daltonstate.edu

Columbus State University 4225 University Ave. Columbus, 31907-5645 706.568.2035 columbusstate.edu In brief: Offers 46 undergraduate, 42 graduate degrees and online study. Graduate degree in business rated as one of the “best online programs” by U.S. News & World Report, 2014.

Covenant College 14049 Scenic Hwy. Lookout Mtn., 30750-4164 706. 820. 1560 covenant.edu In brief: Christian Liberal Arts college offering Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Music, Master of

In brief: School with diverse student body that includes traditional and non-traditional students from up to 38 countries. Offers 14 baccalaureate degrees, 22 associate degrees and technical and certificate programs.

Darton State College 2400 Gillionville Rd. Albany, 31707-3908 229.317.6000 darton.edu In brief: Offers associates degrees, a bachelor’s degree in nursing and certificate programs in criminal justice management, computer technology and other disciplines.

Many programs can be completed fully online. In-state tuition covers four states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

DeVry University Atlanta 100 Galleria Pkwy., SE Atlanta, 888.368.2985 devryuniversity.org/Atlanta

East Georgia State College 131 College Circle Swainsboro, 30401-2699 478.289.2017 ega.edu In brief: Public liberal arts college offering 24 associates of arts degrees. Small student body of fewer than 3,000 includes traditional and non-traditional learners. Offers online degrees in general studies and psychology as well as collaborative degrees with Darton College in nursing and with Georgia Southwestern State University in business administration.

Emmanuel College 181 Springs St. Franklin Springs, 30639 800.860.8800 ec.edu In brief: Small, private, four-year Christian college with an Evangelical Pentecostal foundation. Two and four - year degree programs have strong religious dimension.

GRACEPOINT School

Serving students with dyslexia in a quality Christian environment

We offer a comprehensive, high quality education program that combines remediation with enrichment and acceleration.

Please contact the office of admissions at 678-756-8897 to schedule a tour.

2005 Stilesboro Road | Kennesaw, GA 30152 678-709-6634 | www.gracepointschool.org 58

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Emory University 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, 30322 404.727.6123 emory.edu

Georgia Institute of Technology North Avenue Atlanta, 30332 494.894.2000 gatech.edu

In brief: Private research university with $6.9 billion endowment and nine academic divisions: Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Oxford College, Goizueta Business School, Laney Graduate School, School of Law, School of Medicine, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Rollins School of Public Health, and the Candler School of Theology. Acceptance rate is 26 percent.

In brief: Georgia Tech has more 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its six colleges: Architecture, Computing, the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, Engineering, Sciences, and Management. The urban Atlanta college, consistently rated as a “best public university,” is a national and international leader in scientific and technological research and education. NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program is one of the oldest in the country.

Fort Valley State University 1005 State University Dr. Fort Valley, 31030-4313 478.827.3878 fvsu.edu In brief: Offers bachelor’s degrees in 50 majors (most popular: agriculture and business administration) and masters in education and counseling. Cooperative Developmental Energy Program teams with oil and energy companies nationwide to launch careers of minorities and women in that industry. Student body is more than 90 percent African-American, with students from 136 of Georgia’s 159 counties and seven foreign countries.

Georgia College & State University PO Box 23 Milledgeville, 31061 478.445.5004 gcsu.edu In brief: Public liberal arts university. A residential institution with more than 36 undergraduate degrees and 25 graduate programs available in four schools of study. Also offers grad studies in connected Macon and Warner Robins centers.

Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, 30043 678.407.5000 ggc.edu In brief: First public, four-year, liberal arts college to be founded in the U.S. in the 21st century according to the American Council on Education. Student population is around 11,000. Was named most ethnically diverse regional Southern college in U.S. News & World Report 2015 College Compass.

Georgia Highlands College 3175 Cedartown Hwy. S.E. Rome, GA 30161 706.802.5000 highlands.edu In brief: Offers 48 transfer and career programs leading to two-year degrees, many in health-care. Most popular majors are nursing, business and education. Enrollment has doubled in the last seven years to more than 5,700. Options include online programs and instructional sites in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville.

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center and one of four public research universities in the state. Offers associates, bachelor’s and specialist degrees. In 2012 Augusta State University merged with Georgia Health Sciences University to form GRU.

Georgia Perimeter College 3251 Panthersville Road Decatur, 30034-3897 678.891.2300 gpc.edu In brief: Regional, nonresidential two and four-year multi-campus institution with more than 25,000 students.

Third-largest institution in the state university system offers two bachelor degrees, 27 associate degrees, four technical degrees through six locations in Atlanta and nine dual degree programs with DeKalb Tech.

Georgia Regents University 1120 15th St. Augusta, 30912 706.721.0211 gru.edu In brief: Public academic health

Georgia Southern University PO Box 8033 Statesboro, 30460 912.478.4636 In brief: Offers 124 degree programs at the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral levels. A Carnegie Doctoral-Research university, it provides residential campus and online learning options to more than 20,500 students.

Georgia Southwestern State University 800 Ga. Southwestern State Univ. Dr. Americus, 31709-4693 800.338.0082 gsw.edu In brief: Public four-year college offering 40 bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and selected specialist degrees. Offers the only professional golf management program in Georgia.

Georgia State University PO Box 3965 Atlanta, 30303-3083

404.413.2000 In brief: Four-year urban research university and second largest university in the state. Fifty degree programs in 250 fields of study for traditional and non-traditional students. Has centers in Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Buckhead and Henry County offering suburban locations for graduate courses in business and education.

Gordon State College 419 College Dr. Barnesville, 30204-1762 800.282.6504 gordonstate.edu In brief: Former junior college now fouryear state college offers four-year degrees in Early Childhood Education, Mathematics, Biology, English, History, Health Systems and Informatics Administration.

Herzig University Atlanta Lenox Square Mall 3393 Peachtree Dr. NE, Atlanta, 30326 404.586.4265 herzig.edu/Atlanta In brief: Private university favored by international students who earn industry guided degrees in nursing, technology, business and public safety by attending on campus, online or both.

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Interdenominational Theological Center 700 MLK Jr. Dr., NW Atlanta, 30314 404.527.7700 itc.edu In brief: A consortium of six predominantly African-American denominational Christian seminaries operating together as a professional graduate school of theology.

ITT Technological Institute 485 Oak Pl Suite 800, Atlanta, 30349 404.765.4600 844.220.3378 itt-tech.edu In brief: Offers online and in-classroom degrees in informational technology, electronics technology, drafting/design, criminal justice and business. Four campuses: Atlanta, Douglasville, Duluth, Kennesaw.

Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, 30144-5591 770.423.6000 kennesaw.edu In brief: Comprehensive, large, four-year institution with expanding undergraduate and graduate programs. Sixty bachelor’s degree programs and more than 20 master’s programs in addition to online learning and certificate programs.

LaGrange College 601 Broad St. LaGrange, 30240 706.880.8000 lagrange.edu In brief: Founded in 1831 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Enrollment is about 1,000 and class size average is 12 students. Offers 55 academic and pre-professional programs.

Life University 1269 Barclay Cr. Marietta, 30060 770.426.2600 life.edu In brief: Private university that attracts students worldwide to its doctoral degree program in chiropractics.

Luther Rice College & Seminary 3038 Evans Mill Rd. Lithonia, 30038 770.484.1204 lutherrice.edu In brief: Private Christian college and seminary offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in leadership, counseling, apologetics, Christian worldview, Christian studies and Christian ministry/ doctrine. Ninety-five percent of enrolled students get their degrees completely online.

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Mercer University 1501 Mercer University Dr. Macon, 31207 478.301.2700 mercer.edu In brief: The oldest private university in Georgia offers grad and undergrad programs on three major campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah, in four academic centers and at the Mercer Engineering Research Center in Warner Robins. Includes the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology and the Townsend School of Music.

Evening, weekend and online programs available.

Middle Georgia State University 100 College Station Drive Macon, 31206 478.471.2700 mga.edu

Morehouse School of Medicine 720 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta, 30314 404.752.1500 msm.edu

In brief: Main campus is in Macon with satellite campuses in Cochran, Eastman, Dublin and Warner Robins. Offering bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and associates degrees, along with a large number of certificates focused primarily on the aviation industry.

In brief: Private medical school, originally part of Morehouse College. Became independent in 1981. A 2010 study ranked the school as the number one medical school in the country in terms of social mission.

Morehouse College 830 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta, 30314 404.681.2800 morehouse.edu In brief: Private, all male, liberal arts, historically black college three miles from downtown Atlanta. Offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in over 26 majors. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Maynard Jackson and Spike Lee are alumni.

Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, 30319 404.261.1441 oglethorpe.edu In brief: Private, four-year liberal arts college offering more than 27 undergraduate majors and post-grad opportunities. Home to the Crypt of Civilization, the first and most complete time capsule ever created, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. (Capsule scheduled to be opened in 8113 A.D.)

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culture. Main campus is in West Point, historic campus is in East Point with additional classrooms in Atlanta, McDonough, Peachtree City and Savannah. Offers traditional, online and access degrees (for working adults.)

Piedmont College 1021 Central Ave. Demorest, 30535 706.385.1000 piedmont.edu In brief: Private, liberal arts institution located in Demorest with another campus in Athens. Offers more than 50 undergraduate and eight graduate programs.

Point University 507 W. 10th St. West Point, 31833 706.385.1000 point.edu In brief: Formerly Atlanta Christian College, Point U is a private, fouryear liberal arts college founded in 1937 with a focus on Christian

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Reinhardt University 7300 Reinhardt College Cr. Waleska, 30183 770.720. 5600 reinhardt.edu In brief: Liberal arts institution with an off-campus center in Alpharetta. Traditional undergraduate students have 37 degree programs to choose from, adult learners have six.

There are two online options and six graduate degree programs.

Savannah College of Art & Design 342 Bull St, Savannah, 31402 912.525.5100 scad.edu In brief: Private, nonprofit art and design university with locations in Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France. Founded in 1978. More than 40 majors and 60 minors.

Shorter College 315 Shorter Ave. Rome, 30165 706.291.2121

su.shorter.edu In brief: Private, liberal arts university founded in 1873. A Christian university historically affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through seven colleges and schools. Adult education and graduate programs at distance learning facilities in Duluth, North Atlanta and Riverdale.

Savannah State University 3219 College Avenue Savannah, 31404 912.358.4778 savannahstate.edu In brief: Four-year college with historical roots. The 116-year-old institution offers 23 undergrad and five grad degree programs.

Spelman College 350 Spelman Ln. Atlanta, 30314 404.681.3643 spelman.edu In brief: Small, private, liberal arts women’s college considered the “sister” to Morehouse.

Acceptance rate is 38 percent. Ranked by Forbes as one of the country’s top women’s schools.

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South University – Savannah 709 Mall Blvd.

Savannah, 31406 912.201.8000 southuniversity.edu

South Georgia State College 100 West College Park Dr. Douglas, 31533-5098 912.260.4200 sgsc.edu In brief: Student body of around 2,000 pursue associate degrees in 23 majors and associate degrees and certificate programs in 10 majors in nursing, business and information systems. The Nightingale Mobile Clinic allows nursing students to develop clinical skills and work side-by-side with college faculty to deliver primary health care in a community setting.

Tallahassee, Florida, which is 35 miles to the south of the Thomasville campus.

In brief: For-profit institution offers career prep in the business, health sciences, legal studies, and information technology fields. Associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are offered through School of Business, School of Health Professions, and School of Pharmacy.

Toccoa Falls College 107 Kincaid Dr, Toccoa Falls, 30598 706.886.7299 tfc.edu In brief: Christian liberal arts college consisting of three schools: School of Christian Ministries, School of Arts and Sciences, and School of Professional Studies. Offers 34 majors and 39 minors.

Thomas University 1501 Millpond Rd. Thomasville, 31792 229.226.1621 thomas.edu

Truett-McConnell College 100 Alumni Dr. Cleveland, 30528 706.865.2134 truett.edu

In brief: Four-year coeducational private university in rural, southwest Georgia offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University offers fully online programs as well as satellite campuses in Bainbridge and Moultrie as well as

In brief: Private Christian, coeducational liberal arts college operated under the auspices of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Degrees offered include business, Christian studies and world missions, nursing, behavioral sciences and humanities.

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

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University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 706.542.3000 uga.edu In brief: A four-year land grant and sea-grant university is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive and most diversified institution of higher education. More than 34,000 students pursue undergraduate degrees in 140 major fields of study and 30 master’s programs in 124 fields. Athletic program is competitive and central to university and community identity.

University of North Georgia 82 College Circle Dahlonega, 30597 706.864.1400 ung.edu In brief: Regional, multi-campus institution, designated by the Georgia General Assembly as The Military College of Georgia. Created in January 2013 through the consolidation of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College. Offers more than 100 programs, from certificate and two-year degrees to doctoral programs.

University of Phoenix 8200 Roberts Dr. Sandy Springs, 30350-4147 678.731.0555 866.766.0766 phoenix.edu

In brief: Campuses in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah offer onsite and online degrees in over 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels.

University of West Georgia 1601 Maple St. Carrollton, 30118 678.839.5000 westga.edu In brief: Eighty-six programs of study, including 43 bachelor’s, 29 master’s and specialist degrees, four doctorates, eight post-baccalaureate certifications and two post-master’s certifications. One of Georgia’s few Honors Colleges. Highly rated online learning program.

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Valdosta State University 1500 North Patterson St. Valdosta, 31698 229.333.5800 valdosta.edu In brief: VSU’s five colleges–Arts, Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing, as well as its Graduate School offer 56 undergraduate degrees, 46 graduate degrees, and doctoral degrees in education and public administration. Distance learning available at off-campus locations throughout the South Georgia region, including Kings Bay Naval Base and Moody Air Force Base.

Wesleyan College 4760 Forsyth Rd. Macon, 31210 478.477.1110 wesleyancollege.edu In brief: Private, liberal arts women’s college, Wesleyan offers 35 majors, 29 minors and pre-professional programs for its students. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Westwood College 231 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 100 Atlanta, 30303 877.852. 6608 www.westwood.edu In brief: Career oriented college in Midtown offers online and onsite degree programs in business, design, justice, technology and healthcare Young Harris College 1 College St. Young Harris, 30582 www.yhc.edu In brief: Founded in 1886, this private, four-year Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college is located in the mountains of northeast Georgia. It has roughly 1,100 students and a a small student-teacher ratio.

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Back-to-Campus Tips Moving to campus can be a fun and exciting time for any student, but it can also be costly. There are several ways to save on all the things your student will need to make his or her dorm a home away from home.

To get on the right track for a successful year at college, check out these tips from the discount experts at Dollar General.

Do Your Homework Many colleges provide online resources and virtual tours of dorms to give you an idea of what is provided, what you’ll need to bring, and what items are prohibited by the school. Reach out to future roommates and decide together what household items can be shared, like a coffee maker, microwave or TV. Make the Dorm Home After a long day of classes, a dorm should feel like going home. Personalize the living space with matching bedding, décor and other linens. Retailers like Dollar General offer a large variety of affordable, trendy dorm fashions to make

rooms unique and personalized. You can also stock up on favorite snacks and quick meal items for more enjoyable study sessions.

Find the Sales Start the school year right with new school supplies. Stock up on notebooks, highlighters, pens and pencils for studying.

Students will stay better organized with a day planner, calendar or dry erase board to keep assignments and due dates in check.

Back-to-campus sales can often provide the best bang for your buck on such essentials. Take advantage of extra savings with digital coupons and auto-renewal programs to save even more money and stay stocked on campus essentials. Auto-renewals can provide quick delivery to your address, saving time better spent studying.

Back-to-campus is upon us. Save time and money while getting prepared.

- courtesy of StatePoint Media

Avoid these mistakes college students make College is when many young people first get a taste of independence. Unfortunately, this newfound freedom can lead to decisions that may impact life well beyond graduation.

How can you avoid the pitfalls plaguing fellow scholars? Here are strategies for dodging common mistakes made by college students: Hurting Your Credit You may be presented with credit card offers for the first time; and building good credit can help lay the groundwork for future financial options -- but proceed wisely. College seniors owed $4,100 in credit card debt by graduation, according to recent research from Debt.

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org. Don’t let credit cards be an excuse to spend beyond your means. Start with a line of credit you can handle. If you manage that well, later on you’ll be able to borrow more.

To maintain good credit, pay your statement on time and more than the minimum due each month, keep balances low, keep long-standing accounts open, and avoid applying for too many credit cards. Remember to check credit history often. Look for a credit card that offers perks like cash back rewards and a low APR. Overdoing It College is about earning a degree.

However, it’s also about making lifelong

friends and exploring interests. Keep this in mind when choosing courses for the semester.

Bad Money Management College is expensive, and beyond the expenses you already know about -- tuition, books, and housing -- you will incur many other expenses along the way, from lab fees to gas to cell phone bills.

“Setting up a budget is crucial, particularly if your spending money is drawn from a loan or grant,” says John Rasmussen, head of Education Financial Services at Wells Fargo. “You’ll need that money to last if you don’t have another stream of revenue.” -StatePoint Media

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e on th

E WIN D ROA

By Michael Venezia Photography by Jennifer Carter

On a frightfully hot day in July I traveled to Adairsville Georgia to lunch with Greg Teague, the proclaimed “wine snob” of the Barnsley Resort. By definition, the word ‘snob’ is pretty brutal, and the thought of spending a few hours with a wine snob was challenging. How would I handle this potentially arrogant, unpleasant wine elitist? Would the lunch and our time together be a total disaster?

Please read on to meet a truly extraordinary wine man.

Snob According to my trusty Farlex dictionary app, “a snob is a person who believes him or herself an expert or connoisseur in a given field and is condescending toward or disdainful of those who hold other opinions or have different tastes regarding this field.”

The Agreement Greg Teague, CSW, a thirty year veteran of the hospitality

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industry would select twelve wines from his wine inventory and host me for lunch. Executive Chef Roberto Guzman would prepare a multicourse meal and we would allow the food and wine to speak for themselves. How cool is that?

During lunch our dialogue would revolve around his wine selections and why he chose these wines to offer with the chef’s skillfully prepared and beautifully presented menu. Thankfully Mr. Teague is the antithesis of snobbism, and it was immediately apparent that he has a profound love of wine and strong professional street cred. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine, possessing an infectious enthusiasm for sharing his wine discoveries with the members and guests of the magnificent Barnsley Resort. We were joined by my friend Jennifer Carter, whose talents are exhibited in the extraordinary photos accompanying this On the Wine Road report.

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Above, let the pouring begin. Top right, Greg Teague cuts into the first course, a Plantation Quail dish atop Logan Turnpike Grits, Pickled Peaches and Jicama Slaw. Right, the third course, Chantarelle Crusted Halibut, 8 Ball Squash Risotto Succotash and a red wine Demi-Glace.

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The Menu Plantation Quail, Logan Turnpike Grits, Pickled Peaches and Jicama Slaw ~~~ Heirloom Tomato Salad, Parmesan Foam, Balsamic Caviar, Walnuts and Tomato Sorbet ~~~ Chanterelle Crusted Halibut, 8 Ball Squash Risotto, Succotash, Red Wine Demi Glace ~~~ Georgia Pecan Pie, Pink Hawaiian Sea Salt, Dulce de Leche, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Ice Cream The twelve wines selected by Greg are a dozen standouts from his wine list: Paul Thomas, Sancerre, Loire, France, 2013 Corse Vermentino, Corsica, 2012 Filaboa, Albarino, Galicia, Spain 2012 Blue Rock, Rose of Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, 2014 Blue Rock, Best Barrel Merlot, Alexander Valley, 2010 Blue Rock, Best Barrel Malbec, Alexander Valley, 2010 Complicated, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, 2013 Arista, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2013 Petalos Mencia, Bierzo, Spain, 2012 Il Bruciato, Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri, Italy 2013 Phifer Pavitt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. 2011 Trinchero, Petit Verdot, Central Park West Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2007

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During our pre-luncheon conversation, the chef kindly explained his meal selections. Greg has autonomy in evolving wine selections and enjoys the opportunity to educate and introduce wines to the diners of the Rice House, the historic dining venue on the Barnsley Resort property. While working closely with the chef to help the food and wine sing in harmony, he encourages his guests to have faith and put themselves in his capable hands. He will pull the curtain back and reveal wines which are handcrafted by creative winemakers and introduce them to wines that they have never had before. He will share with anyone who wants to experience a new wine epiphany.

Although he acknowledges the popularity of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the chocolate and vanilla of wine flavors, his role as a wine interventionist is to break some consumers’ addiction to these to varietals and to offer colors, aromas, flavors, and textures that are lesser known.

As our lunch was served and each course enjoyed, the menu seemed to be perfectly at home with his eclectic wine offerings.

“The quail would’ve been OK with a Chardonnay” he mused, “but didn’t you think it is so much more exciting with the Spanish Albarino or the Vermentino from Corsica?” I agreed. Although I had tasted these varietals before, they seemed to have a different message when enjoyed with Chef Roberto’s dish.

When the solid food on the plate is introduced to wines which have a certain defined link to a small location on the global wine map, the excitement level of experience is raised. It was clear from the outset that the skills of the culinary team were in harmony with Greg’s wine offerings. His passion is contagious and it is easy to see why his presence in the dining room encourages people to trust his judgment and present wines which are his own discoveries. At Barnsley, the tasting opportunities are boundless and Greg’s goal is

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to get people out of their comfort zone. He explained that for many people the wine world is confusing and intimidating. It is his stated vocation to offer new experiences to his many wine lovers.

The blanched and cored heirloom tomato was filled with parmesan foam, adorned with balsamic caviar and garnished with walnuts and tomato sorbet.

Sipping several wines with Chef Roberto’s exotic take on tomato salad was an exciting adventure. The dry Rose of Cabernet Franc was refreshing with just the right amount of acidity to compliment the tomato and the parmesan foam. I also enjoyed the Sancerre, a beautiful, dry, medium-bodied, classic Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. He explained that whenever possible he develops a relationship with the winemaker and is encouraged when they have something special for him. His Blue Rock, Alexander Valley “Best Barrel” Malbec is an exclusive production, one cask (approximately 60 gallons or 250 bottles), which was made available to Greg. There is only one place to taste this wine and that is at Barnsley Resort.

The chanterelle crusted halibut, squash risotto, succotash and red wine demi-glace was perfectly prepared and he encouraged me to taste the red wine selections with this beautiful fish dish. He advocates red wine with seafood, especially when earthy components such as mushrooms are accenting the preparation and accompanied by a red wine sauce. The Trinchero Petit Verdot, a rare and obscure Bordeaux variety, is often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon in California. The 2007 from the Trinchero family’s Napa Valley vineyard in St. Helena was perfectly mature and proved to be a magnificent accompaniment to this complex entrée.

Before dessert he explained that he rarely offers wines with sweets, but will occasionally suggest a port wine to compliment chocolate-centric creations. He prefers to have a sweet wine on its own as a substitute for dessert or as a second dessert. I found myself agreeing completely with this rationale.

The flavor of the Georgia pecan pie, accented by the pink Hawaiian sea salt, dulce de leche and Woodford Reserve bourbon ice cream had the rich, complex flavors of the pecan pie with the vanilla and sweet aromas of the bourbon component.

After three hours together I left Barnsley with a greater appreciation of Greg’s 30 years on the wine road. From the historic Atlanta Peasant Restaurants to the Barnsley Resort, Greg has embraced his vocation one sniff and sip at a time. I strongly suggest you visit the Barnsley Resort, enjoy the beauty of the property, perhaps spend the night, benefit from the spa, book dinner in the Rice House and allow Greg to take you for a stroll through his wine fantasy land, and please let him know that Michael sent you.

Our wine writer Michael Venezia, left, shares a glass with Greg Teague.

圀攀 眀漀甀氀搀 氀椀欀攀 琀漀 戀攀 礀漀甀爀 氀漀挀愀氀 䘀唀䰀䰀 匀䔀刀嘀䤀䌀䔀 䘀䰀伀刀䤀匀吀⸀ ⠀㜀㜀 ⤀ 㐀㈀㔀ⴀ㘀㔀㜀 䘀愀椀琀栀搀攀猀椀最渀猀昀氀漀爀椀猀琀⸀挀漀洀

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By John Bednarowski Photography by Kelly J. Huff

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Taylor Henkle, left, and Johnny Yoder are two of the seven Cobb County players on Kennesaw State’s inaugural roster. Henkle, who attended Kell High School and Yoder, who went to Lassiter, said they are excited about representing the county on Cobb’s college football team.

Kennesaw State football

has officially kicked off.

The Owls played their inaugural game at East Tennessee State on Sept. 3.

Leading the defense is Taylor Henkle, who played at Kell High School. He was the first player from Cobb County to commit to Kennesaw State’s new program. He will team with Derrick Farrow and Shawn Reynolds at the safety positions. Bohannon said the unit was one that stood out, and Reynolds was a player who made the most improvements from last fall through the spring.

Offensively, the Owls may line up and initially play what looks like Georgia Tech’s spread option. Bohannon, who coached under Yellow Jackets coach Paul Johnson for 17 years, said he will be adding some different looks as the unit comes together.

“As we evolve, we’ll do some things,” Bohannon said.

“But it’s not going to happen right away.”

Heading into fall camp, Trey White was the clear leader to start the season at quarterback. The transfer

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K E N N E S AW S TAT E O W L S Location: 1000 Chastain Rd, Kennesaw Phone: 470-578-6000 Home Field: Fifth Third Bank Stadium Online: ksuowls.com 2015 SCHEDULE

SEPT. 3 AT EAST TENNESSEE

SEPT. 12 VS EDWARD WATERS

SEPT. 19 VS SHORTER

SEPT. 26 AT DAYTON

OCT. 10 VS POINT

OCT. 17 VS GARDNER WEBB

OCT. 24 AT LIBERTY

OCT. 31 VS MONMOUTH

NOV. 7 VS CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

NOV. 14 AT COASTAL CAROLINA

NOV. 21 AT

PRESBYTERIAN

KSU head coach Brian Bohannon. from The Citadel provided a clear spark during the scrimmages and Black and Gold game with his ability to run the football. However, Jake McKenzie and Chandler Burks will also get reps in fall practice. Burks is coming off ACL surgery and had not had a real chance to show what he can do.

Helping the quarterbacks will be a group of running backs including Jae Bowen, Burksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teammate at South Paulding High School, Trey Chivers and Micah Reed, a transfer who played in 11 games, including two starts, for Central Florida last season.

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ighlights

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

A closer look at events happening in Cobb during September

JAMES BARKET: DOUBLE BASS & FRIENDS>>> Bass master and teacher Barket in concert with additional players.

The performance will be streamed online at musicKSU.com When and where: Sept. 3; 8 p.m.; Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: www.kennesaw.edu BIG TOP OUT THE BOX CIRCUS>>> All circus spectacle with no animal acts.

This is what sets Big Top Out The Box apart from the rest. Interactive and fun for all ages. When and where: Sept. 3 - 6; 7:30 p.m.; Additional shows at noon Sept. 5 & 6; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $21 - $32.50 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000 JOSH GROBAN IN CONCERT: STAGES>>> The multi-platinum selling artist opens his latest tour in Cobb County.

Groban will tunefully visit the great musicals and sing the best loved songs from Broadway in support of his new release, “Stages.” All tickets purchased online come with a bonus: a CD or digital download of the new music, including versions of “Over The Rainbow” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” When and where: Sept. 12; 8 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $76. 50 -$146.50 plus fees at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000 KELTIC KUDZU>>>Southern Rock, meet Celtic music. Celtic music, meet Southern Rock. Four piece band and features four part harmonies, mandolin, guitar, dueling fiddles - and yes, bag pipes. Proud but not loud. When and where: Sept. 12; 7:30 p.m.: The Art Place at Mountain View Tickets: FREE EVENT or rent a table for $40 More info: tapmarietta.com

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8TH ANNUAL JAZZ GROOVE SMOOTH MUSIC FESTIVAL >>>Day of Jazz that includes Nick Colionne, Jeff Lorber, Tim Bowman, Paula Atherton and Tony Exum, Jr. Gates open at 1 p.m. Rain or shine. When and where: Sept. 12; 2 - 9:30 p.m.; Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton.

Tickets: $26 - $86 at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. More info: 700.819.7765 or mablehouse.org ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION GALA FEATURING KRISTEN CHENOWETH >>>Gala for a good cause: to raise funds for arts education programs for Atlanta’s youth in grades K-12. The evening, which includes dinner and a fundraising auction, will be followed by Emmy and Tony Award winning Broadway star Kristin Chenowet (who originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch on Broadway in the popular musical “Wicked.”) When and where: Sept. 18; 5:45 p.m. reception; 6:15 dinner and “Bid-to-Give” Auction; 8:00 Kristin Chenoweth performance: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Ballroom & Theatre Tickets: $300 per person: tables for 10 available at $3,000 More info: Cara Myler at 770.916.2805 or cmyler@cobbenergycentre.com KINDERMART>>>Massive sale featuring 300 sellers. Shoppers can save big on children’s clothes, coats, toys, baby gear, strollers, car seats, books and more. Many items will be half-price on Saturday. When and where: Sept. 18 - 19; Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – noon; Smyrna First United Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall, Smyrna. Tickets: $26 - $86 at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone or online. More info: www. kindermartsale.com MARIETTA STREET FEST>>> Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruise, Grassroots Music Fest, arts, crafts and more. Since 1992 this popular festival raises funds for the Marietta Museum of History. Attendance is in the thousands, so note there are two free parking decks at corner of Waddell St. and Lawrence St. When and where: Sept. 19 - 20; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Marietta Square Tickets: FREE EVENT More info: mariettastreetfest.com THE GLENN PHILLIPS BAND featuring CINDY WILSON OF THE B-52s>>> Gifted Georgians bring the rock and harmony. Part of the SCAA Candlelite Concert series. When and where: Sept. 19; Gates open at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m.; Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton Tickets: FREE EVENT or $55 for a table More info: mablehouse.org JEANNE ROBERTSON – FABULOUSLY FUNNY >>>It’s never too late to make ‘em laugh. Robertson is 71-years old, a former Miss North Carolina previously in demand as a public speaker in the corporate world of conventions and meetings. She’s now in demand on the comedy circuit due to her videos going viral and new fans wanting to experience her infectious humor in person. When and where: Sept. 19; 7:30 p.m.; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Tickets: $32 - $52 at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone, online or at Cobb Energy Centre box office. More info: 800.745.3000

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highlights

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR>>> Eighty-three years young, this is the largest fair in the metro area and there’s something for everyone: live music, farm animals, flower exhibitions, petting zoo, blue ribbon competitions, and games and rides on the midway. Free concerts with fair admission include Montgomery Gentry and Mark Willis. New this year: state-of-the art fun house and a balloon Ferris wheel. Also, David “The Bullet” Smith, a human cannonball, will perform. When and where: Sept. 24 - Oct. 4; Mon. - Thurs. 4 – 11 p.m., Fri. 4 p.m. - midnight, Sat. 10 a.m. - midnight, Sun. 12:30 - 10 p.m.; Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta Tickets: $7.

Ride tickets are extra. There are admission specials for different nights of the week. More info: northgeorgiastatefair.com

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AAUW 56th ANNUAL BOOK FAIR>>> The American Association of University Women presents its massive annual book fair to raise funds to help women and girls in need. What to expect: more than 75,000 gently used bargain books in dozens of categories and a pleasant browsing and buying experience for a good cause. When and where: Sept. 22 – 27; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily: North Point Mall, lower level between Dillards and Von Maur. Tickets: FREE EVENT. $10 on opening night only. More info: bookfairaauw.org ANIME WEEKEND ATLANTA>>> Japanese animation and comic convention with video showings, costume contest, special guests, gaming, formal ball and art show. When and where: Sept. 24 – 27; 10 a.m. – midnight daily: Cobb Galleria Center, Atlanta Tickets: $51 - $56 More info: awa-con.com MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH AND I’M IN THERAPY >>> Steve Solomon’s one-man comedy show about family drama garnered rave reviews and a long run in New York City. When and where: Sept.

30 - Oct. 18; 7:30 p.m. Weds. & Thurs: 8 p.m.

Fri. & Sat.: 2 p.m. Sunday; Earl Strand Theatre, Marietta. Tickets: $30 - $44 More info: 770.293.0080 or earlsmithstrand.org

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Leadership Cobb Alumni Social

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1 The Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Summer Social took place in late July at Indian Hills Country Club where dozens of members of the association gathered for a reunion. 1. The Leadership Cobb Class of 2015 celebrates their induction. 2. From left, Susan Hiott of Smyrna, Judy Skeel of Marietta and Carl Haithcos of Smyrna. 3. From left, Bobby Tharpe of Kennesaw, Alice Summerour of Marietta and Blair Waldron of East Cobb.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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4 4. From left, Kim Paris of East Cobb, Michele Bickerstaff of DeKalb County, Kevin Hyland of Kennesaw and Megan Stambaugh of DeKalb County. 5. Don and Ann Keller of Marietta. 6. From left, Bonnie Buckner Reavis of Marietta and Sharon Mason of East Cobb. 7. Angela Huff of Marietta and Dale Bandy of Marietta. 8. Brian Binzer of Acworth and Ellen Smith of East Cobb.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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Leadership Cobb Alumni Social

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11 9. From left, Pam Brems of Kennesaw and Mark Zangari of Powder Springs. 10. From left, Tim Kelley of East Cobb, Sally Macaulay of Kennesaw, Michele Miska of Marietta, and Don Keller of Powder Springs. 11. Debbie Ponder of Marietta and Mazi Mazloom of Marietta.

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Helene Fielder

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Voted Best Shoppe in Bartow County, 2013 & 2012 15 E. Main St. - Cartersville, GA 30120 - (770) 383-9910 September 2015 Cobb Life

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SCENE

Leading Next Generation launches

The Leading Next Generation Foundation hosted an introduction breakfast in July at the Marietta Country Club.

Dozens of residents attended the event to learn about the opportunities the foundation offers children.

1. From left, Linda Oviatt of Powder Springs, Jamie Ryan of Marietta and Angela Huff of Marietta. 2. Leading Next Generation co-founders Amy Warriner and Heather Pennington. 3. Rhonda Smith of Marietta and Karen Carter of Powder Springs.

1 PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMANTHA SHAL

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

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Funeral Directors, Rev. Dennis E. Bellamy, Sheila Bellamy and Shelly B. Palmer

FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES

Serving Powder Springs, Hiram and the surrounding communities since 1980 in which we have remained family owned and operated.

Our longevity can be attributed to listening to the needs of those we have served and the confidence of the people in the community that we will serve in the future. Our commitment is to provide you and your family as well as your friends and neighbors with sound advice and personal service at a time when it is most needed.

Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning At-need or Pre-need Funeral Services, Cremations, Cemetery spaces or Mausoleum needs.

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

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Leading Next Generation launches

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SCENE

5 4. Dave Walens of Marietta and Guy Watkins of Kennesaw. 5. Mike Linch and Dr. Ike Reighard, both of West Cobb.

Want to be SCENE?

Email details about your event to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com

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Shaky Boots Festival

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1 The Shaky Boots Festival took place at Kennesaw State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports and entertainment complex this summer. The inaugural event featured artists such as Blake Shelton, The Whisky Gentry, Brad Paisley and Sara Evans. 1. From left, Justin Branch of Acworth, Nick Wells of Acworth, Nicki Wells of Acworth and Paige Woods of Dallas. 2. From left, Jacqueline Tibbs of Woodstock and Lilly Gurley of Atlanta. 3. Cayden Eskildsen, 10, Marietta watches on as one of his favorite artists, Rodney Atkins, performs.

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3 See concert photos at www.cobblifemagazine.com

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REFLECTIONS

By Tammy DeMel

Pets make everything better I am not a pet person.

Don’t get me wrong I like cats and dogs.

Whenever I visit my friends I enjoy seeing their dogs and cooing, “who’s a good girl or boy” (to the dogs, not my friends).

I even have pet guilt.

Well it’s probably more like mommy guilt.

My son has wanted a dog since he was about 10.

Since he’s an only child I always thought it would be nice if he had a companion, you know that whole “a boy and his dog” thing.

And even though I don’t have time to care for a pet, I always told him that if he was willing to care for a dog we could get one. Needless to say his disdain for picking up doggie poop far outweighed his desire for actually having a dog.

While I’m not a pet person, I have been a pet owner, so to speak.

When I was nine we had a Lhasa Apso named Fluffy. It’s been said that when a Lhasa looks in the mirror, he sees a lion. I’m not quite sure how the dog experts know that, but in Fluffy’s case I believe it. Unfortunately, that whole king of jungle mentality didn’t go over so well with my parents and a year and half later, we gave Fluffy away.

Next, there was China Cat. He wasn’t actually my pet; he was part of the package when I got married. China relocated to Marietta with my husband. He was a beautiful grey and white outdoor cat who thought he was a dog. Anytime he needed to do his business, he’d meow at us and run to the backdoor to be let out. When he was done, he’d jiggle the window screen to be let back inside.

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China also loved when we’d pet him. He would nudge your hand with his nose until you’d stroke his head. And he’d make the most soothing purring sound. No matter how I was feeling, it would always make me feel like everything would be all right.

He would’ve been the perfect pet too if it hadn’t been for the hairballs and the occasional accidents he left on the carpet. I can still hear the alert noise he would make just before he coughed up what looked like a dead rat.

There also was cat hair everywhere and tattered furniture from his incessant scratching — no matter how many scratching posts we bought, he preferred the sofa.

But my husband loved China and I loved my husband (still do) so I figured I’d wait the cat out. After all, it’s only nine lives — how long could that take?

And then, one day China was gone. My husband didn’t have the heart to put him down, so China died peacefully in our house.

The night China passed my husband woke me and I gave him a hug. I told him how sorry I was and asked if he needed anything. He said no and he stayed up a bit longer to be with China. And while I know this is not going to help me win any friends, I laid back down and thought, I wonder how long is the appropriate amount of time to wait before bringing up the idea of getting a new sofa?

But that weekend when my husband and son buried China in the backyard, I was beside them saying goodbye to our old friend and I cried.

Who knows, maybe I am more of a pet person than I like to admit.

It’s been several years since China passed and a lot has changed. Most importantly, my son is starting to look at colleges and though I’m excited for him and his journey, I already miss him and worry. Just thinking about him leaving makes me cry. And as I sit on the not-so-new sofa and reflect about how empty the house will be, I think about China. I think about how nice it would be to have him nudge me with his nose again so that I could pet him and hear his soothing purr so that I would know that everything will be just fine.

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