Cobb Life March 2011

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990 Whitlock Avenue, Suite D • Marietta, GA 30064Under Whitlock’s Restaurant

770-427-3033www.MariettaHearing.com

Appliance Mart 39Atlanta Communities 42Atlanta Lyric Theatre 22Atlanta Swim Academy 45BBQ Grill Dr 60Big Shanty BBQ 16Body Proud Fitness 50Broadway Across America 12Carpet Dry Tech 44Center Academy 65Center For Allergy & Asthma 7Childrens Health Care 5Cobb Civic Center 40Cobb Hardware 57Cochran Shutters 60Dance Stop 34Davis-Struempf Funeral Home 10Dental Care Center of Kennestone 31Emory Adventist 61Fabric & Fringe 56Fireplace Company 52First Cherokee State Bank 24Fresh N Fit 54Gail Holman 56Gas South Broadway Series 18Geico 52Georgia Memorial Park 29Georgia's Own Credit Union 19Golden Rugs 16Good Measure Meals 17Halo Salon 53Johnson Ferry Baptist 53Juleps 41

Kennesaw Dental 45Kortney Struempf 43KSU Continuing ED 36Lasik Eye Center - Joffe Medical 11Lavida Massage 43Legacy Landscapes 54Lisa's Cake Art 47Marietta Hearing 4Marlowes 23Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral

Home 67Mini Maids 64New Life Chiropractic 49Parc @ Piedmont 48Physicians Choice 41Piedmont Hospital 68Pinnacle Orthopaedics 25Plastic Surgery Center of the South 35Resurgens 30Roswell Street Baptist 6Sawyer Baily Salon 34Solaris 3Spot On Cunsulting 44Sue Hilton 40Sundial Plumbing 46The Bottoms Group 9The Framery 50Three 13 Salon 55United Community Bank 13Wellstar 2White Rabbit 28Winnwood Retirement 51

I N D E X O F A D V E R T I S E R S

PUBLISHER Otis A. Brumby, Jr.

GENERAL MANAGER Otis Brumby III

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jay Whorton

V.P. OF SALES Wade Stephens

EDITORIAL STAFF

DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINESMark Wallace Maguire

CONTRIBUTORSAllen Bell, Laura Braddick, Joan Durbin, Donna Espy,

Stacey L. Evans, Therra Gwyn, Kevin Hazzard,

Elaine LaMontagne,Michael Pallerino,

Ryan Peck, Meredith Pruden, Heather Teilhet, Michael Venezia

PHOTOGRAPHER Mia McCorkle

PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Carter, Erin Gray, Laura Moon, Nathan Self

LAYOUT AND DESIGNStacey L. Evans,

Mark Wallace Maguire

PROOFREADERSonja Heck

ADVERTISING STAFF

COBB ADVERTISING MANAGERBecky Opitz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESReneé Aghajanian,

Stephanie deJarnette, Katie Berry,Carole Johnson, Dawne Edge,

Paula Milton, Cheryl Myrick, Tamara Cuda,Melinda Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSCaroline Brannen

Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Leigh Hall

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Matt Heck

Cobb Life magazine is publishednine times a year and distributed to

more than 33,500 homes and businesses

throughout Cobb County.

ADVERTISING: To advertise, contactWade Stephens at

[email protected] 770.795.3000 x500

SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial correspondence to

[email protected]

Cobb LifeMarch 2011 � Volume 7, Issue 2

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C O N T E N T S

f e a t u r e s

20 SUCCESS ON THE STRINGS A look inside the world’slargest banjo store, located in Marietta

32 LOOKIE, LOOKIE Here comes a different type of cookie

37 ON THE RISE Our annual 20 Rising Stars under 40 features some of the up and comers in Cobb

14 SPICE Take a trip south to Vinings and savor some ofSoho’s fine cuisine

26 STYLE Smyrna’s hottest new boutique offers eclecticwares

58 WINE Great wines without breaking the bank

20

d e p a r t m e n t s

8 FROM THE DIRECTOR

10 LETTERS

10 NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY

62 HIGHLIGHTS

63 SCENE

68 SLICE OF COBB

i n e v e r y i s s u e 26

14



write about (myself guilty at times), the neighbor-

hood was alive with the sounds of children laugh-

ing, sleds rocketing down the street and in our back-

yard, my brother’s and my’s exultation of accom-

plishment after, and only after, we had survived the

heart-stopping lightening fast ride to the bottom of

the hill.

Every morning for what seemed like days on end,

we would rise, eat a hot breakfast of oatmeal and

hot chocolate, bundle up, wax the blades of the sled

and get ready for another day of sledding.

We moved from Forest City a year or so after that

winter. The rest of my pre-college days were spent

among three cities in the mild piedmont of the

Carolinas. During those years, snow ceased to be a

regular occurrence, but instead a rare visitor. We

would get a dusting every two or three years if we

were lucky, but usually just an inch or so of ice. It

was just enough to get the TV anchors excited,

boost the sale of bread and milk at local stores and

tempt enough self-proclaimed macho men to drive

in it, a fact they would relish over later.

During those years, the “Western Flyer” became a

relic in our garage where dust piled upon its once

stately frame and its red letters faded. I don’t know

what happened to the sled, I imagine it was eventu-

ally sold in a garage sale or given away.

I write all this, because the last few years, the fre-

quency of snow has changed here. My wife and I

figured our five-year-old son Patrick has seen more

snow in his time on the planet than we saw in the

ten years prior to his birth combined.

He, and the members of his generation, have been

blessed. They saw a White Christmas. They got an

amazing several days off of school for real snow,

not ice or sleet. And, Patrick got to sled when the

area got blanketed in early January. I even joined

him for several trips down our neighborhood hills,

reliving a snapshot of my own childhood.

There was just one thing missing.

You guessed it.

“The Western Flyer.”

Though I haven’t seen a “Western Flyer” in over

two decades, I might be able to still find one online.

And with the weather we’ve been having the last

few years or so, there is a chance we might get

another snow as late as April.

If not, I can always reminiscence about it with a

Cherry Coke.

Mark Wallace Maguire

I

spent a few years of my childhood growing up in the

small city of Forest City, N.C., a gorgeous Rockwellian

town nestled among the foothills of that fine state.

The main street of that town seemed to have everything a boy

wanted.

There was Smith’s Drugstore that had a long linoleum counter

and polished steel stools ringed around it. You could pony up to

the counter — the smell of burgers simmering and eggs cooking

thick in the air — and order a Coke float or a handmade Cherry

Coke. And I mean real Cherry Coke, with the cherry flavor

drawn from its own syrup, the type that existed long before it

became mass marketed in aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

Also on Main Street, sitting back from the road and framed by

stately trees sat First Baptist Church of Forest City, where my

father served as pastor.

It was a regal building, built with brick and stone that paid

homage to the 19th century when it was constructed. I’ve been to

more than 40 churches throughout America and

parts of Europe and the architecture of First

Baptist Church of Forest City is still close to the

pinnacle of brilliance.

Main Street also featured the local newspaper, a

handful of clothing shops and The Western Auto

Store. Long before Wal-Marts dotted the land-

scape, small chain stores like Western Auto were

part of the fabric of small-town America. Part

auto parts store, part hardware store, part general store, Western

Auto sold a variety of auto parts, various household goods, bicy-

cles, appliances and the one item that always caught my attention

– sleds.

The shop had several real sleds on display.

And I mean real sleds, not the plastic models you see today.

These had steel runners on the bottom that you had to rub can-

dle wax on to ensure maximum speed. The sled also had thick,

laminated pieces of wood on top, a leather strap to help you steer

at the front and, above all, they had names neatly hand-painted

on them in red paint. My favorite was the “Western Flyer,” a

name that conjured speed and a sense of Old West danger.

My parents bought my brother and me a “Western Flyer” one

Christmas and it proved to be a worthy investment. Our backyard

was a sledder’s dream and a mower’s nightmare. It went out

about 20 or so feet from the backdoor and then plummeted a gor-

geous dangerous angle of over 100 feet to the bottom of the yard.

We got snow every winter in Forest City, sometimes up to

three or four times. One winter, in particular, we got well over

half a foot. Far from the quiet hushedness of snow that poets

F R O M T H E D I R E C T O R

Snow resurrects memories o f t he Wes te r n F l yer



1975 East-West Connector • Austell, GA 30106

770-944-2900 • www.davisstruempf.com

James “Jim” DavisFuneral Director, Owner

Debbie Davis StruempfFamily Counselor, Owner

Where Your Confidence is our Sacred Trust

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A Caring Tradition Three Generations Strong

Serving All of Cobb County

Davis-StruempfFuneral Home & Crematory

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COBB LIFE March 201110

L E T T E R S

Atlanta Home Show back at The Galleria

Chutney choices

Note: In his Jan/Feb. column, magazine director MarkWallace Maguire asked where he could find good chut-ney. Shari Griffith wrote:

I have peach chutney and apple chutney in my fridgeright now from Mercier's Orchards in Blue Ridge. Theyalso have green tomato relish that tastes very much likemy grandmother's Piccadilly.Very yummy! I also noticethat in the Best of Dining section, the West Cobb Dinerserves fried chicken topped with green tomato chut-ney....sounds good!

Shari Griffith

Cobb Life is useless

Just got the January/February issue of Cobb Life inthe mail today. I looked at it. My wife looked at it. Weflipped back thru it just to be sure. There can be no bestof Cobb without mention of Henry's Louisiana Grill indowntown Acworth.

Absolutely no way. No how. From now on, Cobb Lifewill find its place in the recycle pile with the Herringtoncatalog. Never having been read, because we know it'suseless!

T. David Wootten

Note: As a reminder, The Best Of was voted on by r ead-ers who submitted their vote by ballot, not by our edito-rial staff. Next year’s ballots will appear in the Octoberedition.

Got a suggestion?A story idea? A correction? Speak your mind. Just email us at [email protected]

N E W S & N O T E W O R T H Y

The 33rd annual Spring Atlanta Home Show comesback to the Cobb Galleria Centre April 1 to 3.It is one of our fave events heralding spring andour staff always tries to make at least one foray.

This year, the event features more than 350 localhome improvement companies and also featuresdaily demonstrations and seminars from HGTVexperts, remodeling and landscaping pros and

world-class chefs. Information:

www.AtlantaHomeShow.com 770.798.1997


VHPS celebrates recognition of the Pace

House

N E W S & N O T E W O R T H Y

Cobb and thehunger for herbs

Did you know that Cherokee-based Sweetwater Growershottest market is Cobb County?The herb company, which spe-cializes in basil, but also fea-tures rosemary, parsley, dill,oregano, mint, sage and thyme.The herbs — dang fresh fromour tastings — can be found atWhole Foods and Kroger. Thebusiness doesn’t use pesticidesand uses recycled water.

The Vinings HistoricPreservation Society is plan-ning an elegant party April 2

to celebrate the Solomonand Penelopy Pace House

being named to the NationalRegister of Historic Places.The event will also honor

Mary Ann (M. A.) Sikes forher leadership in accom-

plishing this milestone. Sikes,a long time resident of

Vinings, was the president ofthe Society during the questfor historic designation and itwas her mission to see thePace House listed on the

National Register. The eventtakes place April 2 at 7 p.m.It is black-tie optional. Ticketsare $65 per person or $125

per couple. Information:

www.vinings.org

COBB LIFE March 2011 11




SOHO

Long t ime V in ings

res tauran t keeps t he

menu savor y and

ec lec t i c .

And i t keeps t he i r

pa t rons

coming bac k fo r more .

BY JOAN DURBIN �PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ERIN GRAY


General Joey’s calamari is asavory blend of spices, ginger,peppers and soy glaze.


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If there is one thing Frank andSusan Smith have learned in their 14 years asowners of the popular Soho restaurant, it’s don’t messwith success.

There are three menu items that are sacrosanct toSoho customers, and woe betide the Smiths if thosedishes ever disappear.

“Chicken tortilla soup, salmon Thai and chocolatebread pudding,” Frank said with a grin. “They’ve allbeen on the menu since day one.”

Open since 1997 in Vinings Jubilee, Soho enjoys aloyal customer base that expects the dishes they love,but also are appreciative of Executive Chef Joey Ahn’snewer creations.

To describe Soho’s menu as eclectic is a fair evalua-tion, Susan said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re in themood for. You’re going to find it here.”

This self-described American bistro’s regular offer-ings are mostly homey and familiar, ranging fromgrilled pork chop, hangar steak, braised short ribs andcrab cakes to slightly more sophisticated fare like beefBolognese and elk tenderloin.

Yet even what could be prosaic in lesser handsbecomes decidedly more special with Chef Joey’s addedflair. Everyday ingredients are often enlivened with theunusual, yielding a composed dish that can be unexpect-edly different yet completely delightful.

Calamari is a staple on many appetizer menus, but atSoho, there’s a twist. Chef Joey’s Calamari is his familyrecipe. He starts with fresh calamari, breads it lightlyand stir-fries it with a ginger and soy glaze, diced sweetpeppers and Serrano peppers. Sweet and mildly spicy,this treatment should quickly supplant any preferenceslovers of this cephalopod may have had for the ubiqui-tous deep-fried version.

Hawaiian poke tuna is a seldom-seen mixture ofcubes of raw ahi tuna tossed with seaweed, sweetonions and a roasted sesame sauce. PEI mussels luxuri-ate in a broth of lemongrass, Serrano peppers and whitewine.

Ahi Tuna with sweet onions, seaweedand roasted soy sauce. Top, ownersFrank and Susan Smith.



And that popular salmon Thai? Adelightful mix of chopped basil, mint,cilantro, ginger, lemongrass, peanuts andgarlic wrapped in rice paper with grilledsalmon and drizzled with a tasty citrusponzu sauce. No wonder it’s a top sellerhere.

My curiousity was piqued by the elk,which I’d never tasted. With reassurancethat it wasn’t gamey because the animalis farm-raised rather than wild, I had totry it. The medium rare medallionsaccented by a raspberry mustard mari-nade were tender and immensely flavor-ful, somewhat reminiscent of lamb butwith a pleasantly exotic meatiness of itsown. I would definitely order it again.

Duck confit is one of the chef ’s per-sonal favorites, and it shows up on hismenu in one form or another on a regu-lar basis.

The gourmet slidersare garnished with

several specialities,including goat

cheese. Right, thebread pudding is a

super way to topoff a meal.


On the evening I was there, it wasin spring rolls, but he also likes put-ting it in crepes, quesadillas andeven pasta.

Joey puts a playful spin on hisconfit, using fresh thyme, bay leaf,garlic, peppercorns and a cinnamonstick to impart a hint of aromaticspice into the richness of the duck.

“Joey has the gift of a light touch.Instead of an enormous amount ofseasoning, he uses pinches, justenough not to overwhelm,” Susansaid. His parents owned a restaurant, andJoey acquired a love of cookingwhen he was very young. He devel-oped his skills at the CulinaryInstitute of America in Hyde Parkand honed his expertise in other peo-ple’s kitchens before taking the leadrole at Soho 11 years ago.

The menu is “by committee,” saidSusan, an accomplished home cookwho admits to having “quite a fewopinions” about what comes out ofSoho’s kitchen. She and Frank andJoey put significant effort into get-ting any new dish just right, tweak-ing it through several incarnationsuntil it meets their standard andthey’re sure guests will embrace it.

“When we add another dish, we’revery particular, because it meanssomething else is coming off tomake room,” Frank explained.

While many items can be foundyear-round, there are seasonal adjust-ments. Frank makes the trip to thestate farmer’s market at least threetimes weekly and brings back what-ever produce looks good that day.

“It could be anything from favabeans to peaches,” he said. Thoseitems will end up in Joey’s daily spe-cials.

Small plates and wine pairings area relatively new feature at Soho.Guests can order these at any time orstop by on Wednesdays for FlightNight, themed tastings from wineregions around the world, with smallplates prepared by Chef Joey to com-plement each of the flight wines.

Soho’s gleaming wood, Tuscan-inspired colors and paintings bylocal artists provide a comfortablebackdrop, making it equally asappealing to sit and enjoy food at thebar as in the dining areas. Customerswill find a well-chosen and reason-ably priced wine list as well as a fullstock of premium liquors and inter-esting beers. �

Themanbehindthemagic— ChefJoey.

S O H O

4 3 0 0 P A C E S

F E R R Y R D S E V I N I N G S

( 7 7 0 ) 8 0 1 -0 0 6 9W W W . S O H O A T L

A N T A . C O M



Pickin,’ grinnin’

and sellin’ banjos from the world’s largest

banjo music store located in MARIETTA, GEORGIA

BY MICHAEL PALLERINO � PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN GRAY


John Drummond, owner of banjo.com. inside the business.



In the soundtrack to those nostalgic flashbacks, thepatrons are always singing along – Dixieland style – withthe piano player and banjo player.

As a teenager, and already a veteran percussion playerwho today still plays drums in a rock-n-roll band,Drummond couldn’t take his eyes – or ears – of f of howthe banjo player could make that four -string tenor banjosound. And then he started to pick up the sound every-where: on the “Beverly Hillbillies” theme song and theeerily pivotal scene in the movie “Deliverance.”

He was so captivated that he made his parents buy himone.

He was 15.Flash forward to the early 2000s. After successfully

launching the website, Unicycle.com (another successstory), Drummond had the strategy and infrastructure inplace to take his love of the banjo into cyberspace. EnterMarietta-based Banjo.com, which went live Aug. 9, 2003and serves as a major resource for banjo players, bybanjo players.

East Cobb’s JohnDrummond can still closehis eyes and go back to Shakey’sPizza Parlor, the Pensacola, Fla., hotspot for all things family birthdayparties and special occasions.

I t ’ s a tough job, but someone has to do i t . P ar t o f the r unning ofbanjo.com is regular ly tes t ing out the equipment . Above, f romlef t , banjo specialist Grey Earnest, owner John Drummond and GeneralManager Mark Bramlett.



Drummond and company began devel-oping new products for banjo playersthat no one else had thought of. Theirwarehouse, which is open to the public,has some 500 banjos so that people wholive in the area – or those passingthrough – can visit the showroom, com-pare their favorite banjos side-by-side,and select one that speaks to them best.

“Banjo.com isn’t a traditional musicstore,” Drummond says, whose prizedmusical possession is a 1994 GibsonRB-250 Mastertone, five-string banjohis wife, Amy, gave to him on his 40thbirthday. “We don’t sell pianos, drumsor electric guitars. We focus on thebanjo player and the acoustic bluegrassmusician. Our stock is world class andour service is local. We sell and shipinstruments to people all around theworld, but call Marietta home.”

The website offers a variety of models(the best-seller is Deering Sierra), adrop-down menu that enables pickers tochoose the combination they like bestand video and sound clips that providessamples of what most of its instrumentssound like.

One of its biggest calling cards is theuncanny and renowned customer serviceit offers. For example, since setting up abanjo is an art form, general managerMark Bramlett, a professional banjoplayer, is among the best in the nation atthe craft. People come from all over theSoutheast to have their banjos set up byhim.

To date, Banjo.com ships about 75percent of its orders. The No. 1 rule:Shipping an unopened box to a customeris forbidden. Each instrument is takenout of the box to make sure it is in pris-tine condition and easy to play.

“Our value is in the setup, which cantake up to an hour on a banjo,”Drummond says. “A new banjo typicallysounds dreadful until it’s properly setup. I believe in adding value to whatev-er we do, especially if we're getting paidfor it.”

And while it is not the biggest banjostore in cyber space, Drummond saysthe race is on. “We’re in our seventhyear, competing with companies thathave been around for more than 30years. We are a recognized leader withinthe bluegrass instrument industry.”

So, just how much of an impact doesBanjo.com and its merry band of pickershave on Banjo Nation?

In 2006, the site and its followers set aworld record for the largest banjoensemble. With Turner Field as its stage,240 banjo players from all over theworld (including Japan) played FoggyMountain Breakdown for 5 minutes asthe Jumbotron clock ticked on. Famedpicker Earl Scruggs, who wrote thesong, was in attendance with his family.

The feat, which was dedicated to him,was appropriately called “A Tribute toEarl Scruggs.”�

D I D Y O U K N O W ?

Drummond transferred toAtlanta area in 1993 whileworking for IBM. After a yearin the Vinings area, he built ahome in East Cobb.

He and his wife have threemusical sons, who all play thedrums: Casey (drums andguitar), a senior at GeorgiaTech, Zach (drums andpiano), a sophomore at UGA,

and Sawyer (drums), a sopho-more at Walton High School.

Did you know? Banjos originally came fromEgypt. Folklore has it that thefifth string was added in theUnited States.

www.banjo.com1148 JVL Court

Suite 170Marietta, GA 30066






Pa t i na Home Fu rn i sh i ngs i n Smyrna a one - s top - shop to he lp y ou ge t c rea t i ve i n

sty l ing spaces

PBY MEREDITH PRUDEN �

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIA MCCORKLE



There’s no questionabout it, Patina HomeFurnishings, located inSmyrna on ConcordRoad, is a veritabletreasure trove of allthings home decor.

Whether you’re looking for furni-ture, accessories or art (oil and prints;framed and unframed), Patina is a one-stop-shop of stylish goodies. In fact,they even have the much sought afterTyler Candle Company perfumed can-dles to make sure your home smells asgood as it looks.

When owner George Scott firstopened the store, originally namedLove Street Home, he had a vision tobring affordable, unique furniture toCobb County, and he’s certainly suc-ceeded. Now, nine years later, Scottand his savvy team still have the mostdistinctive furniture around, includingsome truly outstanding American andEnglish wooden antiques.

“It’s so neat to see the craftsmanshipof antique pieces,” said Scott, who hasbeen known to restore antiques for salein the store. “It’s great to mix old and

Patina HomeFurnishings

1125-B Concord Rd. Smyrna, Ga 30080

678.556.3878www.patinahomefurn.com

Patina has vignettes set upthroughout the store to helpcustomers get ideas on howto decorate. The store car-ries a variety of fur nishingsand decor.


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new pieces for an eclectic look. Plus,a lot of new furniture is actuallymade to look old!”

The store also carries some recy-cled wood pieces, which are as mucha conversation piece as they arehome decor.

One glance around Patina HomeFurnishings and it’s clear that thestore is a labor of love for Scott, whosaid he loves meeting new peopleand helping them furnish theirhomes. Each piece seems tailor madefor the surprisingly expansive space.Have a larger home design projectyou’d like help with? He also hasexcellent relationships with severaltalented local interior designers thathe’s happy to recommend.

“I really love giving people ideasto help make their homes nice,” Scottsaid. “My customers come first.”

Scott is a longtime Smyrna resi-dent who moved from southernFlorida to Georgia in the late 1970sto attend Georgia Tech. He went onto graduate with a computer sciencedegree and work for Bell South for17 years. So, how did a computerwhiz with a prestigious Tech degreeend up with the owner of PatinaHome Furnishings? There’s just noaccounting for personal passion, andScott’s passion for home decor reallyshines through at Patina. �

Patina owner George Scott strivesto bring affordable and uniquefurniture to Cobb.

Decorativeitems fromPatina addstyle andflair to anyroom. Farleft, a greendistressedlamp with aprint shade.Left, a plumlinen pillowwith braiddesign on alinen clothnailheadchair.



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Above, an assor tment of cookies at Ali’s Cookies on Johnson Fer ry Road in Marietta. Right, Brody Smith, 4,of East Cobb enjoys a sugar cookie with sprinkles at Ali’s Cookies.


Be prepared to have your will power sorely tested when you walk into Ali’s Cookies.

If the tantalizing aroma doesn’t immediately seduce your senses,

the sight of trays and more trays of more than 20 varieties offreshly baked cookies will crumble any lingering resistance.

fortune cookieswith a taste so rich and yummy, these

local treats should be called


BY JOAN DURBIN � PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIA MCCORKLE


On a recent visit, the apple pie cookies had justcome out of the oven. One bite of the moist chunksof apple melted into the warm spiced dough wasenough to convince me that I had found cookie nir-vana.

And apparently so have a host of other happy cus-tomers. It was a cold, rainy afternoon, but a steadystream of cookie-seekers flowed through the door.

East Cobb resident Jennifer Frankel has beenpatronizing the shop for several years. Her three chil-dren “won’t eat any other cookie. These cookies arephenomenal,” she said as she paid for her order .

That sentiment was echoed by Marc Ratlif f, whowas making his daily purchase. “If it’s not cookiesfrom here and it’s not chocolate chip, my wife won’ teat it,” he said with a grin.

So regular are Ratliff’s visits that shop ownersJeff and Alison Rosengarten used to be concerned ifthey didn’t see him for a day or two. “We trackeddown his phone number and would call to see if hewas alright,” Jeff laughed. “Now if he’s going onvacation or something, he tells us.”

It’s easy to understand this kind of loyalty . Thecookies are simply unlike any other, unless they’refrom your mom’s kitchen. There’s no stinting on thequality of ingredients and no shortcuts in preparation.

“We use Belgian chocolate, pure vanilla and realbutter. Instead of using processed frozen eggs, we gothrough 70 dozen eggs a week and we crack everyone by hand,” Jeff said. “Every cookie is scooped byhand and baked the way you’d bake it yourself inyour own home oven.”



Like everyone in the food industry, theRosengartens have been hit with spiral-ing costs for ingredients, yet they refuseto skimp in their recipes and have heldthe line on retail prices. A half dozencookies, with a bonus cookie thrown in,is $9; a dozen, which has two extra cook-ies, is $18.

They’re worth every penny.Measuring three to four inches in diame-ter and weighing around 2.5 ounces each,studded with chocolate, fruit and nuts,these are the Goliaths of the cookieworld.

From the quintessential chocolate chipand home-style oatmeal raisin to themore exotic white chocolate macadamianut, toffee crunch and praline pecan,there’s a cookie for every taste and pref-erence. One of my favorites is the play-fully named George Washington’sRevenge, a palate-pleasing mixture ofdried cherries, toffee bits, semi-sweetchocolate chunks and oatmeal.

The Rosengartens have owned theshop for three years, but it has been inexistence in the same shopping centersince 1981. Through the years recipeshave been tweaked a bit, but they areessentially the same as three decades ago.

Formerly Chocolate Chips, theRosengartens renamed the shop Ali’sCookies and Alison quit her job manag-ing a dentist office to run it full time.Jeff, a retired children’s clothing manu-facturer, is the marketing end whileAlison oversees operations. The shop COBB LIFE March 2011 35

Right, Ali’s Cookies owners Alison andJeff Rosengarten of East Cobb pull outsome freshly baked cookies.


employs seven people, including two pas-try chefs and a cake decorator, but Ali doessome of the baking herself.

“My mother’s parents owned a restau-rant and bakery, so she grew up in the busi-ness. She always baked everything fromscratch, and I picked everything up fromher,” Ali said.

Since owning the shop, Ali has added afew of her own cookie varieties to themenu. The German chocolate cookie, forinstance, is an original Ali creation. “It’sour double chocolate chunk cookie withcoconut, caramel, white chocolate andpecans,” she said.

Customer service is an essential part ofAli’s Cookies. “It’s extremely important,”Jeff said. “We never say ‘no’ to a cus-tomer.”

That even applies to one who asks forone of their astounding cookie cakes onvery short notice. In high demand, theround or rectangular cakes can be cus-tomized with molded chocolate in a multi-tude of different shapes and pictures ofhonorees. The cakes feed anywhere fromtwo to 60. No other cookie cake I’ve tastedcan compare texturally or is packed withsuch pure flavor.

All baking is done in the spaciouskitchen behind the shop. Its three ovens areconstantly in use, so the cases are alwaysfully stocked and special orders can beaccommodated quickly. Corporate cus-tomers of Ali’s Cookies include TurnerField, Turner Broadcasting and theInterContinental Buckhead.

All of Ali’s offerings are certifiedkosher, and many are lactose free. Gluten-free goods are made to order.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. The shop is closed onSaturday.

Ali’s Cookies1255 Johnson Ferry Road

Market Plaza ShoppingCenter, Marietta770.971.8566

www.shipacookie.comCOBB LIFE March 201136

Praline pecan cookies.


PHOTOGRAPHY BYMIA MCCORKLE,JENNIFER CARTERAND ERIN GRAY


James Eubanks’ life is awhirlwind of activity. The 32-year-old Marietta native and his wife,Julie, have a four-year-old daughter, two-year-old son, and a baby on the way.

Add that to his job and numerous com-munity positions and you have one busylife.

“I try to get involved and stay out oftrouble at the same time,” jokes Eubanks,who serves as vice president of WhartonManagement, a family-run business man-aging over 140,000 square feet of com-mercial rental property leased to morethan 60 leaseholders. The company islocated in the Marietta Station complexjust off the Marietta Square.

Community service is also important,he says, because “I have a vested interestin Marietta – I work here, live here –everything we do is within a half-mile ofthe Marietta Square.” He is a propertyowner member of the Downtown MariettaDevelopment Authority, and sits on theHistoric Board of Review and the HeightGuidance for Historic Marietta SquareTask Force.

He also helps his wife with her newly-opened business, Be Yoga, located on the

Square. Seeing the Marietta Square thriveand many of his clients there do well isimportant, says Eubanks, for the future ofhis family and others who call Mariettahome.

— By Donna Espy

Age: 32Education: Bachelor’s Degree, RiceUniversity, Master’s Degree, StanfordUniversity.Family: Wife, Julie. The couple has adaughter, Charlotte, 4 and son, Thomas, 2. Role Model: “I look up to my father, GaryF. Eubanks, and father-in-law, Larry J.Muensterman, of Evansville, Ind. Both menhave strong character and firm moralgrounding.”Favorite Quote: From J.R. Eubanks, hislate grandfather: “If you want to do some-thing badly enough, you’ll find time to do it.”Additional Volunteer Activities: StaffParish Relations Committee, First UnitedMethodist Church in Marietta; Member ofMarietta Rotary Club; Past board memberof Cobb Christmas; Leadership Cobb Classof 2011.

James Eubanks

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VICE PRESIDENT, WHARTON MANAGEMENT, INC.

20 RISING STARS UNDER 40

A self-proclaimed “artsyperson” with a love for crafting, LauraKirkland did not realize art could be acareer until she was almost finished withcollege.

“I was teaching ceramics at CampGreystone for girls in Tuxedo, N.C. I stayedup late at night making and painting ceramiccrosses,” the Kennesaw resident said. “Peoplestarted offering to buy them.”

Just 13 years later, the 34-year-old’swork is now sold in more than 7,000 storesnationwide.

“I started on a wing and a prayer with ahand-me-down kiln from an artist backhome in St. Simons [Island] and free roomand board in the basement of the home ofone of my pastors and his wife, Terry andPatty Cantrell.”

After selling custom-made items toclients for about nine years, Kirkland part-nered with friend Molly Holm and Marietta-based Glory Haus inspirational gifts threeyears ago. Since then, the business haslaunched her creations to the forefront of theniche gift and décor market.

“One of the greatest challenges is thatbeing an entrepreneur is busy,” saidKirkland. “I have surrounded myself by

some amazing people who can support mewith their gifts and talents. So, I am able todelegate out parts of the design process. Ialso try not to take myself too seriously.”

But even with the challenges, she saidher passion for her work continues to growstronger.

“In my eyes, my creative talent is clearly agift from God,” she said. “And it never ceasesto amaze me that the ideas keep coming.”

— By Laura Braddick

Age: 34Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Universityof Georgia. Personal: Married to husband Sean. Thecouple has three children, daughter Zoeand sons Henry and Finn. Role model: “… People who lead by serv-ing… Their praises go unsung, but theyknow who they are created to be.”Favorite Quote: “The only way to findyour life is to lay your own life down, and Ibelieve it’s an easy price for the life thatwe have found.” - Andrew PetersonVolunteer work/Additional activities:Children’s ministry, missionary outreachand co-leader of small community group atVintage 242 church.

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Laura K i rk land ENTREPRENEUR, ARTIST


Marietta orthopedist Javier Retois truly a rising star in spine care andsurgery and he’s only just begun.

“I decided to go into medi-cine after I graduated from col-lege and had my own accidentthat required surgery on myback,” Reto said. “The path tobeing a doctor all stems frommy own personal experiencewith that surgery.”

Reto, who was born in Peruand moved stateside with hisfamily when he was only 5years old, recently relocated toCobb County from Chicago,where he completed his spinecenter fellowship, to begin hispractice at PinnacleOrthopedics. “I love it here,”Reto said, “It’s great to finallyput to use the years of trainingI’ve been through. The biggestthing for me is just the amaz-ing difference you can make in people’s lives andquality of life with the right care whether thatmeans surgery or not. Sometimes it means decidingagainst surgery.”

— By Meredith Pruden

Age: 36Education: Bachelor’sDegree, University of Chicago.Residency: University ofIllinois Chicago – MD. SpineSurgery Fellowship: TwinCities Spine Center.Personal: Married with twochildren.Role model: Father whocame to the United Stateswith two young kids, a wifeand $200 in his pocket. Favorite Quote: “If I haveseen further than others, it isby standing upon the shoul-ders of giants.” — IsaacNewton

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Jav ie r Reto ORTHOPEDIST, PINNACLE ORTHOPEDICS




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A successful songwriter and producer. A televisionhost. An award-winning musical theatre performer. A musi-cian and singer embarking on a solo career. Each one ofthese careers takes a special kind of talent.

But they’re all rolled into one in Jevares Myrick. Myrick, a Powder Springs native and current resident of

Acworth, has been a ghost producer for some of the nation’ stop R&B and hip hop artists, has won state and national

Jevares Myr ick ACTOR, SINGER, TELEVISION HOST, PRODUCERawards for his stage performanceswith several musical theatre groupsincluding the Atlanta Lyric Theatreand Six Flags Over Georgia, and inJanuary, he was hired as the hostand emcee for the Grand Am RolexRacing Tour, a branch ofNASCAR. You can also see him onthe SPEED Network traveling theworld to give viewers a behind thescenes look at the races.

It all began when he was accept-ed to Pebblebrook High School’sprestigious performing arts pro-gram and studied under two of hismentors – Frank Timmerman, cur-rent director of the arts programwho was Myrick’s vocal coach atPebblebrook, and Earl Reece, for-mer director of the program andcurrent executive director for theEarl Smith Strand Theatre inMarietta.

“If it wasn’t for them, I definite-ly wouldn’t be where I am today.Pebblebrook played a huge role inmy life,” Myrick said.

From Pebblebrook, Myrick stud-ied opera on a full scholarship to

Wright State University, followedby a few years traveling the globeon Royal Carribean and HollandAmerica cruise lines as a per-former. Myrick said his favoritecomposer is Guiseppe Verdi, andstill has a strong love and passionfor operas.

He has also just set out to pro-duce for himself, creating what hecalls a “hip pop” sound with a retrovibe thrown in, much like artistssuch as Cee Lo Green andMumford and Sons.

“Sometimes I wake up and I’mlike, really?” Myrick said, with alaugh. “People always ask me,‘When do you sleep?’ And honest-ly, I don’t think about it. I just keepgoing.” — By Katy Ruth Camp


Age: 23Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Wright State University.Personal: Single.

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Or does He? To hear Pastor DavidEldridge tell it, His ways are prettystraightforward.

A lifelong Marietta resident,Eldridge returned home after seminarywith the goal of setting up a church inthe community that nurtured him.

“I have a heart for this place,” he

says, “and to me, the Square is theheart of Marietta.”

The young pastor started working outof a house with 30 congregants and soonboth his church and his following grew,thanks to his simple yet inspired vision:To help people be better citizens throughtheir God-given talents.

“God has a plan for everyone,”Eldridge says. “He wants to workthrough them in their everyday lives.Whether that’s being a great soccercoach or a great businessman.”

Rather than preach, Eldridge likes tohelp others unlock their potential andthat, he says, is as close as any of uscan come to the divine.

“Anything can be important,” hesays. “All I do is help people discovertheir gift. I love to see the light bulb gooff in someone’s head as they realizethey’re serving God in their everydayactions.”

Today Stonebridge Church has over400 congregants who pour their variedtalents into everything from music fes-tivals, to youth athletics, to foster care.

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Age: 36Education: Bachelor’s Degree, UGA.Masters of Divinity, Asbury TheologicalSeminary.Personal/Family: Married to Misty. Thecouple has four children: MaryDavidson, 11, Tom, 9, Nate, 5, and Ty, 1.Role model: Anyone who is living thelife God created them to live.Favorite Quote: “Never make a princi-ple out of your experience; let God beas original with other people as he iswith you.” — Oswald Chambers.Volunteer work/Additional activities:Work Matters, youth soccer coach,youth basketball coach.

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Eldridge is quick to note many of theprograms are secular and nearly all areunrelated to the church.

“I’m just helping people do theirown thing, whatever it is.”

— By Kevin Hazzard

The Lord works in mysterious ways.Dav id E ld r idge PASTOR, STONEBRIDGE CHURCH



All children dream of whatthey’ll become when they grow up —actor, fireman, teacher — but most ofthose dreams never come to fruition. Notso with Kennesaw veterinarian CarrieFriedewald. “I’ve known I wanted totake care of animals my whole life,” shesaid. “I never wavered and am reallylucky I’ve gotten to live out my dream.”Now, after a little more than eight yearsas a vet, Friedewald has partnered with along-time colleague and friend to startKennesaw Mountain Animal Hospital,caring for both small and large animalswith specialties including oncology andcardiology.

Friedewald says she credits her par-ents as outstanding role models whoencouraged her to follow her dreams andher husband, Chris Bethel, as a constantinspiration to forge ahead. With such awonderful support system and her eyeson the prize, it’s no wonder thatFriedewald’s young daughter wants tofollow in her DVM footsteps. ButFriedewald’s passion for veterinary med-icine isn’t just contagious in the family,it’s also catching on around town whereher genuine, caring nature has createdquite a buzz.

“I just love animals and the relation-

ships with their owners,” Friedewaldsaid. “We put the pet first, the client nextand ourselves last.” And that’s why herclients (and their pets) love her.

— By Meredith Pruden

Age: 35Education: Bachelor’s Degrees,Davidson College, University of GeorgiaCollege of Veterinary Medicine:Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Personal: Married to ChristopherBethel. The couple has a five-year-olddaughter, Emma Louise.Role Model: J. Thad Riddle, D.V.M. “Iwas lucky enough to work for him at theVeterinary Clinic in Marietta before heretired and consider him my mentor. Hehad the perfect balance of bedsidemanner and intellectual chops.”Favorite quote: “We strive to put thepet first, the client second and ourselveslast.” — J. Thad Riddle, D.V.M. Volunteer work/additional activities:Cobb County Humane Society, WellStarGolden Leaf Society, ReconnectingFamilies, SafePATH, MUST Ministries,Cobb Chamber of Commerce, CobbVeterinary Medical Society, GeorgiaVeterinary Medicine Association, AmericanVeterinary Medicine Association, NorthMetro Community Church.

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Car r ie E . F r iedewald , DVM VETERINARIAN, KENNESAW MT. ANIMAL HOSPITAL



Integrity. Humility. Purpose. AskCobb State Court Judge Jason B. Fincher what ittakes to be successful and that’s what the lifelongCobb County resident will say. Born at WellstarKennestone Hospital and a proud product of theCobb County Public School system — he graduat-ed from McEachern High School — Fincher quick-ly ascended from law clerk, to prosecutor , to statejudge. The law profession has taught him resolveconflicts in apositive way,operating underhis steadfastbelief that youmust treat eachperson — eachcase — withthe respect anddignity hedeserves,regardless ofthe situation.

When hetook the oath ofState CourtJudge, he madea promise froma colleague’sadvice toalways staygrounded andnever forgetthose whohelped him get to where he is. When he is not in acourtroom, he and his family can often be foundcruising Lake Allatoona on their pontoon boat.

— By Michael Pallerino

Age: 35Education: College: Bachelor’sDegree, Kennesaw StateUniversity, Law Degree, JohnMarshall Law School.Personal: Married to Deena. Thecouple has three children, Natalie,9, Will, 7, and Mitchell, 4.Role model: My father, whotaught me the values that makeme who I am today.Favorite quote: “Blessed are theywho maintain justice, who con-stantly do what is right.” – Psalm106:3Volunteer work/Additional activi-ties: Coach Baseball at OregonPark, Coach Upward Basketball atRoswell Street Baptist Church.

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State Court Judge Jason Fincher, standing, watch-es the results come in with campaign managerPhyllis Collins, left, and Christine Sloane during hisrecent election to state cour t judge.

Jason B . F incher STATE COURT JUDGE




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From the time she was alittle girl growing up in New Jersey,Erica Crosling knew what she wanted todo with her life.

“I knew from the time I could read, atage 4, that I wanted to be a writer ,” shesays. In high school she was editor of theschool paper and on the yearbook staf f. Incollege she idolized Toni Morrison andCharlayne Hunter-Gault.

The day after graduating fromRutgers, Croslingmoved to Atlantawhere her focus and love of communi-cation eventually took her to HDSupply, a multi-billion dollar wholesaledistribution company where she servedat Director of Public Relations andCommunity Affairs. Before that she wasVP of Communications at Citigroup.Now at Lockheed Martin she describessettling into a job that she feel wasmade for her, “This is the job that Godhas been preparing me for since I decid-ed to do this for a living… I have themost talented team I’ve ever had thepleasure to work with.”

Even as she racks up kudos in hercareer, she credits other people for hersuccess, “I have had good role modelsmy whole life. I’ve had a number ofmentors who believed in me far sooner

Age:38Education: Bachelor’s Degrees, Rutgers University.Family: Married to Ivan; a daughter, age 6and a son, age 4.Role models: Has had several important rolemodels but credits her mother, Doris, formaking the largest impact. “My mother taughtme the importance of hard work and perse-verance and living your dreams.”Croslingsays, “ She worked full-time andobtained her B.S. in Nursing and then herMaster’s degree in Public Administrationwhile raising two children and being a dedi-cated wife and supporting my father’s career.She always found time to spend with my sis-ter and me, attending our school activitiesand encouraging us to be the best at whatev-er we wanted to do.”Volunteer activities: Junior Achievement,March of Dimes, United Way, Dress forSuccess and a variety of mentoring and tutor-ing activities in the metro area. “I have a loveof education and any time I can participate involunteer activities that focus on preparingour workforce of the future, I don’t hesitate toget involved,” Crosling says.Favorite Quote: “My mission in life is notmerely to survive, but to thrive; and to do sowith some passion, some compassion, somehumor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

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than I believed in myself,” sheinsists. She takes time to give backto the community and particularly tomentor young African Americanwomen who are serious about theircareers. “I think that if you achieveany level of success in any givenfield it’s important to pass it on,”she says, “You know, diversitybrings great things.”

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Scott McKee wasexposed to the medicalfield at an early age.

The son of a pharmaceutical salesrep, McKee enjoyed an up-close-and-personal view of medicine as a young-ster through his father’s relationshipswith business associates. As the yearswent by, a natural love of science andhis own personal experiences madeMcKee long for a career in patient care.

“I’ve always enjoyed science andlogic and there’s a lot of that in medi-cine,” said McKee. “That appealed tome a lot as I got older.”

Throw in a desire to help sick peoplein need, and McKee decided to embarkdown the path to becoming a doctor.

After achieving a bachelor’s degreein chemistry and advancing throughmedical school and a subsequent resi-dency in North Carolina, cardiologyemerged as McKee’s field of expertise.

McKee eventually landed atWellstar in 2007, where he is on staf fat the Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone andPaulding hospitals. He specializes ininterventional cardiology, which deals

with patients in need of stents torelieve blockage due to coronaryartery disease.

“I get the opportunity to help peo-ple who are acutely ill and in need ofimmediate help, but there’s also theopportunity to follow people long-term and help them understand thedisease process and the path back tohealth,” he said.

— By Ryan Peck

Age: 37Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Chemistry, Georgia Tech M.D.,Medical College of Georgia.Personal: Married to Meredith. Thecouple has three children: Ryan, 6,Nathan, 4, and Macie, 1.Role model: My parents.Favorite Quote: “The best prepara-tion for tomorrow is to do today’swork superbly well.” — William Osler.Volunteer work/Additional activi-ties: Youth soccer and flag footballcoach; MUST ministries; AmericanHeart Association.

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Scot t McKee CARDIOLOGIST, WELLSTAR HOSPITALS




Chris James admitshis journey to becomingan educator followed an unex-pected and circuitous path. Butlooking back, it is difficult forJames to envision himself asanything else.

“You tell people you have arole you’re supposed to fulfillin life. It actually found me,”said James. “I had familymembers as educators, and thatis one thing I did not want todo (as a child). But, I guess,you have to do what’s in you.”

After obtaining a bachelor’sdegree in music, James gainedaccounting experience as an intern beforebeing hired to a clerical position at Atlanta’sSIA Tech Charter High School in 2002.

It was not long before James transitionedto education at SIA Tech, where he workedhands-on with former dropouts and encour-aged them to get a diploma.

Eager to identify and reach at-risk stu-dents early, James next accepted a teachingpost at Osborne High School in 2006.

“That was to keep kids from being

dropouts andactually be highschool graduatesthe first timearound,” he saidof the move.

Four yearslater, James wasnamed CobbCounty Teacherof the Year for2010-2011. Hesurmised hispresence atOsborne hastransformedabout seven or

eight students from potential dropouts toeventual high school graduates.

“It just takes somebody who cares to tella kid they can do it,” said James. “When Isee them actually understand concepts…They end up believing in themselves.Those types of things are my rewards.”

James said his future goals include work-ing in administration and one day openingup his own school.

— By Ryan Peck

Age: 32 Education: Bachelor’sDegree, Mississippi ValleyState University. Earning aMaster’s Degree, Education,University of Phoenix.Personal/Family: Single.Son of Reverend SylvesterJames and Gloria. Role models: Parents, SFCJames C. Marshall andBishop Marvin Winans.Favorite Quote: “Great mencultivate love...only little mencherish a spirit of hatred.” —Booker T. Washington.Volunteer work/Additionalactivities: Head coach oftennis and cheerleaders atOsborne High School; Learn-to-Earn After SchoolProgram Volunteer; Praiseand Worship Leader at ThyKingdom Has ComeInternational Ministries;BOSS United Mentor.

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Chr is James TEACHER, OSBORNE HIGH SCHOOL



Disillusionment is nothing new. An ide-alistic college grad enters the world only to learn all is notas he expected. He either accepts the realities as they areor walks away. Casey Smith, in his own way, did both.

Smith grew up in a conservative family and attendedthe private college, Berry College, sheltered environmentsby his own admission, but his first job with a lar ge bro-kerage firm provided a larger culture shock than he’danticipated. He was doing more selling than advising andwas surrounded, to his horror, by stock jockeys.

So he quit and spent eight months following his pas-sion for aviation from the confines of training aircraft allthe way to the hectic schedule of a junior pilot at a smallairline. Eventually the airline was bought out and Casey ,suddenly not so junior, had his pick of schedules.

With more time on his hands, he decided to return tofinance. This time, however, he’d do it on his terms. In2001, he founded Wiser Wealth Management Inc. wherehe teamed with a group of mavericks espousing a fee-only approach, steering clients not toward stocks but theemerging world of index funds. The Marietta-based busi-ness has done well.

“At the time we were ahead of the curve on this,” hesays. Eventually the world caught up. He has spoken atconferences worldwide and became his airline’s 401k spe-cialist, offering every pilot two free hours of financialconsultation. His expertise on fiduciary-only stock man-agement has also landed him interviews in news outletsincluding the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger PersonalFinance Magazine, CNN Radio, and the Marietta DailyJournal.”— By Kevin Hazzard

Age: 33Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Berry College. Tax Training;Estate Planning Training; PilotSchool.Personal: Married to Angela.The couple has two children,Ethan, 5 and Katelyn, 3.Role Model: “My grandfatherRev. Charles Sims — Always for-giving, always showing Christ-like love to everyone, neverafraid of work.”Favorite Quote: “Investing hasalways been, and will remain, anoperation in which wealth is trans-ferred from those without workingknowledge of financial history tothose who have one.” — WilliamBernsteinAdditional Activities/Volunteerwork: Partner with Leading theWay with Dr. Michael Youssefwww.leadingtheway.org. BoardMember, Berry College Board ofVisitors, Campbell School ofBusiness Executive AdvisoryCouncil, Berry College PlannedGiving Council Member, BerryCollege Student Run EnterprisesBoard Member.

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Casey Smi th PRESIDENT, WISER WEALTH MANAGEMENT 20 RISING STARS UNDER 40


The American Dream. It is atonce tangible and ethereal, a standard bywhich to mark achievement and a gildeddestination for millions. Though thedetails change, the spirit remains – it is asearch for belonging, a journey home. ForMazi Mazloom the search began in Iran,the journey took him to America andhome is right here in Marietta.

Born in 1972, Mazloom’s family fledIran in 1979 just days before Iranian pro-testors overran the US Embassy. The fam-ily settled in Columbia, S.C. and thoughtheir application for political asylum wasgranted, they were not yet home.

“It was a tough time to be Iranian,”Mazloom admits. At the time he wasseven and when he entered school he didso without a working knowledge ofEnglish. But, like the millions beforethem, the family prevailed.

Despite the bias they felt in thoseearly years, the family never missed anopportunity to help the less fortunate.Mazloom’s father ran a grocery store andwas endlessly generous, a fact not lost onthe young Mazloom and when he and hiswife settled in Marietta, that giving spiritbecame a defining trait.

“As soon as we got here,” he says ofMarietta, “I felt at home for the first timein my life.”

Today Mazloom’s own children oftentake part in the family’s charity work,continuing a legacy of giving back thatstarted all those years ago.

Mazloom has proven to be a force inthe legal community in Cobb. Just a fewhighlights from his years in the legal

arena include, serving as a Cobb DistrictAttorney, Cobb County Solicitor General,Associate Judge for the City of Mariettaand an instructor at Kennesaw StateUniversity.

I’ve lived a very fortunate life,” hesays, “and I want to give back to mycommunity.”



Age: 38Education: Bachelor’s Degree, GeorgiaState University. Law Degree, JohnMarshall Law School.Personal: Married to Elin. The couplehas two children, Leila, 7, and Arian, 5.Volunteer work/Additional Activities:Mazloom’s extensive list includesinvolvement in Cobb County BarAssociation, Partners In Education,Marietta Lawyers Club, LeadershipCobb, West Side Elementary PTA,Cobb County Library Foundation,Marietta Housing Authority, MariettaKiwanis Club, American Cancer Society,Cobb County Annual Swordsman’s Ball,Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament, MUSTMinistries, coach for children’s soccerteams, and much more.

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Mazi Maz loom CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER



ONLY $20 TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP BUT HAS

NEVER BEEN TO A CHIROPRACTOR BEFORE(Or Hasn't Been In A Long Time)

Dear Friend,If you've ever thought about going

to a chiropractor but you've hesitatedbecause you weren't sure it was rightfor you please read on…

My name is Dr. Erin Arnold. I wouldlike to show my heartfelt thanks to thecommunity with the announc ementof Community Health Week. It's myway of saying THANK YOU to the peo-ple who ha ve been so helpful andmean so much. I hope this will benefityou and yours.

I have agreed to "give away" (toanyone who asks for it) $200 worth ofmy services for only $20.

That's right-$20.In the years that I ha ve been prac-

ticing I ha ve helped man y people inthe North Georgia area feel better andlive healthier, more productive livesthrough chiropractic care. I wouldnow like to introduce you to the manybenefits my profession has to offer.

For instance, chiropractic care maybe able to help you if you are sufferingfrom any of the following conditions.

• Low back pain• Neck Pain• Migraines• Sciatica• Herniated discs• Degenerated discs• Shoulder/arm pain

And a whole host of other pr ob-lems, ranging from TMJ to carpal tun-nel.

These symptoms can be causedwhenever the vertebrae in your spineare out of alignment , because this"misalignment" directly affects yournervous system.

Fortunately, if you are sufferingfrom such pr oblems or similar c ondi-tions right now, they may be relievedor eliminated by proper chiropractictreatment (commonly called "adjust-ments").

So if y ou've always wanted to"check out" chiropractic care and seewhat is in it f or you, now is the besttime because…..

Right now $20 will get y ou all theservices I normally char ge my newpatients $200 for!

WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?

Everything. Take a look at whatyou'll get….• An in-depth priv ate consultationabout your health and well being.• A chiropractic spinal examination….• A set of specializ ed X-rays to deter-mine if a misalignment in your spine is

causing your pain orsymptoms…(NOTE: Nobody givesthese kinds of X-r ays FREE. Theywould usually cost $100)…

• An analysis of y our X-rays and spinalexam results so we cansee what needs t o bedone to help.• Helpful literature thatshows how your bodyworks and wh y youexperience pain…• Answers to all y ourmost probing ques-tions about chir oprac-tic care and what it cando for you….

The appointmentwill not take long at all.And like I said, we nor-mally charge $200 f orthis (most of which justcovers the c ost of theset of X-r ays).

But now, as a part of this one timeoffer, you can come in and find out forcertain if y ou need chir opractic careand how it can help you eliminate thepain you are feeling.

Before you come in, though, you'llprobably want t o know a little bitabout me. So let me tell you….

MEET THE DOCTORPrior to obtaining m y Doctor of

Chiropractic Degree at Life Universityin Marietta, GA, I received my B.S.degree in Biology. I am nationally andstate board certified in Chir opracticand Physiotherapy.

I am one of the f ew doctors in thisarea that is c ertified and per formsspecific Activator analysis t echniquefor the tr eatment of degener ativediscs, scoliosis, herniated discs just t oname a few.

I have happily donated my time toorganizations such as MUSTMinistries, YWCA (Domestic ViolenceShelter for Women), and RossMemorial, just name a few.

I am v ery proud to be a wif e andmother of 2 beautiful daughters and amember of Liberty Church in Marietta,GA.

DOES CHIROPRACTIC REALLY WORKAbsolutely! When you come in I'll pro-vide you with studies that sho w whychiropractic is a pr eferred method oftreatment. But what provides the best"proof" on ho w well chiropracticworks is what our patients sa y aboutit.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSISWhat brought me t o New Lif e

Chiropractic Center was m y GREAT,GREAT PAIN. Chiropractic has helpedme because m y pain has subsided , Ican get out of bed and off of the sofa.

I move betterwith less painand I ammore of a" h a p p yc a m p e r "these days.Better yet, myhusband isn'tas stressedknowing thatI am gettingb e t t e r .E v e r y o n ethat workshere is v erysuppor t ive,caring andfriendly. In

one word… FANTASTIC!Thanks, Lois Diehl

ALLERGIES AND FATIGUE

I started seeking chiropractic helpfor allergies, fatigue and back aches.Chiropractic has helped m y problemsdiminish. I can ex ercise more, sleepbetter and just enjo y life. I know thatchiropractic is essential f or overallwell-being and that is wh y my entirefamily is under car e here. Now that Iam happier, my family is also, happier.The doctors and staff her e are reallygentle and caring.Thanks for your help,Bridgett Dunk

LOW BACK PAIN AND HEADACHESWhen I first came t o the office I had alot of pain in my back, headaches andallergies. I did not have any idea howchiropractic help. Now that I ha vebeen getting adjust ed, I no longerhave headaches, low back pain andmy allergies have improved greatly!Getting care here has impr oved myquality of life! I have more to offer myfamily and I have more energy to playwith my son. The atmosphere is warm,caring and helpful.Thanks,Pastor John Schubert

SCIATICAI came t o NLCC with pain in m y lowback due to two "crushed" discs. Nowthat I ha ve been under chir opracticcare I can take walks, get in and out ofbed and get out of m y chair. I have

less pain and I do not ha ve Charliehorses anymore. My family is happybecause I do not c omplain as muchand I can do things without hobblingaround. I love coming here! Sincerely,James Wood

SCOLIOSISI was having pain in my hip, knee andleg all the way down to my ankle. Thepain kept me up at night! The pain isnow almost entirely gone and a goodnight sleep has returned! I never real-ized how wonderful it was t o sleep! Iwas amazed at how quickly I respond-ed. I have had chiropractic care beforebut never such a gentle pr ogressivehealing.Thank you for your help!Phyillis Waddle

GUARANTEE OF GREAT SERVICEObviously we can't guarantee results.No one can. But there is one guar an-tee we can give you and that's a guar-antee to accept your case only if w etruly feel we can help.

LIMITED TIME OFFERObviously, with an off er like this w ecan't afford to do it f or very long. Sowe've picked the dates of Mar. 7-21st.If you would like to take us up on ouroffer and see what chiropractic can dofor you, all you have to do is call ouroffice and set up an appointment.

Call our 24 hour help line @ 678-574-5678 and tell the r eceptionistyou'd like to come in f or the SpecialIntroductory Examination during Mar.7-21st.

I expect to get flooded withappointments for this event, so pleasecall me as soon as possible t o be surethat you don't miss out.

Thank you very much, and I lookforward to helping you get rid of yourpain so you can start living a healthier,more productive life. God bless.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erin Arnold, D.C.

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3451 Cobb Parkway, Suite 6Acworth, GA

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Dr. AnnaLongacre’s blueprint forsuccess is prettystraightforward. Shebelieves everybody’spersonal playbookshould include theattributes of empathy, hard work andknowing when to put aside personaldesires to achieve the ultimate goal.As a Gastroenterologist at AtlantaGastroenterology Associates, shefeels blessed to have a job thataffords her the opportunity to make apositive difference in somebody’s

life. Her career alsooffers, what she calls,just the right amount of“thinking” and “doing.”

A dedicated wifeand mom, Anna alsounderstands the impor-tant role family plays in

achieving ultimate success. That’swhy she loves Cobb County, whereoutings such as theMarietta Pilgrimage and outdoor con-certs on the Square help bring herand her family closer to the commu-nity they call home.

— By Michael Pallerino

Age: 37Education: Bachaelor’s Degree,UNC Chapel Hill; Medical school:SUNY Downstate (Brooklyn,N.Y.); residency, chief residency,fellow: Yale University.Personal: Married to JonathanMcMurry, professor at KennesawState University. Children: Sarah,6, Sam 4, and Nathaniel, 2.Role model: My mom, my fel-lowship mentor, and a few otherexceptional women along theway who knew their priorities andbrought excellence to their workand lives.Favorite quote: “He is no foolwho gives what he cannot keepto gain that which he cannotlose.” — Jim ElliotVolunteer work/Additionalactivities: First United MethodistChurch of Marietta Children’sMinistry Team, Adjunct FacultyMorehouse School of Medicine.

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Dr . Anna V . Longacre ATLANTA GASTROENTEROLOGIST ASSOCIATES



As a businessman, he has founded a ven-ture that is growing and offers a uniqueservice to hospitals. As a father, he keepsbusy with four young children. And as amentor, he gives back to his communitybecause of his beliefs.

Wills is founder and president of S tatusBlue, a company that offers software tohospitals that is used to manage their sup-pliers. With over $3 million in revenueand recent franchise growth into Canada,Wills is enjoying the fruits of his labor –but is always looking to other ventures.

“I personally enjoy all things new andam currently involved in some start-upprojects,” says Wills, who runs the busi-ness from his Kennesaw Avenue office inMarietta. Speaking of Marietta, Willsmoved there five years ago to start theoperation because of its proximity to I-75,lower taxes, and lower cost of living thanhis native Atlanta.

“Marietta is such a nice communityand we’ve really settled in here andbecome very involved,” says Wills, whohas started a group called “Marietta WorkMatters,” which bridges the gap between

Age: 34Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Georgia State University.Family: Married to Kristen;four children ages 8, 6, 4, 2.Favorite Quote: From Peter inEphesians 2:10: “For we areGod’s handiwork, created inChrist Jesus to do good works,which God prepared inadvance for us to do.”Additional Volunteer Work:Works with inner-city youthwith Atlanta Youth Project;Active member of GraceCommunity Church.

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John Wills has his priorities in order. one’s faith and work.

Why is he so active in thecommunity? “It’s what I am sup-posed to do,” says Wills. “It’s notabout me. It’s about serving theLord through my family, my busi-ness and my community.”

— By Donna Espy

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The vivacious and fun-lovingCassandra Buckalew of Marietta has taken anactive and pivotal role in turning downtownMarietta a more vibrant, youthful and invitingdestination. And while she is likely best knownfor co-founding the Marietta Trolley Companywith her husband, Brian, Buckalew also has aninterior design degree from the Art Institute of

Cassandra Bucka lew FOUNDER, HISTORIC MARIETT A TROLLEY COMPANY


Atlanta and is a member of a slew oflocal boards and civic groups.

The Marietta Trolley Company, thecity’s only trolley tour, is a throwbackto earlier times when a trolley wouldcarry residents to and from destinationsaround the city. The tour explores thecity from the Marietta Square toremarkable antebellum homes and CivilWar landmarks, as well as the distinc-tive depot off of Church Street acrossfrom the Marietta First Baptist Churchthat now serves as the MariettaWelcome Center.

The trolley company was named theCobb County Convention & VisitorsBureau’s Attraction Member of theYear for 2010, and noted that theTrolley has “made a big impact in ashort amount of time.”

In 2009, she and Brian purchasedMarietta Pedicabs, which mainly servesvisitors on the Marietta Square, andhave also since purchased the Ghosts ofMarietta, which tours all of Marietta’smost haunted places.

Some residents may have recognizedBuckalew in the Strand’s production of“The Sunshine Boys” in April as a flir-ty nurse, for which her performance

“brought the house down,” StrandExecutive Director Earl Reece said.

With a very active role in the com-munity, Buckalew somehow finds timefor it all.

“I am still very much focused on mydesign career and remain very passion-ate about all types of art and design.Now that I have that the trolley up andrunning, I am slowly focusing moreand more on growing my interiordesign firm,” Buckalew said.

— By Katy Ruth Camp

Age: 36Education: Art Institute of AtlantaPersonal/Family: Married to Brian.Role model: GrandmotherFavorite Quote: "Destiny is not matter ofchance, it is a matter of choice; it is not athing to be waited for, it is a thing to beachieved." — William Jennings BryanVolunteer work/Additional activities:Cobb Chamber of Commerce, MariettaCobb Museum of Art, Marietta SquareBranding Project, The Strand 60Grand,Honorary Commanders, LeadershipCobb, American Cancer Society-Swordsman’s Ball, United Arts of Cobb,Cobb County Hall Pass and more.

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It started as a teenager’sneed for gas money. Throughtime it took on the shape of a careerand, after a pairing of father and son, itbecame a business with nearly 40employees.

Brandt Kessler was 16 when he wentto work in a friend’s mail house to putgas in his ‘67 Camaro. The small com-pany sent out direct mail pieces andthough he entered into the field acci-dentally, he decided to stay on.

“I’ve never been a fan of jumpingfrom job to job,” he says. “I’m loyal.”

When his friend’s company wentbankrupt, Kessler took a job withanother direct mail company and, whileattending Kennesaw State, worked hisway up to Vice President of Operations.The company was eventually boughtout and, as is so often the case, the newowners wanted change. Lots of it.

Frustrated by the new direction andspurred on by his father, Kessler struckout on his own and founded 1st ClassMailing Service, Inc.

“There was no confidence in thebeginning,” he admits. “We hadn’t donethis before but we begged, borrowed

and stole, and the company grew.”Now, each day they send out more

than 400,000 pieces of what Kesslerlight-heartedly describes as “the junkmail you hate getting.” And with cus-tomers like Coke, UPS and formerPresidential candidate Mike Huckabee,they’re planning an expansion to dou-ble their current capacity.

In fact, all that could slow down thisseemingly recession-proof company,Kessler jokes, is nepotism.

“It gets a little heated around heresometimes. I’ve fired my dad twice,”he says. “But at the end of the day , Iknow he’ll be there. I know I can counton him.”


Age: 36Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Kennesaw State University.Personal: Married to Libby. The couple has a two-year-old son, Carson. Role model: Father and mother. Favorite Quote: Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.Volunteer work/Additional activities: Member of Classic Glass Corvette Club inMarietta, which does volunteer events to raise money for local charities such asCalvary Children’s Homes; Lifetime Member of the National Corvette Museum;donates to St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Woodstock First Baptist Church.

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Brandt Kess le r PRESIDENT, FIRST CLASS MAIL



Cobb native Evan AlexCole started his actingcareer young and before the inkon his high school diploma was dry helit out for Los Angeles and somewhatpromptly landed a role in “Back WhenWe Were Grownups,” a Hallmark filmwith Blythe Danner, Jack Palance, PeterFonda and Faye Dunaway. Seven yearslater he still sounds impressed with hisgood fortune. “I got to watch the mas-ters work,” he says of his co-stars.From L.A. he headed to Pittsburgh toattend Carnegie Mellon. In 2009 he wascast as Hunter on the durable soapopera “As The World Turns.” When theshow filmed its final episode in 2010after 54 years on the air it was a bitter-sweet moment for fans and cast mem-bers. So much so that Alex recorded asong called “World Turns” (availableon iTunes).

When he came home forThanksgiving last year he found “a cityalive with action and arts… and some-thing like 36 movies coming to the stateto film,” he says. Impressed with whathis home state now had to of fer he

decided to let his lease expire on a BigApple apartment and stay.

The future for Alex includes gettinga grad degree and he credits his parentsfor his focus on education. Other goals?“There are some Shakespearean rolesI’d like to play in the next 10 years,” hesays, “ I’d like to see myself making

fulfilling career decisions, based onboth work and what makes me happy.”

Since being back in Cobb Countyhe’s auditioned at Georgia Shakespeareand for film and TV roles. He stillenjoys traveling for work, such as arecent commercial he filmed inPhiladelphia but acknowledges, “Beingin a place without support and family istough. Coming back has been the bestdecision I’ve made.”

— By Therra C. Gwyn

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Age: 26Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Carnegie Mellon. Studied businessand biology online at KennesawState University while working onboth coasts as an actor. Personal/Family: Single. Role model: “I have wonderfulparents who have and always willbe my number one role models,”he says.Fave quote: “The readiness is all.”— from Hamlet.

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Evan A lex Co le ACTOR, DIRECTOR, SINGER



Powder Springs residentSusan Thompson wouldbe the first to admitintegrity and credibilityare not words that immediately cometo mind when conjuring up the imageof a lobbyist. After 15 legislative ses-sions, she is accustomed to the puz-zling looks that accompany her admis-sion that she is, in fact, just that: a lob-byist with integrity.

“I have no expense account and Idon’t take people to dinner,” she says.“I simply educate lawmakers onhealthcare issues.”

As the Head of Government Affairsfor WellStar, Thompson works with adelegation of 33 lawmakers on issuesranging from community education toindigent care. But it is to her roots shelooks when explaining how she has sosuccessfully navigated what at timescan be murky waters.

“I started at Grady [Hospital] andwill always have a soft spot in myheart for it,” she says.

The job was only supposed to be abrief detour on the road to law schoolbut, as is so often the case, an early

mentor reshaped her career. After seven years at Grady,

Thompson went to work for WellStarto be closer to home and found, uponarriving, her dream job. Surveying herachievements, it is her role withWellStar’s community educationboards that have brought her the most

Age: 35Education: Bachelor’s Degree,Furman University.Personal/Family: Married to Eric C.Thompson. The couple has a six-year-old son, Jack.Role model: My grandmother, MaryVan Iten.Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord withall your heart and lean not on yourown understanding; in all your waysacknowledge Him, and He will makeyour paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6Volunteer work/Additional activities:Sanctuary Church children’s ministry;Board of Directors for the DouglasCounty Chamber of Commerce; recipi-ent, Top Ten Young Professionals ofDouglas County, 2010.

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Susan Thompson HEAD OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, WELLSTAR

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of his family’s business traditions.Carroll, a 35-year-old East Cobbresident, is Founder and Presidentof Fontis Water, located onCanton Road in Marietta. Hisfather, Jim, and uncle, Steve,founded Georgia Mountain Waterin 1980 and were very involved incommunity service in Cobb andthe North Georgia area.

Carroll says the duo sold theirbusiness to Crystal Springs in2000 and Jamie worked thereuntil 2003. It was then he beganFortis and has never looked back.

“It takes a certain amount ofcommitment and willingness toput the time and effort into yourown business,” says Carroll. “Butit definitely pays off.”

Carroll is active in theKennesaw and Acworth BusinessAssociations as well as the CobbChamber of Commerce. He hasover 2,000 business and residen-

tial customers throughoutGeorgia, and he has also addedcoffee service and single cupbrew service.

“The past two years have beenslower because of the economy,but things seem to be moving for-ward and growing,” says Carroll,who remembers some wise wordshis father gave him. “Dad told methat you have to be involved inyour community – that’s yourbackyard,” says Carroll.

— By Donna Espy

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Jamie Car ro l l FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, FONTIS WATER



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Graduating collegewas a turning pointfor Marietta resident AdamMalone, a time when “everythingcame into better focus,” he said.It was then he adopted a philoso-phy of living one day at a time,and doing his best in everythinghe does. His “best” proved to bepretty phenomenal, propellinghim to the top of his class at JohnMarshall Law School, where hegraduated valedictorian.

In his 11 years practicing law,Malone has racked up a long listof accomplishments and wins.His first civil case resulted in a$760,000 jury verdict for his client, a 9-year -old who wasstruck by a truck as a result of an apartment’ s after-school pro-gram’s failure to provide adequate supervision. A more recent$24.5 million settlement was won against a physician’s groupand hospital for an unneccesary amputation a 14-year -old ath-lete’s leg. One of his most significant cases led to a Geor giaSupreme Court ruling last year that legislature cannot takeaway the right of jurors to decide damages in medical mal-practice cases, striking down legislation passed in 2005 thatset the maximum award at $350,000.

“From times of earliest memory I had always wanted to bea lawyer and I know then it was because my dad and grandfa-ther were my heroes and I wanted to be just like them. When Igot older I asked myself if it was what I really wanted to do. I

really wanted to be usefuland make a difference forother people in whatever Idid. Seeing what myfather and grandfatherwere able to do for people— giving them hope whenthey had none before, giv-ing them financial securitywhen they became dis-abled — seemed to me tobe a perfect fit in how toaccomplish that goal.”

It’s his drive to make adifference and determina-tion to do his best thatgets him out of bed at

5:15 a.m. each morning forexercise before heading intothe office around 7:30, andmotivates him through the 12-hour or more days he spendspouring over cases and litiga-tion.

To him, success is “know-ing that I’ve done the best Ipossibly can. As long as Iknow that, even if the jurydisagrees with me I canlive with it.”

— By Stacey L. Evans

Age: 38Education: Bachelor’sDegree, North GeorgiaMilitary College. Law Degree,John Marshall Law School.Personal: Married to BarbaraBerry Malone. The couple hasthree children Maddie, Emilie,and Rosser, Jr. Role model: “My role modelfor my professional life is myfather. I’ve always consideredhim to be my hero. My rolemodel for how I should treatothers and make myself use-ful is Barbara, my wife. Favorite quote: “My grandfa-ther [Judge Rosser Malone]was full of quotes, and onehe used to say often is ‘Aman is no better than hisword.’ That’s a personal quotethat I think about often.”Volunteer work/Additionalactivities: AmericanAssociation for Justice,Georgia Trial LawyersAssociation, Civil JusticeFoundation, Melvin M. BelliSociety and much more.

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Adam Malone PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER



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These wines really over deliver sograb a glass pour yourself a fewounces of pure pleasure and enjoyreading about my top value wine picksof the past twelve months.

Many of these are produced by largecompanies whose vineyard holdings,long-term contracts with growers andeconomies of scale give wine loversplenty to smile about.

For starters, look to WashingtonState for great options, especially forriesling and merlot. You’ll be hardpressed to find a better bang for thebuck than Columbia Crest GrandEstates. California’s BeringerVineyards Founders Estate controlsthousands of acres all along the coastwhich from Santa Barbara, Montereyand the northern vineyards of Sonomaand Napa. They offer great examplesof chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon.Clos Du Bois is another brand whichutilizes multiple vineyard parcels togive wine consumers plenty to enjoy.

If you are really looking to save afew bucks get yourself a 1.5 liter(magnum-double size bottle) ofWoodbridge, by Robert MondaviSauvignon Blanc, a dry, medium bod-ied white with great citrus notes, or ifyou like a little sweetness in your glasstry Sutter Home 1.5 liter Moscato.

A bit of a trade up but also greatjuice is the Trinchero Family MainStreet line. I particularly enjoy theirChardonnay. The company has family-owned lots of vineyards under theirmanagement and a commitment to giv-ing the consumer wines which overdeliver. And if you want a wine toreally turn your day brighter check outRex Goliath Pinot Noir and Shiraz.They are fruit-laden with great mid-palate texture and real depth.

All of these are available in Kroger ,Publix, and many independent retailoutlets.�

Got a question for thewine guru? Email him at

[email protected] COBB LIFE March 2011 61


HighlightsA closer look at events and activities throughout Cobb County in March

COMPILED BY ALLEN BELL

MARIETTA/COBB MUSEUM OF ART

TindelMichi reunite for their latest exhibition, “Relics,” on dis-play at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. Visitors to the

exhibit will be met by the heavily layered, large-scale paint-ings, sculptural works, and sound installations that explore theghosts of the South’s haunted history and remixed narratives,both historical and personal. TindelMichi is John Tindel andMichi Meko, a collaborative duo working together to create aunique aesthetic influenced by the American South. “Relics”

will be on display through March 27. The Marietta/CobbMuseum of Art is located in downtown Marietta at 30 Atlanta

Street. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 am to 5pm, and Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is $8 for adults,$5 for seniors and students, free for children younger than six

years old, and free for members.Information: 770.528.1444 or

www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org

SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS

Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical Chinese danceand music in a lavishly colorful and exhilarating show. The

masterful choreography ranges from grand imperial proces-sions to legions of thunderous drums, with gorgeously cos-tumed dancers moving in stunning synchronized patterns.

Spectacular visuals take you to another world, with blossom-ing landscapes and celestial palaces appearing on beautifulanimated backdrops. Ancient legends of virtue and moderntales of courage are brought to life by over a dozen dancesand songs, making for an extraordinary, uplifting, and unfor-

gettable experience. Shen Yun Performing Arts brings togetherover a hundred of the world's foremost classically trained

dancers, choreographers, and musicians on March 8, 9, and10 at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in the

John A Williams Theatre. Call for ticket prices.Information: 770.916.2800 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

A CHORUS LINE

In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a newBroadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this

audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for– with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day oftheir lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've alwaysdreamed – to have the chance to dance. This is “A ChorusLine,” the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream andput it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, includingBest Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular

sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musicalever. Now “A Chorus Line” returns. Come meet the new gen-eration of Broadway’s best. Performances are March 17, 18

and 19 at 8 p.m. and March 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. in the John A.Williams Theatre at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $63.Information: 770.916.2800 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

CSO JAZZ AT THE STRAND

Relive the swinging days of a bygone era as awhole new team of jazz giants delivers powerfulperformances and soulful memories under the

direction of Sam Skelton. The 16-piece CSO Jazzcontinues to be the best band in all of Atlanta. The

CSO Jazz performs April 2 at 8 p.m. in the EarlSmith Strand Theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults,

$20 for seniors, and $10 for students.Information: 770.429.7016 or

www.cobbsymphony.org


Ear l Sm i t h S t rand Thea t re doub le b i r t hday par t y

SCENE

Ajoint birthday party was held in January to cel-ebrate two years of the Earl Smith StrandTheatre and for Smith’s 80th birthday. The

event took place at the historic theater. Funds fromthe event benefitted the theater.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN GRAY

1

1. Marietta residents Claire and Emily Abernathy. 2. Ashley and LesSaunders of Marietta. 3. Theatre namesake and birthday honoreeEarl Smith with wife, Rachel. 4. Randy and Annie Cook of Marietta.5. Betty Van-Gerpen of Atlanta and Margaret Sudderth of Marietta. 6. Kennesaw resident Renee Sims with Donna Sims of Marietta. 7. Marietta residents Martha Leatherwood with Kim Gresh.

2 3 4

5 6 7


15236554:CLMAR2011 63 was page 69 2/22/2011 12:19 PM Page 63

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Cobb Chamber o f Commerce Annua l Ga la

SCENE

The Cobb Chamber ofCommerce held its 69thannual gala at the CobbGalleria. At the event,

Bank of North GeorgiaPresident and COO Rob Garciaextended his leadership role asthe Cobb Chamber’s Chairmanof the Board of Directors for2011 and Earl Reece, executivedirector of the Earl SmithStrand Theatre, was namedCitizen of the Year by theMarietta Daily Journal.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIA MCCORKLE

1

1. From left, Ron and Pam Younker and Stuart andStephanie Sims, all of Marietta. 2. Chris Davala ofEast Cobb and Rev. Bryan Crute of Marietta.


2


3

3. From left, Bob and Judy Humphries ofLawrenceville and Faye and Tom DiMassimo ofPowder Springs. 4. Margaret Kelly and DianneWeeks both of Marietta. 5. Murdan Corvelis andLisa Crossman, both of Marietta.

5

4


Cobb Chamber o f Commerce Annua l Ga la

SCENE

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Mayberry was a fictional town. It never really existed. But despite a steady stream of apartment

fires and crime reports in metro Atlanta I can’tseem to suppress a recurring feeling of grati-tude for the impact our little Smyrna neighbor-hood has on my family’s quality of life.

On our block kidsactually still play out-side after school untilsunlight fades into din-nertime. Parents gatherin the middle of theneighborhood shareddriveway for a beerafter work.

Our very own AuntBee and adoptedneighborhood momrounds up our familiesfor impromptu anddelicious dinners, andstill invites us backeven after my kidsscribble on her whitedining room chairswith a blue marker.

Day after day, myrunning buddies dragme out of bed before the sun comes up, makingme feel healthy and worthwhile before the dailychaos drags me down. My playgroup moms dis-cover me in a stressful pinch and rush over toscoop up my girls, entertaining them so I canfinish a conference call, take a deep breath andfind an aspirin.

My chivalrous neighbor who works fromhome comes running to investigate when hespots an unusual car and an uninvited strangerpeeking in the window of my house. And mytwo good friends, the creative genius and ourneighborhood Betty Crocker, turn my mediocre

half attempt at a third birthday party into a tod-dler party extravaganza with homemade invita-tions, a plant potting station and a two-tiered-ladybug cake.

I’m no anthropologist. Maybe our tight knit, neighborly group began

with the vision of our homebuilder whodesigned our homes witha shared back driveway,physically linking us toeach other as we comeand go. Or maybe it’s justa lucky random assort-ment of people who hap-pen to be in the samestage of life, and share thesame values and interests.

A thought occurred tome during the icy snowweek in early January. Iwatched as a half dozenparents and kids sharedone sled, and then againas we gathered over a potof soup and a glass ofwine in my neighbor’scozy kitchen. I suddenlybecame very grateful forthese friends that we met

through mere geographic happenstance. Thesefriends now add so many layers to our lives.

Maybe it’s not unique to our little corner ofCobb. Maybe it is happening in neighborhoodsall over the state of Georgia. I am not naïveenough to think we’ll all be here in 15 years.My girls probably won’t graduate from highschool with the same four friends that taughtthem to have a snowball fight in the front yardat age three.

But for the present, our Cobb County versionof modern day Mayberry fits our family per-fectly. �

Smyrna neighborhoodreminiscent of Mayberry

s l i c e o f c o b b by Heather Te i lhet

15236559:CLMAR2011 66 was 74 2/20/2011 4:04 PM Page 66

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Cobb Life March 2011

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