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Letter from the Publisher
A
TARA HILL HANOVER
fter the shortest summer in history, then a stressful back to school, how are YOU doing getting back to “NORMAL”?
Are you starting to wonder exactly what that means? I have never claimed to be normal and have definitely never been accused of it… But if you are like me and wondering what exactly “normal” looks like NOW, you are not alone. After a year of isolation and now trying to find a happy balance of “getting back out there”, I believe we are in a “new normal”. And you know what? It is ok to feel a bit anxious-especially with the uncertainty of things right now. Tip #1: Give Yourself a Break. We need to be aware of how each step into our new comfort zone makes us feel and be respectful that everyone is moving at their own pace. Tip #2: Give Everyone Else a Break, too. Remember, some people are still feeling very nervous. Restrictions have been (sort of) lifted, masks are optional (in most places) and gatherings have returned-yet cases are back on the rise. Tip #3: Take Your Time & Tip #4: Be Honest with Yourself about what You AND YOUR FAMILY are comfortable with. Also, after working in network news for 23 years, I have found that Turning Off the News is Tip #5 in reducing anxiety. Tip #6: It is OK to say NO. And finally, Tip #7: BE KIND We don’t all have to agree but we can respectfully disagree. “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
PAGE 4
Our Town
PHARMACIST FINDS A REAL BREAKTHROUGH FOR PAIN THAT WON’T DESTROY YOUR HEALTH By Dr. Jimi Sharomi, PharmD RPH
Are you sick of living with chronic, severe pain that flares up just about every time you breathe? Well you’re about to discover a NATURAL breakthrough for pain that can bring you real relief in as little as a couple of hours! From this moment on I want you to forget about all the “remedies” you’ve tried to relieve your pain (especially Tylenol/Advil which destroy your liver and kidneys). Forget all the times your doctor shrugged at you and said surgery was the only option besides narcotics. Because once you purchase this herbal pain reliever … you’ll hold in your hands the ANSWER that will finally let you break FREE from unbearable daily pain. This stunning discovery called ABAYTOL is a giant leap forward for pain sufferers because it is a natural pain reliever that has helped many people get control over their pain. Just think…eliminating synthetic pain killers means a healthier liver, no chemical dependence, more regular bowel movements, no more falling asleep at work, no more monthly clinic visits and no more hiding and locking every cabinet. ABAYTOL is such an extraordinary pain reliever because its active ingredient has been found by scientists at the Rochester Medical Center in New York to be a viable alternative to pain medications which include prescriptions. One such scientist, Marc Swogger suggests: “it’s not an opiate but seems to ease pain; unlike opiates which have a sedative effect, this seems to have a stimulating effect in moderate doses. People who have used the herb have reported that it provides pain relief but doesn’t knock them out.” “I was pleasantly surprised with the relief I saw from taking ABAYTOL. I have severe degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis, and severe arthritis all over. I definitely notice a drop in my overall pain after taking 2-3 capsules.” – Mel, Acworth “This product actually works really well for pain. To me 3 capsules were more than enough, despite the label saying ‘may use up to 8 per day’. That probably is fine for some but not necessary for me.” – Judith, Marietta “[Abaytol] is very good for pain.” – Leslie, Acworth “This is the best product I’ve tried for my pain! That includes routine prescriptions in the past.” – Brad, Kennesaw “I’ve had a few back surgeries but the pain is always there. Abaytol is my only medicine that isn’t prescription that actually alleviates some of the pain.” – Dominick, Acworth Unlike many other so called pain relievers, ABAYTOL fights pain at its origin. Many exaggerated remedies for pain make unsubstantiated claims such as: “REVERSES ARTHRITIS” or “REBUILDS TISSUE”. But fighting pain at its origin means ABAYTOL doesn’t just help with only one type of pain but helps ALL types of pain. Our clients have come in with bone spurs, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain syndrome, degenerative joints, diverticulitis, fractures, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, muscle pain, nerve pain, sciatica, shingles, spinal cord injury, trigeminal neuralgia and still reported benefits while using ABAYTOL. Now thanks to ABAYTOL, for the first time in years, people who have put up with severe pain are now waking up with their pain under control and getting back to doing things they love.
“Abaytol relived the knee pain I’ve had for over 20 years. Usually when I see a product with amazing reviews, upon trying they never live up to the expectations. However this definitely lived up to my expectations and more!” -Lara, Marietta PHARMACEUTICAL GRADE AND DOCTOR RECOMMENDED FORMULA
ABAYTOL $33.98
“Abaytol relived the knee pain I’ve had for over 20 years. Usually when I see a product with amazing reviews, upon trying they never live up to the expectations. However this definitely lived up to my expectations and more!” – Lara, Marietta Why risk your health by taking pills that destroy your liver and rob you of your independence? Isn’t it time you give your aching body long lasting relief that’s quick, effective and safe? ABAYTOL is the answer to your problems. I’ve taken the time to follow up with our clients to make sure they are getting tremendous results. But as a pharmacist I must caution, ABAYTOL is not for everyone. ABAYTOL is for the chronic sufferer of severe pain only… it’s only for those who live in agony day after day. I’m fully convinced ABAYTOL will work for you to the extent that you too will become a repeat customer, so much so that I invite anyone who is dissatisfied with ABAYTOL to receive a full refund of their purchase. If you don’t receive relief from your pain after complete use of ABAYTOL simply return your empty bottle for a 100% refund. I wouldn’t make that offer if I felt anything short of full confidence in ABAYTOL, so hurry and get ABAYTOL today for $33.98 while supplies last.
ORDER BY PHONE
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OR ONLINE
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In This Issue
Note from the Publisher Tara Hanover....................................................4
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 21
Cover Story Bubolo Medical
Featured Photographer Aharon Hill.......................................................8
Eliana Ocheseanu Wants to Help You: Transition into your fall skincare routine in the Science of Beauty...........................................10
15
Are You Aware of the New Trend Called “Phone Dumping”? Kimberly Wakins-Swenk has the scoop!.........12
12 Social Media Phone Dumping
Cover Story Bubolo Medical, 20 years and going strong!...15
17
Lifestyle Report Don’t forget, you matter too!.........................17
Lifestyle Report Self love
The Tillman House: A Resource Center for Serving the Community..................................19
19
It’s back! Under the Friday Night Lights In Talkin’ Sports.............................................20
Community The Tillman House
Cobb’s Rising Stars! ................................21
23 20 PAGE 6
Travel Passport information Sports Friday Night Lights
OTM’s Travel Expert, Heather Meliski Has passport facts you need to know...............23
Looking to buy a house in the Fall? Deborah Ratchford can help you out!............28
Our Town
Our Town onthly M
in this issue
F A M I LY L I F E S T Y L E N EW S M AG A Z I N E
STERLING
Publishers/Editors Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes West Cobb Area. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not Linda Demery & Lori McLinden
in Cobb County. Opinions expressednecessarily by the editorial staff their own reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our are Town reserves the right to Graphics and Design edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Terry Tanner for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made reservesTanner the right toInc. edit and or reject any editorial or advertising Graphics, by advertisers. content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond Account Executive Entire contents copyright 2018 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in sara@ourtownmonthly.com the Sara costYoung, of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. Feature Photographer Entire contents copyright 2021 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole Our Town Monthly or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher. 109 Anderson Street Contributing Writers
Suite 109 Marietta, GA 30060
PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR 678-337-7844 Tara Hill Hanover Fax: 678-337-7825 info@ourtownmonthly.com
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www.ourtownmonthly.com EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Justin Hanover
DIGITAL EDITOR/SOCIAL MEDIA CONTRIBUTOR Kimberly Watkins-Swenk GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Jules Fandos ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES West Cobb Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com Smyrna/Vinings/Galleria/Cumberland Misty Flanders-White misty@ourtownmonthly.com North/South Cobb Stephanie Mellom stephanie@ourtownmonthly.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER Aharon Hill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eliana Ocheseanu Julie Jager-Tillman House Heather Meliski Deborah Ratchford PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com FB: Our Town Monthly
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PAGE 7
Feature Photographer AHARON HILL
M
y job is about documenting family moments of bliss, curiosity and discovery; moments that are defined by pure magic and connection.
At every session, I strive to capture these magical family moments in the glow of soft light, creating photo treasures that my clients will cherish throughout their lives. As the mother of two boys, I understand just how important it is to capture and preserve these fleeting moments! Having been a practicing attorney in what seems like another life, I am thankful that my job now affords me the opportunity to create and play. Let me capture your family’s magic!
aharonhill.com | aharonj@gmail.com | 404.771.3968
PAGE 8
Our Town
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PAGE 9
The Science of Beauty
THE FALL PEEL SEASON
By Eliana Ocheseanu, the Skin Whisperer at Refinery21 Aesthetique
F
all is finally here! The days are starting to get cooler and the sun is less powerful, it is time to start the transition to your fall skin care. Because the skin is less exposed to UV radiation, fall marks the start of the aesthetic peel season. Before you decide to treat yourself to a chemical peel, it is important to know which peel treatment is best for you. What is a chemical peel treatment? A chemical peel session consists of applying an acidic solution to your face to remove the build-up of dead cells and promote the growth of new cells. The three types of skin peels are: 1. Superficial: dead cells are removed from the top layer of your skin only. 2. Medium: dead cells are removed from the top and middle layers. 3. Deep: dead cells are removed from all accessible layers of the skin. A sedative or local anesthetic may be used as well as the peeling solution. The first two types are safe for most people as they’re non-permanent. Because of this, they need to be done on a timely basis. Deep peels, on the other hand, last long periods of time and carry a higher risk. This also means they can be more than five times the price of superficial and medium peels. Which peel might be best for you? Lactic Acid peels are the gentlest on the skin. They are surface peels so they can be applied with little to no discomfort and downtime. Lactic peels increase skin’s hydration, reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines and milia, also known as whiteheads.
TCA Acid peels are medium to deep peels used to improve texture while treating wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation and melasma. The downtime for these peels varies between 0 to 7 days depending on the peel strength and the number of layers applied during the treatment. Blended Peels such as Image’s Perfection Peel and the VI Peels are a combination of three or four acids and other ingredients such as Retinoic Acids, Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydroquinone to dramatically reduce wrinkles, acne, acne scars and sun damage. As single peels are limited to treating one or two skin conditions at the time, and not safe for all skin types, the Blended Peels are the way to go as they can be used on all types of skin color to treat every skin condition simultaneously. As the summer sun that you enjoyed so much has left your skin with degraded collagen and weakened elastin, skin peels will allow you to have glowing and healthy-looking skin that won’t leave you reaching for foundation every morning. We recommend having at least one chemical peel annually to contribute to great skin, and Fall is the best time for you to choose! Eliana has over 20 years of experience in skin care. She is the owner of Refinery21 Aesthetique and she is always available for free consultations. Email her with any skin care related questions at eliana@refinery21studio.com
Glycolic Acid peels are surface to medium depth peels depending on concentration and acidity. They help increase cellular turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and give your skin that coveted glow. You should experience 2 to 4 days downtime depending on the peel’s concentration and the number of layers applied by your esthetician. Salicylic Acid peels are also surface to medium depth peels used to reduce active acne, unclog pores, eliminate blackheads and reduce surface pigmentation in combination with other lightening ingredients. Depending on the concentration used, you will experience immediate blanching of the skin followed by a 3 to 7 day period of exfoliation.
PAGE 10
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PAGE 11
One Way Teens Outsmart You & Technology By Kimberley Watkins-Swenk
M
y phone buzzes early one Saturday morning as I drink my coffee, trying to wake my 46-year-old body up.
“Look at this.” My friend texts with a picture taken from inside her dining room window looking towards her mailbox. “The sneaky (insert an unprintable explicative) did it again.” Mind you; it is 7 AM on a Saturday; I had gotten up early to take my oldest to swim practice at GA Tech. I squint my eyes through my readers, trying to understand why my friend is sending me a picture of a car in front of her mailbox and why she is hanging out in her dining room, taking photos of the said mailbox. “I knew it!” she texts. “Argh, now I have to go call these parents I don’t know and tell them what I saw. And I don’t even know two of the other kids in the car.” Did the kids roll her house? Nope. Smash their mailbox? No. Drop her 16-year-old son off early in the morning? No. They were doing what is known as “phone dumping.” These kids are trying to get around GPS software like Life 365 and Find My iPhone - you know, the GPS software many parents use to track their kids’ location? Yep, carrying on the tradition of generations of sneaky teenagers everywhere, this generation has adapted to the GPS locator programming.
Here is how it goes: the teenagers decide which “good kid’s” house to tell their parents they are hanging out at and often spending the night. They do a drive-by of the chosen kid’s house and stash their phones in the mailboxes, bushes, or any of the other hiding spots. Then they speed off into a day or night of unsupervised fun without their parents being the wiser. Their phones show them at the chosen house. I know you are thinking, don’t they realize I can call them or text them, and when they don’t reply, I will know something is up? These are teenagers we are talking about - rationale and understanding long-term consequences aren’t their strong suits. What my friend witnessed was an early morning phone pick-up from her mailbox. Her son’s early curfew makes her house a prime phone drop location. As the kids drive off, my friend goes upstairs to wake up her 16-year-old son. “So and so just drove by our mailbox and picked up their phone. And there were two other kids I don’t know in the car. Do you know anything about this?” she said to her half-asleep son. He groggily replied, “It is 7 AM on Saturday, and no, I don’t know anything about so and so dropping off their phone in our mailbox, mom. Go Away. Let me sleep.” “Argh. These kids are dragging me into their drama because I have to call their parents, then the kids try to lie to their parents. This time I have pictures,” my friend texts. Kids will do the darnedest things. Kimberly Watkins-Swenk is a social media professional and also OTM’s Digital Content Director & Editor. Kimberly and her family split their time between Smyrna and Durango, Colorado. She is married to Jason and has two sons, Luke and Chase, and two cats she loves more than anything.
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PAGE 12
Our Town
Visit our website at www.bcohenortho.com Check Our Google Reviews!
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Expert care with your child’s future in mind. A positive, caring dental experience for your child, focused on prevention. Independently rated Top Pediatric Dentist by Atlanta Magazine 2014, 2018-2021 “Mom Approved Dentist” by Atlanta Parent Magazine 2017-2021 “Best Of” by Vinings Lifestyle Magazine
Dr. Barry Cohen has been a respected Orthodontist in the Smyrna area since 1988 and is a Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. In mid-2017, Dr. Matt Cohen joined the practice to make a strong father/son team. At Cohen Orthodontics, we provide interceptive treatment, comprehensive adolescent as well as adult orthodontic treatment with traditional appliances, metal and clear braces and Invisalign for teen and adults. Our goal is to work with you every step of the way to ensure your treatment is as relaxed, convenient and rewarding as possible.
Sibley Heart Center Cardiology has been providing care for children in Cobb County for more than 30 years. Our pediatric cardiologists at our Marietta clinic specialize in caring for children born with congenital heart defects from before birth to age 21. • 4 Fetal Cardiologists
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PAGE 13
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Our Town
COVER STORY
O
ver the past 20 years, Bubolo Medical has perfected the formula to a better life. They pride themselves on the success of their patients yet strive to become even better.
“When it comes to your quality of life, nothing should hold you back from becoming the best version of yourself. No matter what issues or conditions you are facing, trust that the experts at Bubolo Medical will go as far as it takes to find you the solution you deserve. Our expert staff and physicians will be there with you at every point of your journey.” That is the Promise of Bubolo Medical. Our Town Monthly was thrilled to chat with Dr. Bubolo and in the few minutes we were able to spend with him, it was clear that his staff and clients are more than that. Dr. Bubolo considers them family and has a personal mission of 100% satisfaction.
Q&A
OTM: How long have you been in business? Bubolo: Our first location opened on September 10th, 2001 and our second location, March 2021. We are celebrating 20 years this month! OTM: Congratulations! I know you consider this “a family business”, who in your actual family works with you and what are their roles? Bubolo: Broadly, our company vision and values has been developed at home. Specifically, my wife Ginger develops all plans related to “The Patient Experience” and my son Cage Bubolo works with our Graphic Design team. OTM: You seem to be a full-service office when it comes to wellness, self confidence and self image. What services do you offer? Bubolo: Medical Weight Loss, Liposculpting, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hair Restoration, Aesthetics, Telemedicine, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. OTM: How can our readers make an appointment with you? Bubolo: Call us at 770-975-1299 or visit our website at www.Bubolomed ical.com Also visit our social media accounts: Facebook: Bubolo Medical Instagram @BuboloMedical Dr. Bubolo’s staff is made up of more than 30 highly trained and qualified professionals. Below are some of their comments: “The most rewarding part of my job is the people that I get to connect with on a daily basis. The patients I get to help, the talented people I work with, and the people I get to talk to outside of work about my job. I have gained so much knowledge working with Bubolo Medical and I am always proud to discuss what I do-since we offer services that make such a huge difference in the lives of others. Helping people look better, feel better, and perform better is rewarding in itself, especially when you see the transformation that occurs when they finally regain their confidence. I am also grateful to work with a group of professionals who are so passionate and committed to changing the lives of others. In over three years of working at BM, there has not been one day where I dreaded coming to work. I am thankful I get to do what I love...helping people live healthier lives.” - Kristin Peeterse, Director of Men and Women’s Health “What I find rewarding about my job at Bubolo is that everyone really makes you feel like family. I’ve worked in the medical field for 20+ years and I truly wake up every morning ready to come to work and help change the way someone feels (our patients). I enjoy meeting new people and helping them with men’s health, weight loss etc… To see the service full circle and to also see the excitement from the patients.” - Tiffany Newsome, Lead Medic
bubolomedical.com l 770.975.1299
“What I like most about this job is the challenges we are faced with and overcome together as a team. The growth of the company I have been able to be part of over the last 10 years. When a patient comes in and says they have tried everything, and nothing has worked for them except our services. When patients tell us that we have helped save their marriages or given them their confidence back. Seeing the difference in the patients each week when they come in for their weigh-ins.” - Whitney Clark, Front Office Manager “Giving someone ownership of their body and health. Creating that confidence and spark that they may never have even felt before. I just love making others smile.” - Karen McBroom, Medical Weight Loss Coach “I love that I change lives and empower my patients to look good and feel good which leads to increased confidence and happiness.” - Melissa Stroud, Nurse Practitioner “I love sharing my passion and knowledge with our patients and helping them reach their goals. Also finding out what they are really needing and making sure to follow through with them. When patients tell me how much they appreciate me, taking the time with them and the program they are on has changed their relationship with their spouse or they have gone down a size or two and feel so much better about themselves. I love being a part of this team!” - Jodie Sherman, Patient Coordinator Dr. Bubolo and his wife are passionate about giving back and supporting our community. This year they announced their “Community Giveback” 100K Project. In his own words, “It has been a difficult year and it is time we take care of each other and make the world a better place. GIVE-LOVE-SERVE”. Thank you Dr. Bubolo, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Bubolo has two locations, Sandy Springs and Acworth: Bubolo Medical Sandy Springs 200 Sandy Springs Place Atlanta, GA 30328 404-255-6000
Bubolo Medical Acworth 3899 Cobb Pkwy NW, Acworth, GA 30101 770-975-1299
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PAGE 16
Our Town
Lifestyle Report By Tara Hanover
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”- Oscar Wilde
W
e have always been told to be kind to others, respect our elders, hold the door for the person behind us and of course, say “please” and “thank you”. All good tips, wouldn’t you agree? As a lady raised in the south, I’d say so. But did anyone ever tell you that you deserve that same respect? From you to you… I think we often forget that WE MATTER as well and should treat ourselves with the same respect as we treat others. I also think that we get so caught up in comparing ourselves to others, we forget that it is not a contest and need to be happy with who we are, the body we’re given and the people in our lives. (After this past year and a half, can I get an AMEN!) I love all the “love yourself movements”, “Self-Love Clubs”, “Self-Love Soldiers”, “Put Your Oxygen Mask On First” … You may think it’s corny, maybe it is- but I definitely think it is necessary. Especially now! We are living in crazy times and as I tell my kids, “The only person you can control is yourself”. Here are some self-love reminders that I’d like to offer you: 1. Get rid of negative influences in your life. This could be a person, a cluttered home or office, an ill-fitting outfit...anything that makes you feel bad or stressed (bye!). 2. Find time for self-maintenance. *I promise you, there is a direct link to “looking good, feeling better”.
3. Set goals. Find 5 minutes a day to sit alone in silence, a new fitness routine, a new job or hobby perhaps? 4. Compliment yourself on at least one thing a day! If you can’t seem to find that one thing, call a friend...I am sure they will tell you how amazing you are. 5. Accept that you are not perfect. NEWSFLASH, none of us are! 6. Don’t sweat the small stuff. I know, I know…easier said than done, these days it seems we are dealing with “the big stuff” but try to put worry in perspective, sometimes writing it down helps. 7. Get a good night’s sleep. (BAHAHAHAHA, right! )This is by far the hardest for me personally, but I do find that when I get sleep, I can handle anything much better from kids, to work, to the things that are out of my control... SLEEP IS INVALUABLE!!! Do yourself a favor. Be respectful, kind and courteous to YOURSELF and to those around you.... especially if they are negative. As I tell my children, smile big as you quickly walk away. A smile helps everyone and it’s FREE! Also, corny or not, become your own “SELF LOVE SOLDIER” or hey better yet start a “SELF LOVE CLUB” even if you are your only member. Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up and NEVER Give Up! tara@ourtownmonthly.com
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PAGE 17
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PAGE 18
Our Town
TILLMAN HOUSE
T
Our continuing education extends to the care of our children in the community. Tillman House is the host for the Smart Kids Afterschool Program. This is a three-day a week after school session taking place every Tuesday through Thursday from 2:30pm to 5:00pm beginning September 7th. We are currently looking for qualified, volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with our 1st through 3rd graders from Green Acres Elementary in reading and math curriculum. Volunteers can choose to help a little or a lot – it’s up to the individual! If you, or someone you know, has a heart for shaping the future of our children, please contact us at info@tillmanhousefoundation.com.
illman House, located at 940 Concord Road, may be familiar to many as Tillman United Methodist Church. When Tillman House reopened its doors as a Resource Center in 2018, it continued its commitment to building relationships in the community. One way Tillman house does this, is by meeting people where they are and discovering how we can serve them. Some days serving means a warm cup of coffee and a listening ear. Or it could be serving through any number of our resources such as our food pantry, diaper programs, hygiene & warming kit distribution, laundry services and many counseling and support group options. Another way we enjoy serving is through our free adult classes offered in partnership with the Cliff Jordan Continuing Education Center. Our classes, run 100% by volunteers, are designed to stimulate learning and instill independence, offering practical tools for personal growth and development. Starting this fall, members in our community can choose from classes focused on English as a second language, Math, Financial Growth and Healthy Living. We offer a community garden to teach individuals how to grow their own food that also provides fresh veggies for our neighbors. Additional classes on the horizon include budgeting 101, healthy eating on budget, and art classes!
Our Town
At Tillman House we are always looking for ways we can serve people in our area and welcome anyone looking for a place to serve! You can learn more about all that Tillman House Resource Center has to offer, including registration or volunteering for our free Cliff Jordan Continuing Education classes at www.tillmanhousefoundation.org. Click “NEWS” to find out more about our upcoming events that include Family Movie Night, Literacy Month Recognition Night and an Art Walk Marketplace coming soon! You can also follow us on
and
@tillmanhouseresourcecenter.
We would love to build a relationship with you!
PAGE 19
Talkin’ Sports Under Those Friday Night Lights By Justin Hanover
I
t’s officially that time of the year. School is back, the weather is starting to cool down (maybe) and life is of course getting crazier and crazier. Yup, Friday night High School football is back!
Let’s take a look at some of our Cobb County High School teams, a county which has won four state championships over the past six years. Both Marietta and Harrison took the crown in 2019, Allatoona was victorious despite a plethora of injuries in 2015 and Mt. Paran won the Class A Private title in 2014 North Cobb The Warriors may be the favorite to win it all in Class 7A this season. Head Coach Shane Queen, who can boast a 106-62 overall record, is in his 15th year with the program. Not only was his team 10-2 a season ago and bring back a good amount of talent but they also received four major transfers from Brookwood. Junior Quarterback Malachi Singleton is a 4* recruit who can crush an opponent with both his arm and his legs. Add into the mix four Senior transfers who include 4* UGA commit WR Denylon Morrissette, 4* WR Sam Mbake, 3* Kentucky commit CB Andre Stewart and 4* UGA Commit DB Marquis Groves-Killebrew and you have a team as talented as any in the state. Marietta Head Coach Richard Morgan enters his sixth season at Whitlock Avenue. Last season the Blue Devils did make the playoffs but also saw an expected dip. After losing so much amazing talent from that 2019 championship run, led by Harrison Bailey and Arik Gilbert, there was really no place to go but down.
six-time player of the game. Ponder, not only rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and scored eight times but can also boast a 3.5 GPA. Add in 6’ 6” Ohio State commit Bennett Christian, Junior Linebacker Vinny Canosa and Ty Thompson, who led the team with 8 sacks last season, and the Bucs should be back in business in 2021. Kell One of the major themes in High School football, and this article, is the high level of coaching in the state of Georgia. The Kell Longhorns are no different with Brett Sloan, who is entering season number five with a 29-16 record. Sloan will rely heavily on senior quarterback Ty Crockett and junior running back David Mbadinga. The 5’ 8” back rumbled for over 1300 yards in 2020 and scored 11 times making him the biggest current offensive threat coming out of Lee Waters Road. Can one of these five Cobb County teams cross the finish line and hold up the trophy in December? One thing is for certain, Friday nights out on the field create special moments for these young men and memories that will last forever! Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone and 680 The Fan. He has also done play-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children.
Senior Quarterback Tyler Hughes, who is a Southern University commit, threw for 28 touchdowns a year ago while leading the team with 535 rush yards. Hughes will target six guys who had at least 20 catches a season ago, including a potential beast in Daniel Martin. The squad will also return the top nine tacklers, who all happen to be experienced Seniors. McEachern The Indians have perennially been one of the top programs in the state of Georgia. They have always had top level coaching led by the legendary Jimmy Dorsey and now is no different as Franklin Stephens begins year number three in Powder Springs. Overall, Stephens is 149-33-1 in his coaching career and will need quarterback Bryce Archie to add to his 16 Touchdown passes over the past two seasons. Makari Bodiford, Sutton Smith and East Carolina commit Kaleb Webb should be high quality weapons at Archie’s disposal. Allatoona Gary Varner’s Buccaneers went 11-1 last season before bowing out to a very good Westlake squad in the quarterfinals. The coach, the only one in the program’s 13-year history, is 117-39-1 overall and won that State title back in 2015, despite losing major contributors to injury along the way. Incidentally, that record equates to a .738 winning percentage which is the best for any program in Cobb County history. Throughout the years this program has been the High School version of Running Back U. They always seem to be able to pound opponents into submission with a great running game and this season should be no different with Jayden Ponder, who last season as a sophomore, was the
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Our Town
Cobb’s Rising Stars! 2 1
3
5 4
6
8 7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
ABBY JACOBS - USAC Swim Team ELLIE MYERS - Marietta COOPER WATKINS - Smyrna GRACE SMITH - Smyrna Elite Track Club MORGAN FARMER - USAC Swim Team
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9 6. JANIE MYERS - Marietta 7. KALEY COX - Hillgrove High School 8. ROBBY YOUNG - Brookstone Swim Team 9. CONNOR CHRISTOPHERSON - Vinings 10. SMYRNA BLUE 8-10 STATE CAMPIONS
10
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PAGE 22
Our Town
By Heather Meliski
L Dust Off Your Passports
ike so many of us, you may be ready to travel outside of the United States for a much-needed getaway. International travel is in high demand – we’re now a year and a half into COVID and lots of people are ready to escape for a while. But before you book that next trip outside of the United States you need to make sure your passport isn’t expired or expiring.
Before you book your vacation, you want to make sure that your passport is going to be valid for travel and that you have enough time for either a new passport or a renewal if needed. Generally speaking, passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date you will reenter the United States and you need to have at least two blank pages in your passport (this allows enough room for stamps for your trip). It’s important to note that even if the country you are traveling to has a shorter requirement for validity, the airline that you are flying on may still have a six-month requirement. Often clients will ask me why there is a requirement to have six months remaining on your passport, which is a great question. Countries want you to have at least six months remaining to make sure your passport won’t expire while you are in travel if you have something happen that delays your return to the United States. Common delays include medical emergencies and natural disasters (hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc). You won’t be allowed to reenter the United States with an expired passport and the simplest way to avoid this is to have ample time remaining on your passport when you travel. It is important to note that passports for ages 16 and up are valid for ten years and passports for children ages 15 and under are valid for only five years. I often have clients who are ready to book a vacation only to realize that their child’s passport is expired because they weren’t aware of this. If your passport has expired or won’t have enough time remaining to take your vacation, or if you don’t yet have a passport, you will need to apply for a new or renewed passport. Currently, passport processing times are incredibly long – regular passport processing is taking up to 18 weeks, expedited processing is taking up to 12 weeks, and in-person appointments for same day processing are virtually impossible to get, even if you have a life-or-death emergency. Additional staff is being added to help clear the huge backlog of applications, but in the meantime, you need to plan for longer than usual processing times. I highly recommend choosing expedited service for all passport applications. You will also want to pay extra for expedited shipping of your application and for express delivery of your completed passport. By choosing these options you can possibly reduce the time it takes to receive your passport. There’s nothing worse than the feeling you have when you have your vacation booked only to realize that you have an expired passport so go check yours now!
Heather Meliski writes Our Town Travel keeping us in the “know”. Heather is a travel agent specializing in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, cruises, theme parks, and more. She lives in Smyrna with her husband and two sons. Heather@yellowshoetravel.com FB @heatheryellowshoetravel IG @yellowshoetravelheather
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PAGE 27
At Renew, we focus on home organization.
The Best Things About Buying A House In The Fall Spring months are notoriously the best time to buy a home but fall may be the new ideal season.
LOOKING TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD?
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submit your info to receive more information!
There’s less competition
T
he competition for houses perennially drops off in the fall, a time many people consider to be the off-season in real estate. However, since it has been such a strong seller’s market over the past year, this fall might also have fewer buyers in the market. This would, therefore, increase the number of available homes for sale which puts you in a great position to possibly negotiate. There are always some homes that don’t sell throughout the summer and then come down in price, ready to be sold. Even in a seller’s market there are some sellers who put their homes on the market during the prime selling times of spring and summer and do not get the price they asked for. They may have been a tad overconfident by listing their homes for more than buyers were willing to spend. After months of no action, these sellers are often ready to make a deal. Sellers who were bold with their price earlier in the year will now be more willing to reduce the price come the fall.
The fall-time sellers are more serious Not all homes on the market in fall are summer leftovers. Some people need to sell in the fall because the timing is right. Maybe they were having a home built, and because of materials delays or even weather delays… it’s now ready. Maybe they need to move because of a new job or promotion. It does seem like the sellers with houses on the market in the fall tend to be serious about selling or at least have a great reason to sell.
You can take advantage of tax breaks - this is a good one If you are a first-time homebuyer, take note: You can’t escape paying income tax, but you can make a dent in what you owe when you become a homeowner. Guess what? Property tax and mortgage interest are both deductions you can take for your whole year’s worth of income, even if you closed on your home in December. Any property tax and interest payments made prior to the end of the year are tax-deductible. This can make a serious difference in the amount you owe the government at the end of the year. A good loan officer is glad to explain even more.
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We use proven and simple organization systems that are sustainable and tailored for you. We will help you organize and simplify your home with purpose and style. Leave your space with us, so you can take care of you.
Jordan Preston
Fall is a safer time of the year - do some due diligence Burglars have a peak season too. July and August are prime months for burglaries and when reported to the police, a data base is ongoing, so waiting until the fall to do a purchase gives you an advantage when learning about crime in the area. One can always check with the local police department to inquire about crime stats in the areas that you are interested in. You’ll be settled into your new home and can take precautions, like setting up that new alarm system before the next burglary season rolls around. There are many local and neighborhood watch programs that you can join as well.
My agent & loan officer don’t call me back very timely in the summer Because spring and summer are ideal times to buy a home, real estate agents are usually busier and that could mean you might not always get the attention you want or need. This is also true for other professionals you’re working with to buy a house. Service providers, such as mortgage lenders and title companies, are moving out of the summertime sales swamp and can often respond quicker in the fall. The same goes for the moving companies. Because summer is such a peak moving season, people often experience more delays and service issues. Unnecessary moving stress goes way down in the fall season.
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Deborah M Ratchford
Keller Williams Cityside 3350 Atlanta Road Smyrna, GA 30080
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Senior Loan Officer Member FDIC
600 Townpark Ln Ste 190 Kennesaw, GA. 30144 O 404.553.2621 C 770.365.7179 barry.butler@Amerisbank.com
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