our town june 2010 - smyrna/vinings

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JUNE 2010

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PAGE 3 For Advertising Information Call 678-337-7844 • www.ourtownmonthly.com Our Town3246 atlanta road • smyrna • 1/2 mile north of paces ferry rd. • 770-431-9743 • www.ghsmyrna.com3246 atlanta road • smyrna • 1/2 mile north of paces ferry rd. • 770-431-9743 • www.ghsmyrna.com

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Graphics and DesignTerry Tanner

Tanner Graphics, Inc.

PhotographerMia McCorkle

Contributing WritersMark Orler

Brooke MerrillDara Hosch, MD, FAAP

Leisa Bailey, PhD.Shasta Clark

Charles M. Pesson, MDShelia Frey

Lindsey WeberPam WalkerPaul Everett

Publishers/Editors Linda Demery & Lori McLinden

The West Cobb Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

OurTownMarietta Kennesaw Acworth PowderSprings

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious

homes in the Smyrna/Vinings Area. Opinions expressed by the

editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opin-

ions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or

reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not respon-

sible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for

the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2010 by Our Town. Reproduction in

whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written

permission from the publisher.

Our Town Magazine101 Church Street Suite 175Marietta, GA 30060

678-337-7844Fax: 678-337-7825

[email protected]

PAGE 4 For Advertising Information Call 678-337-7844 • www.ourtownmonthly.com Our Town

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Calendar of Events

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For Advertising Information Call 678-337-7844 • www.ourtownmonthly.com Our Town

calendar o

f events

Phone l 770.863.0005

Address l 4480 Cooper Lake Rd. • Suite 210

Smyrna, GA 30082

Website l www.PatrickFamilyDental.com

Location l At the corner of Cooper Lake

& the E-W Connector

patrickfamily dental care

Offering comprehensive dental care for your entire family in a comfortable environment.

FARM: Farmers Atlanta Road Market will resume weekly operation in the St. Bene-dicts church parking lot (intersection of East-West Connector and Atlanta Road) onTuesday’s from 4pm - dusk. FARM will focus on local area farmers and artisians sell-ing their own fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads and other food goods.

SMYRNA FRESH PRODUCE MARKET: In the mood for locally grown or-ganic food? The Smyrna Fresh Produce Market kicks off it’s second year on Saturday,May 1st at 8am in the First Baptist Church parking lot adjacent to the Smyrna MarketVillage. The market runs until noon and is expected to continue until the Fall. Toparticipate as a vendor, contact Keep Smyrna Beautiful at 770.431.2863.

EVENING EDUCATION SERIES AT LOVETT: Open to the public! Classesare on Tuesdays, 7 – 9pm on the Lovett School campus. Courses include: Art HistoryDuring the Renaissance and Reformation, Introduction to Black and White Photog-raphy and Printing, Ceramics, Basics of Beaded Jewelry Making, Chinese Cooking,Reading and Writing about Life, Operating a Flip Camcorder and Editing Software,Free Web Tools and Tricks. Proceeds will go toward need-based financial aid forLovett students. For more information, please visit www.lovett.org

SMYRNA BNI: The Smyrna Business Exchange, a local chapter of BNI, meetsevery Thursday morning from 7-8:30 at the Smyrna Community Center. Compli-mentary continental breakfast is served. Inquiries can be directed to my attention:Jeff Daxe 770-795-5079 or our web site: www.smyrnabni.com.

T-TOASTERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF VININGS: T-Toasters at Viningsis a community club based in Atlanta, Georgia whose mission is to improve our mem-bers’ communication and leadership skills. T-Toasters is part of Toastmasters Interna-tional, a non-profit organization with almost 10,000 clubs around the world. T-Toastersmeets every Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. at the Equity Bldg. One, 2727Paces Ferry Rd. For more information call Jerry Walker at 678.457.5430 or [email protected]. Visitors and new members are ALWAYS welcome!

SMYRNA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The Smyrna Business Association isan organization of local business leaders dedicated to the objective of promoting good-will, unity and harmony to make Smyrna a desirable, vibrant community in whichto live and work. Attend luncheon meetings the 1st Thursday of each month at theSmyrna Community Center, participate in community events and networking op-portunities, and promotion of their businesses within the community on the SBAweb site and publications. For additional information please visit www.smyrnabusiness.com.


calendar of events SMYRNA OPTIMIST CLUB: at the American Legion Hall on Legion Dr. each Friday

morning at 7:00 am. Our program includes a breakfast and program of local interest.The purpose of the Optimist Club is to develop Optimism as a philosophy of life utilizingthe tenants of the Optimist Creed which we recite at the close of every meeting. For fur-ther information check our web site at smyrnaoptimist.org

VININGS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: Join us for our monthly luncheon heldthe first Tuesday of each month at Social Vinings Restaurant from 11:30 to 1pm. Im-portant issues affecting your business will be discussed. Speakers and Agenda TBA. TheVBA consists of business owners and managers committed to the enhancement of theeconomic vibrancy of Vinings and the promotion of its physical and financial health ofthe community through social, cultural, and business networking activities. For meetingtimes, please visit www.viningsbusiness.com

VININGS VILLAGE CIVIC CLUB: The Vinings Village Civic Club meets on the firstMonday of each month at various locations around Vinings. All of Vinings welcome! The VVCCsponsors numerous programs and special events of interest to the Vinings community. Vinings resi-dents and businesses sharing a commitment to maintain the character and beauty of Vinings are en-couraged to become members. For more information, please email [email protected]

VININGS ROTARY: is an organization of business and professional leaders that pro-vide humanitarian service encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helpsbuild goodwill and peace. Meetings are held each Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. in the Vin-ings Club in Overlook III. For more information, please visit www.viningsrotary.org.

SMYRNA GOLDEN K KIWANIS: A community service organization recognized foroutstanding service to our schools and community. Meetings are held each Tuesday at 10:00 AM inthe Windy Hill Senior Center. For more information call 770.431.9786 or 770.801.8010.

ROTARY CLUB OF SMYRNA: Smyrna leaders meet each Tuesday for fellowship.We invite you to get involved and learn more about the Smyrna Rotary. We meet eachTuesday in the City of Smyrna Community Center (200 Village Green Circle) at 12:15p.m. with rich programs. Smyrna Rotary meetings are loaded with fellowship and ourspeakers program is outstanding. To learn more, please visit www.smyrnarotary.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF SMYRNA: A spirited group of men and women, dedicatedto improving the quality of life in the Smyrna community, meet every Wednesday at thePiccadilly Cafeteria on South Cobb Drive from 11:30 - 1:00 P.M. Lunch is FREE to allguests. Call Gary at 770-438-6961 for more information.

WINDY HILL SENIOR CENTER: A variety of activities take place at the WindyHill Senior Center in Smyrna. Movie Madness, Dining Out, The Stardust Dance Club,and even Bingo! Call 770-801-5320 for a complete schedule and detailed information.

PARENTS OF MULTIPLES CLUB: Providing support, education and fun to all par-ents and caregivers of multiples who live, work or like to play in the Intown Atlanta area(inside and near 285). For detailed information, please visit www.intownatlantapomc.orgor email [email protected].

MOMS Club: Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Comemeet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club! We are an international nonprofit organizationfor the at-home mother of today! Chapters have monthly meetings with speakers, park play days,holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, artsand crafts, a monthly MOMS Night Out, and babysitting co-ops. We also do service projects to helpneedy children. Our activities are during the day, when mothers at home need support, and mothersmay bring their children with them to our activities. For meeting times and more information aboutMOMS Club or to find the chapter nearest you, please visit www. Momsclub.org.

continued on page 19


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The Tarpley family moved to metro Atlanta, from Richmond, Virginia in 2000. They celebratedtheir 10 year move in date to Smyrna in April. They love Smyrna and plan to stay here forawhile. Mike is a Regional Sales Manager for William Wrigley Jr. Company. He is also an accomplished saxophone player and plays with his jazz band, Fuzion Project in restaurants aroundtown. Tomaree often sings with the band and is a real estate broker full time for the RobinsonRealty Group which has an office in Vinings and in the Cascade area.

She primarily works from home and always tries to get her buyers to consider Smyrna if theydo not have a specific location preference in metro Atlanta. She also teaches music topreschoolers weekly at Covered Bridge Montessori School. In addition, Tomaree and a colleague offer a summer camp called Math & Music Makers to children 4-7 years old herein Smyrna. Their July session will be held where we took the cover pictures…at Brawner Hall(Taylor-Brawner Park).

Mikari will be 6 years old in June. She attends the Imagine International Academy of Smyrnaand will be in the 1st grade in the fall. She loves her school! She also loves to model, sing & perform for anyone who will listen and enjoys gymnastics classes at the Smyrna CommunityCenter. The family dog, Onyx is a toy poodle and he is 8 months old. He loves to chew shoesand is an acrobat. He can jump from chair to couch to table to the floor in seconds. Whenjumping, he looks like a flying squirrel!


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Did I say that……?????Last month I spent an entire column reminding the wives and mothers out there howappreciative they should be on Mother’s Day to the men who make their lives so mucheasier, and that though they may not receive it in the form of a cheesy card, spokenword or store-bought flower their hubby’s go way beyond the call of duty and thatshould be thanks enough. You would have thought that this revelation would have beengreeted with a warm smile and embrace that would say, “You know Honey, I never fullyrealized just how totally awesome you are, and I will strive to live up to the exampleyou have set.” Just so we are clear, if you would have thought this, you would havethought wrong.

In reality I had a lot of time to review my previous statements while sleeping on thecouch this past month and strongly recommend you forget everything I wrote and in-stead, on this the month of Father’s Day, spend some time reminding yourself howmuch your wives and mothers do for you that goes “completely unnoticed as if it’sdone by some invisible Gnome who just happens to follow you and your messes aroundthe house.” Her words, not mine.

The first thing wemust be reminded ofas Fathers is that wewould not BE Fathersunless somebody,more specifically afeminine somebody,volunteered to donatetheir body to sciencefor 10-months ofmind-crushing, hor-mone-flashing, pain-ridden joy that wepolitely call, “preg-nancy.” Again, I amparaphrasing here,but you get thepoint…not a funtime!

Second, not only didour earth-angels agreeto go through this,but then they wereawarded the added

bonus of delivering the children through a process called LABOR, which means it was“hard dad-gum work” and “Oh, by the way it’s not like we could just quit in the middleof it and go take a breather like you do when the sun gets too hot while you’re ridingyour little mower.” Again…paraphrasing.

And you would think that after all that, our wives and mother’s jobs would be complete,but no, this is just the beginning. Immediately after the birth of “our” child they becomethe teachers, doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, dentists, janitors and home makerswhile we Fathers “sit on our behinds thinking that the earth just revolves around us.”Not a direct quote, but close enough.

Finally, what Father’s Day would be complete without the knowledge that sometimeseven God needs a second try to get things right, which is why our wives, mothers andsisters were the last to be created.

It is my sincere hope that by the time you finish reading this you will have gained amuch deeper appreciation for those ladies in your life who have made it so gosh-darnwonderful, and that one reader in particular will unlock my bedroom door at night be-cause the dog is beginning to think that she and I are engaged.

Mark Orler is a full-time husband, father and pert-time observationiest.

Mark can be reached at [email protected]


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With the addition of OPT Fitness, 4451 South Atlanta Road, Ste. 120, Smyrna, GA 30080 (770-333-7991),Smyrna, GA and Axcess Fitness, 2535 Hickory Grove Road, Acworth, GA. 30101 (770-975-9960), GMMnow has more than 60 pick-up locations in the Atlanta, Athens and Savannah metro areas. For moreinformation about OPT, visit www.optfitness.com. For more information about Axcess Fitness, visitwww.axcessfitness.com

Good Measure Meals™ offers healthy, nutritionally balanced meals for fitness-conscious indi-viduals, people with special dietary requirements due to health conditions such as diabetes,high blood pressure or abnormal body fat levels, and busy professionals. Five- or seven-daymeal plans are available in four daily calorie levels ranging from 1,200 to 2,100. GMM alsooffers a Vegetarian Menu.

Meals are delivered to homes and offices or picked up at convenient locations throughoutthe metro Atlanta area on Mondays and Thursdays. For a list of GMM pick up sites, visitwww.goodmeasuremeals.com.

Good Measure Meals™ was started in 2004 and is a social enterprise of the Atlanta nonprofitOpen Hand. 100 percent of profits generated by Good Measure Meals™ support Open Hand’sComprehensive Nutrition Care™ program, which combines nutrition therapy, education andhealthy, balanced meals. Founded in 1988, Open Hand provides home-delivered meals to seniorcitizens and individuals struggling with a chronic, critical or terminal illness in 17 north Georgia coun-ties. www.projectopenhand.org

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Brooke Merrill is an Interior Designer and the owner of Brooke Merrill Home in Smyrna. 770-432-7425

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Ask Brooke… by Brooke Merrill

I am considering having custom draperies made for my formal dining room, formal sitting room,and family room. The rooms are all open and viewed from one another, however the furniturein my dining room and sitting room are much more formal than the furniture in my familyroom. While all of the colors flow nicely, the fabric textures are vastly different. I am havingtrouble deciding what styles and fabrics to use in each space, and I hope that a little guidancewill help point me in the right direction.

Peggy L.Vinings, Ga

Peggy, this is something I struggle with frequently, and there are absolutely some tips that willhelp you make a good decision. Firstly, I am glad to hear that you have chosen colors that flowfrom room to room, especially since they rooms are openly viewed from one to the next. Thisputs you at an extreme advantage, because you will be able to choose a few fabrics that could beused in every room seamlessly. My suggestion is to find a solid raw silk that will match the colorsin all of the rooms (I.e. A deep brown gold, a sage green, or a neutral tan). Raw silk can be usedcasually or formally, so you will be fine using it in all three rooms. Next choose a floral, plaid,or stripe that is not too formal, but not a polished cotton that is too casual. I would suggest thatthe fabric be a bit heavier to balance out the silk. Lastly, choose a style for each room. See belowfor some suggestions:

1. For a less formal look overall, use panels in a raw silk with a leading edge in the floral orstripe for the dining room and sitting room. I like to keep formal areas consistent forflow, hence the same style in both areas. Then have roman shades made in the silk forthe family room and have your work room make vertical banding in the floral or stripedown each side of the shade. The banding will add a little character to a simple romanshade, and it will tie in with the dining room and sitting room.

2.For a more formal look overall use panels in the raw silk with a short, rouged, ruffle selfvalance in the dining room and sitting room. You can add a tassel fringe that hangs fromthe self valance for drama, but make sure the fringe incorporates a pop of color from thefloral or striped fabric that you have chosen (even though you are not using this fabric in

the dining and sitting room window treatments). Next, have panels made from the rawsilk in the family room, and add the leading edge in the floral or striped fabric (same asthe less formal look for the dining room in option 1). This is a more casual look, but farmore dramatic than the roman shades in option 1. For effect, you can have your diningroom chairs covered in the floral or striped fabric and a couple of throw pillows madefrom the floral or striped fabric in the sitting room.

I was not able to tour the Atlanta Decorators’ Show House this year, but after reading your articles over the last several months, I am curious what colors and styles are trending the designscene right now.

Miranda K.Vinings, Ga

Believe it or not, slate blue is still all the rage. It has been a very popular color for the last threeor four years, but instead of mixing the blue with chocolate brown, I noticed many of the de-signers mixing it up. For a more neutral pallet, the silvery blue was used as the pop color againsta background of creamy ivory or pale yellow. For a more dramatic pallet the blue was used asthe background color to pops of bright cranberry or tangerine. It was very interesting to seehow well the colors complimented one another and were usually cemented by a rug or patternedfabric that tied all of the colors together.

Two other colors that received a lot of attention and were popular with the designers were hotpink and turquoise. One designer used the colors in combination for a very “Sex and the City”effect. I could imagine myself sipping Cosmopolitans in her space and chatting with Carrie andSamantha. Two other designers combined turquoise with citron greens or chocolate brown andteal. Both had an amazingly fresh appeal and would be a lovely compliment to any décor.


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Bathing suit season!!! Three words that strike terror into the hearts of most women. I can just hearthe ‘Jaws’ soundtrack in my head as I’m writing this. The angst of the fitting room, florescent lighting,cellulite, varicose veins..... Yikes!!! It’s almost enough to make us want to move to the North Pole.

Ok, now that we’ve gotten that out of our system, let’s face our fears and go swimsuit shopping. Weneed to shop for swimsuits like we do our other clothing, looking for the suit that will show off ourassets and minimize those less than perfect areas. Here are some tips for finding the right suit foryour shape.

The hourglass (Equal or almost equal bust and hip width with a defined waist)

Your best look is a one or two-piece with high-cut styling and asymmetrical or diagonal lines. If youhave a tummy, look for a long tankini that covers the stomach, or a one-piece with a spandex liningthat flattens the belly. Bold prints on a dark background that keep the eye moving and ruching orside-shirring on a suit in a dark but flattering color help camouflage this problem area, as well. Avoidstrapless styles and low-cut legs that shorten the line of the body.

The triangle (Narrow shoulders and full hips and thighs)

Suits with wide set straps and scoop necks or detail along the bust line draw attention upward. ADeep-V, halter-style one-piece with a seam under the bust and high-cut legs or printed tops withsolid bottoms balances out your top and trim your hips. Avoid high necklines and low-cut legs.

The Wedge (Broad shoulders and narrow hips and flat bottom)

Look for swimsuits with an underwire top with a wide band for support, a full cut halter style, racer-backs, bra-sized tops and a high or square neckline minimizes and supports the bust. Avoid lots of

detail along the bust line and strapless or skimpy tops with no support.

The Rectangle (Upper and lower body are equally wide with few curves)

Add the illusion of curves with vertical patterns and stripes, shirring, belted or ruffled bottoms orwrap detailing. Avoid strapless or skimpy suits with no support.

Don’t forget the importance of purchasing suits in colors that are the most flattering to your skin tone.This is a time when you usually do not have on a lot of makeup, so make sure your suit color enhancesyour coloring. Do not neglect the impact of a cute cover-up (one that you can wear all the way to theedge of the pool) and flip-flops or sandals to complete your look. And a pedicure is a must!

I recently came across some attractive Bifocal Sunglasses made by a company called twoeyes. They comein 100% UV protection and your choice of 4 magnifications. 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. No more squintingto read or wearing a pair of sunglasses over your indoor glasses. (Available on the HSN website)

So before heading to that chamber of horrors, known as the dressing room, arm yourself with knowledgeon how to accentuate your assets and find a suit that flatters you. Put on someself-tanner, try on several different sizes and brands, move around, sit down,and twist from side to side, making sure everything stays put and remember -no one has ever died from seeing themselves in a bathing suit - as far as I know....


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Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential for proper calcium absorption. Newevidence shows that low vitamin D levels are associated with serious health problems.Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently recommended thatall children including newborns receive at least 400 international units (IU) of vitaminD each day. Recent medical journals claim that children may need as much as 1000 IUper day. This article will review the importance of vitamin D, give sources of vitamin D,explain reasons for low vitamin D and list health problems that can result from a vitaminD deficiency.

Doctors have known for years that vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth.However, low vitamin D is linked to an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract in-fections, asthma and eczema. Studies have concluded that inadequate vitamin D in in-fancy increases the risk for Type I Diabetes. Recent scientific research shows that vitaminD may play an important role in preventing and treating the following health problems:multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, cancer andcognitive impairment in adults. The bottom line is vitamin D is vital for good health.

Vitamin D is most efficiently obtained from direct sunlight upon skin. Therefore, vitaminD deficiency is more prevalent inthose parts of the world whereit is too cold or culturallyinappropriate to ex-pose skin to sun-light. Darkerskin tones,obesity andsunscreenimpair theskin’s abil-ity to ab-s o r bvitamin Dfrom theUVB raysof the sun.Health guide-lines to protectour bodies fromharmful rays mayalso deprive our bodiesof this important nutrient.Playing outside is a great way forchildren to burn energy, get fresh air and soak up some vitamin D.

Natural dietary sources of vitamin D include eggs, liver and some types of fish. It is alsoadded to many dairy products. Milk, yogurt, soy milk, tuna fish and eggs are good sourcesof vitamin D for growing children. However, it takes 32 ounces of milk a day to reachthe recommended daily allowance. This much milk can be constipating for some chil-dren. Breast milk is generally better for babies than formula but it is lower in vitamin D.Babies who are exclusively breast fed should receive a vitamin D supplement. A multi-vitamin is recommended for all children who do not get at least 400 IU of vitamin Dper day.

Some people have difficulty obtaining vitamin D from their diet because of their foodchoices or impaired fat absorption. The following is a list of conditions that may resultin inadequate dietary vitamin D: cystic fibrosis, short gut syndrome, Crohn’s disease,milk allergy, lactose intolerance, strict vegetarian diet, celiac disease and pancreatic insuf-ficiency. The liver and kidney play an important role in converting Vitamin D to itsactive form. Because of this, patients with impaired kidney and liver function can developa vitamin D deficiency even if they receive the recommended amount.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are subtle and often missed. Bone pain, muscle weak-ness, leg bowing, and easy fractures are well known symptoms but most patients withlow vitamin D have no symptoms. If your child is at risk for a vitamin D deficiency, talkto your pediatrician. A blood test for 25-hydroxy vitamin D will help your doctor deter-mine if vitamin D levels are within the normal range (30 to 74 ng/ml). To keep yourchildren healthy, encourage them to drink their milk, take a vitamin and play outsideeveryday.

Don’t Forget Your DBy Dara S. Hosch, MD FAAP • Cobb Pediatrics, PC

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WEST MARIETTA AGLOW COMMUNITY LIGHTHOUSE (WMA): a local group ofAglow International, a worldwide women’s group, is coming to Smyrna. The group will meet the firstThursday of every month at the Smyrna Community Center (200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna,30080) in the Community Room on the first floor. For more information visit us at www.westmariet-taaglow.org or call 404-935-8248.

NEWCOMERS OF COBB COUNTY: The Newcomers Club of Cobb County holds a widevariety of social activities throughout the month including Bridge, Canasta, Book Club, Maj Jongg,Ladies Night Out, Golf, Bunco, Chick Flicks, Out to Lunch, Out and About Atlanta, and WeekendPot Luck Dining. Please call for summer meetings date/time/location. For further information, call770.234.5068 or email [email protected].

STROLLER STRIDES: Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that includes power walking and intervalsof body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by nationally certified instructors, it’s a greatworkout for any level of exerciser. In 60 minutes, you will get a total body workout improving your cardio-vascular endurance, your strength and your flexibility. The classes are equally beneficial for babies as Irvingwill weave songs through the workout and incorporate activities to make it fun. For more information onStroller Strides of Smyrna or about upcoming events, please contact Tamara Irving at (888) 227-4312.

If you have an event for the Our Town Calendar, please e-mail us at [email protected]. Listings are free, but space is limited! Deadline for calendar submissions is the 15th of the month or the following month’s issue.

calendar of events - continued from page 7

Life is complicated and anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Some experiences of anxietyare an expected part of life. However, when anxiety becomes extreme it develops into a dis-abling disorder. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that include excessive amountsof nervousness, fear, worry, or dread. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychologicaldifficulty and one that affects over 40 million adults in the United States.

Anxiety disorders may be caused by life changes, stress and tension; medical factors; genetics;brain chemistry; substance abuse; or a combination of these issues. Whatever the cause, anxietydisorders are serious and painful.

There are different types of anxiety disorders, with different symptoms.

• Generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) involves ongoing excessive worryabout nonspecific issues. GAD sufferers often feel afraid and worry about health, fi-nances, family, work or potential misfortunes. The fears are typically unrealistic andthere is a sense that the worst will happen.

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterizedby thoughts or actions that are repetitive, distressing, and intrusive. OCD suffers usu-ally know that their compulsions are unreasonable or irrational, but because they al-leviate anxiety, are very difficult to control or stop. Other disorders that are thoughtto be related to OCD include trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), and com-pulsive shoplifting.

• Panic Disorder involves intense and sudden periods of fear or even terror. Thereis typically an abrupt onset that involves physical symptoms such as racing heart rate,difficulty breathing, shaking, chest pain, hot flashes or chilling and an intense senseof fear. Panic attacks are not medically dangerous, but they are terrifying.

• Phobias are intense fears and avoidance of situations (flying in a plane, driving onthe interstate) or of things (bugs, heights). Phobias typically cause people to avoidthe things that are feared.

• Social anxiety or phobias are where there are extreme levels of discomfort insocial interactions. The fear is typically about being negatively judged by others or afear of public embarrassment or humiliations.

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder resulting froma past trauma (such as military combat, rape, a serious accident or other extreme en-counter). Symptoms include flashbacks, hypervigilance, nightmares, or extreme fear.

Avoiding circumstances that make you anxious might help you feel better in the short term.However the relief is only temporary and every time something is avoided, it becomes harderto face. Typically concerns that the anxiety will return becomes problematic and mostoften leads to a gradual progression where more and more situations are avoided. Therefore,avoiding anxiety provoking situations actually results in the further development of an anx-iety disorder.

When an anxiety disorder is significantly interfering with life, professional assistance is im-portant and should be explored. Medications can be very helpful in the treatment of anxietydisorders. These medications are commonly prescribed by physicians (family practice, OB-GYNs, or psychiatrists). Psychotherapy or counseling is helpful by exploring the root causesof the anxiety and to teach the behavioral interventions that are helpful with anxiety. Train-ing in relaxation techniques, meditation, and breathing exercises really can help with theintense discomfort of anxiety. Learning how to manage stress in life and not over commit-ting is important. Looking after physical health is helpful. This includes eating healthymeals, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, a trained therapistcan develop a systematic treatment plan to challenge the irrational belief systems that de-velop with anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receivetreatment. While reaching out for professional help is never easy, most people who seektreatment for anxiety experience significant relief and an improved quality of life.

Dr. Bailey is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Marietta. You canlearn more about her by visiting: www.marietta-psychologist.com. You may reach her at(770) 428-6698 or [email protected]. Your comments or questions arewelcome.

Complicated Lives Can Come With Anxieties

by Leisa A. Bailey, Ph.D.

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Children take a lot of time and energy, especially when they are young. But you have to prioritizeyour marriage before your children. If you don’t, you’ll be moving out of your house minutesafter the kids do.

Each of your children gets a different set of parents. Just make sure each set includes you andyour spouse, not external influences.

Love them most during their unlovable moments.

Don’t introduce your children to the world. The world will come knocking soon enough.

Becoming a parent, you have to choose who you are and what you believe in. You may thinkyou’re sitting on the sidelines figuring it out, but you’re not. Indecision is actually a choice thatyou are passing down to your children.

When our children are young, it seems as if we’ll always carry them everywhere, but we won’t.Someday they’ll grow too big to sit on our laps. If we could knowthe last time we’d hold our children, we’d squeeze tighter and neverwant to let go.

If your child is tenderhearted by nature, don’t treat it as a flaw; treatit as a gift to be nurtured.

Be silly and laugh with your children.


At Pinnacle, our physicians maximize results and minimize recoverytime. How? By using leading edge technologies and the most innovative techniques. We take this advanced approach in everyarea of orthopaedic care, including Pinnacle specialties such assports medicine, joint replacement, fracture care, spine, foot andankle, hand, general orthopaedics and pain management.

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If you’ve ever had a sports injury, or any form of debilitating orthopaedic condition, you knowthat physical therapy can be a very important part of the treatment process.

Physical therapy is considered a conservative treatment method and is often one of the first meas-ures an orthopaedic surgeon will prescribe when treating a patient. Physical therapy focuses on

pain relief,p r o m o t i n ghealing andr e s t o r i n gfunction andmovement as-sociated withan injury. Al-though manypatients maythink thatthey knowhow to exer-cise properlyand managetheir ownpain and re-habilitation,physical ther-apists are spe-cialists skilled

and educated specifically in proper rehabilitation methods. They work closely with the patient’sreferring physician in order to develop a rehab program designed specifically to each individualpatient.

Physical therapy can encompass everything from pain relief, increased strength and flexibility,proper postural alignment, regaining movement or range of motion, endurance training, relaxationand stress relieving techniques, to more simple balance and coordination training, proper walking,education, safety awareness and development/implementation of a home exercise program.

Treatment in physical therapy can involve more traditional techniques such as stretching, massageand basic exercises, or the use of highly sophisticated equipment such as ultrasound machines formuscle stimulation. Hydrotherapy is another form of physical therapy that makes use of water asa means of reducing the strain and stress on the body that can be caused by exercises that are typ-ically performed on land.

Physical therapy can be effective in treating arthritis, general stiffness or joint pain, and is extremelyhelpful in improving post-surgical outcomes. In general, physical therapy also has a beneficialeffect on your overall health and fitness.

One important thing to keep in mind is that each individualis different and therefore has different bodies, patterns ormovement, habits and limitations. Because each person is dif-ferent, rates of healing are different as well as experiences withphysical therapy. The therapy that worked for your neighbormay not work for you and therefore it’s important to remem-ber to be patient, diligent, and compliant with the specificrehab program that your physician and your therapist buildfor you. It may be tough at first, but you’ll soon see all yourhard work paying off!

Dr. Charles Pesson is an orthopaedic surgeon with PinnacleOrthopaedics. Get to Know Pinnacle. Call 770-944-3303or visit www.pinnacle-ortho.com for a complete list of serv-ices, physicians and locations near you.

The Importance of Physical Therapy By Charles M. Pesson, MD


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travel Jordan, the Desert Crown

of the Middle EastWhen I told everyone I was off to Amman, Jordan, they thought I had lost my mind. “Whywould you travel to a Muslim country now, when radical factions are doing everything possibleto destroy our way of life in the USA?”

I had been there before and loved it. Jordan is an ancient country where historic ruins anddesert castles litter the landscape from north to south. Here I had heard the romantic story ofan American woman who loved her man so much that she gave up her citizenship to becomethe Queen of this little known nation in the center of the Muslim world.

Queen Noor, originally Lisa Najeeb Halaby, the daughter of an airline executive and politicianfrom Washington DC, graduated as an Architect and Urban Planner from Princeton University,Then in 1978, she met and became the 4th wife of Hussein bin Talal, better known as KingHussein. She has since symbolized all that is good in Jordan.

Jordan and its Kings have always been crusaders for peace in this turbulent region. Amman,the capitol, has been the seat of several peace conferences over the years. I guess that is whyeven today with Hussein’s son on the throne, one feels so safe in this amazing country. You

can walk freely down streets and begreeted by groups of school children re-turning from a day of classes. Everyoneis always glad to see you and say hello(and trying to practice their English).

Aside from the shopping and museumsin Amman, there is so much more to seeand do in this small country. Just a fewhours from the capitol, the famed en-trance of Petra is now one of the NewSeven Wonders of the World. It is anamazing feeling to ride a horse throughthat dark crevasse and then break out intothe sunlight right in front of the Treasury,I almost felt as if I was the first person onearth to uncover this spectacular sight! Ikept looking for Indiana Jones chasingclose behind me!

The ancient city of Petra stretches out infront of you and two days is neverenough to see it all. You can spend thenight in any of the deluxe hotels at its en-trance, or you can trek into the interiorand with special permission, pitch a tentunder the desert stars to have the realdesert experience...Bedouin style!

There is also a Bedouin Experience inWadi Rum. A mountainous desert south of Amman, Wadi Rum is also the property of itsSheikh who is chauffeured around in his modern Mercedes Benz, while he greets the touristswho arrive by camelback. He has created quite an empire of Bedouin tents where you canspend the night Bedouin style. In the evening by a large bonfire he brings out the localBedouin brew and with the stars overhead, the dancing begins. Drumbeats and voice sing an-cient songs that echo across the desert.

The Sheikh also performs a Bedouin marriage ceremony for his guests. He claims that he haswives all over the world and then states, “You” have just become one of them!”

There are so many desert experiences in Jordan. Lawrence of Arabia crisscrossed this countryduring his travels and there are many desert castles that he visited, now mostly in ruins, eachone as mysterious and wonderful as the previous.

Throughout Jordan, 4 x 4 tours cross the desert, scuba dive in the spectacular waters of theGulf of Acaba or kayak in hot springs that carve the steep canyons leading down to the DeadSea. There are modern spas and seaside resorts and deluxe hotels throughout. Rememberplease, that all things American are loved and appreciated in Jordan.

So, as I head out for my trip to this wonderful land, I thank Queen Noor and her husband forcreating such a wonderful and friendly country to visit...the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel consultant and can be reached at [email protected]. Youcan follow her travels by visiting Pam’s blog at http://www.pamwalkers.blogspot.com orwww.pamwalkersadventures.com


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Believe it or not, the #1 question I’m asked most often is related to alcohol. You would thinkit would be about how to get abs of steel or what protein bars are best. No. I’m constantlyasked if you can still drink alcohol and be fit. In an ideal world no one would consume alcohol,however, I strive to help my clients navigate the real world. In an ideal world no one wouldever drink liquor, eat bacon, consume sugar, and the list goes on. Kudos to you if alcohol is nota temptation or a part of your lifestyle. Yet, many individuals occasionally enjoy a glass of winewith dinner, a beer while at a sporting event, or a martini at a birthday party. Please understandthat I’m not advocating alcohol or the abuse of it. I’m simply sharing some helpful informationto our readers that have the ability to use alcohol in the correct context. As I always say, balanceis key in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Before I even address which alcoholic options are best, I would like to explainthe big picture. While certain beverages can wreck your fitness goals, the effectsof alcohol are much more damaging. First, many people lose their inhibitionsand self restraint while drinking. Their will power diminishes a bit more witheach sip. Thus, they are more likely to nibble on snacks or give up entirely ontheir diet plan. Secondly, the consequence of too much alcohol results in a hang-over and the uncontrollable desire to eat every junk food created. Lastly, con-sistently consuming too much alcohol can certainly inhibit you fromovercoming your fitness plateaus.

So let’s begin with a few of the worst offenders. I will tell you that alcohol itselfis not the main culprit, but rather the mixers. Mixers are typically full of sugar.Why do you think they taste so good?

Margarita: The average frozen margarita is 12 ounces and contains540 calories! After a margarita or two you have had more than half your caloriesfor the day.

Martini: Martinis can vary, however, on average you can expect 413 calories.

Daiquiri: The average frozen daiquiri is 8 ounces and has 400 calories.

Beer: One 12 ounce beer generally has 150 calories. Rarely, does someone drinkone; this is why they come in six and twelve packs.

Liquor Drinks: The mixers are the enemy, such as orange juice (110 calories, 8 oz.), cranberry juice (135 calories, 8 oz.), and cola (160 calories, 12 oz.). Now add the liquor and on average you can double the calorie count.

Better choices do exist, but keep in mind that it does not give license to consume more. Forinstance, drinking six light beers is still worse than one regular beer. Yet, small changes add upto big results.

Wine: 3.5 ounces of wine usually has 75 calories.

Light Beer: One 12 ounce of light beer generally has 65-95 calories.

Reduced Caloric Liquor Drinks: Change your mixers and cut theaverage liquor drink in half. Use zero calorie mixers such as soda waterand diet beverages. Note that liquor does have calories.

According to the Gallup organization, 64% of Americans drink alcohol. There-fore, it is important to address alcohol in conjunction with a fit lifestyle.Whether you rarely have a drink or have a drink on a weekly basis, it cannothurt to make better choices. I have witnessed many of my personal trainingclients not meeting their weight loss goals due to too much alcohol or due tomaking poor choices. Evaluate what you are drinking and how much. Considercutting your alcohol consumption in half. Or think about limiting alcohol to aspecial day of the week. Perhaps, set a maximum drink limit before attending

an event and stick to it. Maybe take a break from alcohol all together. And most importantly,be informed. Cheers!

Paul Everett is a personal trainer in the Smyrna/Vinings area. He can be contacted at 678-596-8863

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Your Trainer Paul – Can You Drink Booze & Still Lose?by Paul Everett


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okin

’?

Shrimp Etouffee¾ cup butter24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined1 green pepper, chopped1/3 cup flour2 cups heavy cream½ teaspoon cayenne pepper¼ teaspoon paprika2 tomatoes, seeded and dicedSalt and pepperCooked riceMelt ½ cup butter in a fry pan. Add shrimp and cook a fewminutes but not all the way. Remove shrimp and add peppers.Saute about three minutes. Add the flour and stir until smooth,then add cream. Use a whisk and cook over low heat. Addcayenne pepper and paprika. Add shrimp and tomatoes. Cooka few minutes then add remaining butter. Serve over rice.

Chopped Salad with Pepper DressingPepper Dressing1 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon drained rinsed capers1 tablespoon freshly cracked pepper1 teaspoon lemon juiceSalad:1 head iceberg lettuce, coarsely chopped2 tomatoes, seeded, choppedTo prepare the dressing, whisk the mayonnaise, capers, pepperand lemon juice in a bowl until mixed.To prepare the salad, mix the lettuce and tomatoes in a salad

bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.When cutting iceberg lettuce with a knife, serve immediatelyas the edges will turn brown.

Bassano Asparagus3 pounds asparagus, trimmed – salt to taste1 cup extra-virgin olive oilJuice of 3 lemonsPepper to taste1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley6 hard-cooked eggs, finely choppedCook the asparagus in just enough boiling salted water to coverin a skillet for 3 to 5 minutes or just until tender-crisp; drain.Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl.Stir in the parsley. Pour over the asparagus, tossing to coat.Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Sprinkle with theeggs. Serve at room temperature.May be prepared 6 to 8 hours in advance and stored, covered,in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Hawaiian Sweet Potatoes2 cups mashed sweet potatoes or 1 lb13 ounce can½ teaspoon salt1 cup sugar2 eggs1 cup milk1 cup coconut1 teaspoon vanillaTopping:1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

1 large jar maraschino cherries with juice¾ cup sugar2 tablespoons cornstarch¼ teaspoon red food coloringCook potatoes and salt until tender. Drain, mash and add re-maining ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.Topping: Mix all ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook andstir constantly until mixture is thick. Cool and spread overcooked potatoes.

Hershey Bar Cake2 sticks margarine2 cups sugar2 ½ cups all purpose flour2 teaspoons vanilla½ teaspoon soda (mix with flour)1 cup buttermilk4 eggs1 (1-pound) can chocolate syrup6 small plain Hershey barsMelt chocolate bars in syrup over low hear. Cool. CreamSugar and margarine. Add eggs one at a time beating well aftereach one. Add cooled chocolate, then floor and milk alter-nately. Add vanilla. Bake 1 ½ hours at 300 degrees in a lightlygreased and floured Bundt pan.

All recipes mentioned above can be found in the Junior Leagueof Cobb-Marietta’s nation award winning cookbook, South-ern…On Occasion or Georgia on My Menu. You may pur-chase this online at www.jlcm.org.

What a wonderful time of year. We are moving out of spring slowly, the days are gettinglonger, and soon we will be in full swing summer mode. But before we get there, take a

minute to invite your close ones over for a special meal outside enjoying the cool night!!


• Full-Service Animal Hospital• In-House Bloodwork• Late Evening & Weekend Appointments

• On-Line Services• Boarding for Dogs under20lbs. and Cats

• Dog Obedience Classes

1860-D Spring RoadSmyrna - in the Spring Village Shopping Center770.433.1414 • www.cumberlandanimalclinic.com

Monday and Friday 8 - 6

Tuesday thru Thursday 8 - 8

Saturday 9 - 1 • Sunday CLOSED

Become a fan ofCAC on Facebook

3990 Atlanta Road SE • Smyrna, GA 30080 • 770-435-DOGS (3647)

- They are 10 pounds and under

- Have uncontrollable lickers - Sometimes less than

6 months old

HAPPY PAWS PET CAMPWE ARE MAKING ROOM FOR A NEW CLASS OF CAMPERS

NOW AVAILABLE!

Pet Sitting for Particular People

Bonded & InsuredPet First Aid & CPR Certified

404.326.1052Chelle [email protected]

twenty so

mething

If my life were illustrated in comic strip boxes there wouldn’t be many frames with the words“BAM” ‘POW” or even “EUREKA!!” bursting from the middle of colorful explosions. . Mostdays, I would never want to read a comic strip of my own life. It would kind of be the samething over and over with the exception the color of my t-shirt—pretty boring. I think mostof us would agree we all want a life of excitement, but somewhere along the way we settledfor a routine, a collection of habits, the daily grind. Now, I am a fan of structure.—withoutit, I’d never get anything done. But without some spontaneity, creativity, and risks— I’d never

get anything worth having. The best things in life are never theresult of playing it safe. So I’m wondering, what if we made ad-venture a habit?

I’m not talking about monthly skydiving trips or seeing how longyou can drive with your gas light on before you really run out of

fuel (but my record is two days). I’mthinking about a smaller, baby-step ofan adventure. I get really nervous whenI meet new people. You probably would-n’t know it, because I can keep a con-versation going by keeping the otherperson talking about themselves. But ifthey begin to ask about me, I can feel

my heartbeat quicken alittle. Like I said earlier,I don’t have many“BAM! POW!” stories

to entertain people with—from my per-spective anyway. So here’s my BAM!POW! moment: When I meet someonenew I try to keep talking to them even ifI’m forced to talk about myself.

I know it sounds stupid, but it really does make life more exciting. I would have missed outon some great friendships and hilarious stories if I didn’t hang in there for a BAM! POW!moment. What’s your BAM! POW? Inviting your neighbors over for dinner? Going to thegym a couple times a week? Writing a letter of apology?

I want to escape from the daily grind forever—so if I can finda way to put a little BAM! POW! in the everyday, maybe that’sa start. Maybe if I make a habit of living adventurously, insteadof mindlessly, I’ll begin to have escapades that rival those ofcomic book heroes. I firmly believe the decisions we regret theleast are often the ones where we risk the most. Adventure isright here, in the everyday, if we choose it. So, this little wall-flower is putting on her cape and boots to save her world—one conversation at a time.

Lindsey Weber can be reached

at [email protected]

A BAM! POW!Kind of Life


3773 South Cobb Drive • Smyrna770-436-1818

Hours: Mon- Friday 7:00 am -7:30 pm • Sat- Sun 10am-6pm770-436-1818

Bark up the right tree - choose Furry FriendsAcademy for allyour daycare &boarding needs!

Bark up the right tree - choose Furry FriendsAcademy for allyour daycare &boarding needs!

• Private accommodations forsleeping and eating

• No monthly daycare commit-ment required for boarding

• Supervised play during the day

• Socialization for your dog

• Separate area for small dogs

• Large indoor and outdoorplayground

www.furryfriendsacademy.com

Daycare discount passes...20 day pass with no

expiration /$17 per day.

FOR A BOARDING

RESERVATIONExpires June 30, 2010.

Michael D. Friedlander, D.V.M.Cat Care of Vinings Services

Early Morning Drop-Off and Late Pick-Up ServicesAnnual Examinations, Vaccinations, Behavioral Consultations

Surgery, Dentistry, Ultrasound and Digital X-rayCondominium and “Special Needs” Boarding

Supervised by Our Highly Trained Medical StaffLocated in the Vinings Court Shopping Center-Upper Level

4691 S. ATLANTA RD. • SUITE 200 • SMYRNA404.792.0700 • www.catcareofvinings.com

HOURS: WEEKDAYS 7AM - 7PM, SATURDAY 8AM - 12PM

pets of the m

onth

If you would like your pet to be Our Town’s Pet of the Month,please send a photo with a short bio to:Our Town Magazine,

101 Church Street Suite 175, Marietta, GA 30060 or email it to [email protected]

REECE is 14 months, amixed breed; jack-russelterrier & dash hound?Reece loves the camera,enjoys rawhides, fetch,and a good bath.

This is Lexi. Shenaps a lot but shealso loves to climbtrees. Christmas

is her favoritetime of year andshe celebrates it

all year round

our town june 2010 - smyrna/vinings

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