Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2008 > October
October 2008
Andruw: Once and future Brave?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Staff photos by Hyosub Shin
Former Atlanta Brave Andruw Jones would like to come back home.
“I’ve got one more year in my contract,” said Jones, now playing with the L.A. Dodgers. “Hopefully, I can come back to Atlanta. I would love to finish my career here.”
Jones’ first year with the Dodgers ended early. He was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 13, after hitting .158 with three homers and 76 strikeouts in 209 at-bats.
“I’ve been rehabbing, working out again,” he said. “I feel good.”
Jones and wife Nicole have continued to make metro Atlanta their home. They’re gearing up for this year’s “Fairway Affair,” the gala they host each year to support Jaden’s Ladder. The organization serves survivors of domestic violence.
Fairway, held at a private residence in Buckhead, starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8. Tickets are $300 each and they’re going fast - really fast. JL co-founder Oneta Bobbett received a steady stream of requests for the few remaining tickets during our chat Thursday morning. If you want to go, hustle.
This year’s goal is $250,000, which Bobbett feels sure they’ll meet. She credited the Jones’ involvement with making the event a success each year.
“I’ve got so much respect for my mom,” Jones said, explaining his passion for the cause. “My mom kept me on that straight path.”
Jones and his wife met with three Jaden’s Ladder scholarship recipients Thursday morning in their Sugarloaf Country Club home. This year’s group included brothers Latrell Mitchell, 22, and Jamal Mitchell, 20, both of Decatur; and Cheryl Smart of Temple.
Latrell Mitchell is pursuing a degree in audio production at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Jamal Mitchell is working on a degree in homeland security and emergency management at Savannah State University and wants to go on to law school.
Mitchell plans to study at West Central Tech to become a registered nurse. She said living through her ordeal and working with Jaden’s Ladder has taught her, “You don’t have to live in fear.”
Roxanne Mitchell, Jamal and Latrell’s mom, could relate.
“It does get better,” she said of the difficult journey she and her sons lived through. “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Nicole and Andruw Jones, from left, with scholarship recipients Latrell and Jamal Mitchell.
While the scholarship recipients met with Andruw Jones, Nicole Jones swooped in to scoop up Latrell’s 7-month-old, Arriana. The Jones’ son Druw is about to turn 5 and is looking forward to Halloween. The home’s spooky decor - a chain around the mailbox, plastic bats in the trees - as well as the mountain of candy in the kitchen, indicates everyone’s getting ready for trick-or-treating.
“I’m going as myself,” Jones joked.
He said it’s been tough adjusting to a new team, and misses the guys from the Braves clubhouse. For now, his goal is to return to Los Angeles healthy and “finish strong.”
“When it’s time to be done, it’s time to be done,” Jones said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
As for life after baseball?
“I might want to go to work full-time for Oneta,” he said, smiling at Bobbett as she visited with Andruw and Nicole Thursday morning.
“I couldn’t pay you enough,” Bobbett cracked.
Oneta Bobbett, left, with Nicole and Andruw Jones
Permalink | Comments (110) | Post your comment |
Honoring Saporta Reporta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Staff photo by Phil Skinner
I talk to celebrities and prominent Atlantans all the time on my beat: sports stars, entertainers, socialites, you name it. But I’m seldom intimidated.
Not so a few years ago during a corporate seminar where staff members were paired in teams of two. My partner was Maria Saporta, the legendary business reporter. I was terrified I’d say something dumb in the presence of one of Atlanta’s best-known and best-connected journalist.
As it turns out, of course, Maria’s as gracious as she is tenacious. It has been an honor to call her colleague and friend.
Even though she’s now writing for the competition, I want to tell you about the Golden Shoe Awards Celebration hosted by PEDS, a pedestrian advocacy group.
Saporta will by honored by the board of directors with PEDS’ first Lifetime Achievement Award during the ninth annual Golden Shoe Celebration. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Old Decatur Courthouse on the Square.
Catering is being donated by Decatur restaurants Raging Burrito, Badda-Bing, and Voila.
DJ Brian McGreevy will provide the tunes.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For info see the PEDS website.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Life lessons from Emily Post and a homeless man
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Emily Post, etiquette authority
Denver Moore, a homeless man turned homeless shelter volunteer and bestselling author
I read two books this week in preparation for interviews with their authors.
Both are sort of guides in how to live.
On Monday I interviewed Laura Claridge, author of the biography of Emily Post. While her subject has become short-hand for proper - even stuffy - manners, Claridge said Mrs. Post was more interested in making others feel welcome than in triumphing over them with superior knowledge of soup spoons and salad forks.
“Making others feel uncomfortable,” is the etiquette breach that would trouble her the most, Claridge said.
Today, I met author Denver Moore. Unlike Post, who was born into wealth and privilege, Moore was born into a poor family of sharecroppers. He served 10 years in prison and lived on the streets for more than 20 before befriending Ron and Debbie Hall, who volunteered at the Fort Worth, Tex. homeless shelter that served him.
Getting past his initial skepticism, Moore allowed the Halls to get to know him and eventually love him. He spoke at Debbie Hall’s memorial service after she died of cancer. By then, the Halls considered him family.
“We became students,” Ron Hall said. “We were the students.”
Moore, who spoke at today’s Courage to Care luncheon only learned to read and write recently, but the book he co-authored with Hall, Same Kind of Different Than Me, is as much of a guide book as anything Emily Post ever penned.
The main lessons of love and forgiveness are simple, if sometimes difficult to practice. The Halls first meet Moore after he’s caused a ruckus in the shelter, threatening to kill whoever stole his shoes. While Ron Hall was ready to bolt, his wife sought out Moore and extended the hand of friendship.
Is this the kind of guy you’d invite into your life? Debbie Hall thought so, and Moore credits her with turning his life around.
“You never know whose eyes God is going to be watching you out of,” he said today.
I recommend both books. There’s surely nothing wrong with exhibiting proper manners. And exhibiting a little grace never hurt, either.
Oh, one more thing. Denver Moore does mention proper silverware in the book. The grandson of slaves who would later be awarded the 2006 Philanthropist of the Year in Fort Worth, he had once slept behind the grand hotel he was honored in.
He describes being a little nervous as he tries to fit in with the well-heeled patrons that night, and is careful to take cues from Hall when selecting which fork to use.
“I had learned by then that rich white folks got a lotta rules ‘bout forks,” Moore writes. “I still ain’t figured out why they got to use three or four different ones and make a lotta extra work for the folks in the kitchen.”
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Looking for some Grand Old Parties
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AP photo
Listen up Republicans: I need to hear from you.
A few days ago we posted a blog entry asking folks about their Election Night party plans. We heard from several party people planning non-partisan events, and a few Democratic-leaning events (including one called the “Barack Obama Victory Party).
Any McCain-Palin supporters out there with party plans? Or how about a party for Libertarian candidate Bob Barr?
I want to make sure our list of Election Night parties is fair and balanced, so help me out here.
Permalink | Comments (25) | Post your comment |
Party with Obama, McCain and … Cee-Lo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hey are you free the evening of Nov. 4?
Come party with John McCain, Barack Obama and … Cee-Lo from Gnarls Barkley.
OK, actually just one of those guys is supposed to be in the ATL that night.
595 North, at 595 North Ave., will host an election night party beginning at 7 p.m. The night features live music, hors d’oeuvres (and a full menu by order), cash bar and lots of politics.
“We’re encouraging indiviiduals to come from the polls,” party promoter Christopher Thomas said.
A slew of artists will perform country, pop, r&B and hip hop, he said. Celeb guests scheduled to attend include Cee-Lo Green and Q. Parker of 112.
Thomas, 33, said he’s expecting a young and enthusiastic crowd, in keeping with what he’s seen during this campaign season.
“We work with young people all the time, as some of our clients target teenages or college students,” he said. “I’ve never seen this much college level involvement (in politics).”
The party’s free but you need to RSVP. E-mail vibranttuesday@gmail.com.
In other Election Night party news, the Stonewall Democrats plan to watch the results at Halo Lounge, 817 W. Peachtree St. RSVP for the bash on the group’s Web site.
The Crash Test Comedy Company plans an Election Night show beginning at 8 p.m. at the Highland Inn, 644 N. Highland Ave.
“We thought of putting together a fun night of laughter where everyone is welcome regardless of who they are voting for in the election,” said organizer Cris Gray. “Everyone loves to laugh and together we will while we wait to see the results of “America’s Next Top President.”
Tickets are $7 at the door and Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge will be serving $2 beers all night.
Hey, we can all vote for that.
Anyone else planning something? The AJC is working on an election-night party story to run in the paper and would love to give your event a shout-out.
Let me hear from you! You can post your news here and/or e-mail me at butterfly@ajc.com.
For more election information, check out our Election Guide,
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment |
Coming right up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In tough times, charities need the support of their patrons more than ever. If your checkbook can handle it, here’s a list of some upcoming events to benefit a slew of worthy causes.
Here’s a quick look at what’s cooking. If your event’s not mentioned, feel free to post the details.
“Gorillas in our Midst,” benefiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, is Oct. 23 at Zoo Atlanta. The events starts with a 6-8 p.m. cocktail reception with auction and entertainment and includes dinner, live auction and a Q&A session with Tara S. Stoinski and Pat and Forest McGrath of DFGFI. As a special treat, guests get to watch Zoo staffers feed the gorillas. Tickets are $150 each and sponsorship opportunities start at $500. Call 800-851-0203 or echristensen@gorillafund.org. More info: www.gorillafund.org.
Patti and Tony Pruitt host the eighth annual Blind Wine Tasting and Silent Action, at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta. The event benefits the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The Pruitts’ leadership over the years has raised over $400,000 for the organization. Patti Pruitt, the epublished author of children’s books, has not let blindness dampen her love of books, which she enjoys in audio format. She also serves on the board of the Georgia chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For info. call 919-781-8014 or jassaff@FightBlindness.org.
“One Enchanted Evening,” benefiting Georgia Ensemble Theatre, is Oct. 25 at Atlanta Country Club in east Cobb. The black-tie optional event is $125 per person. Host committee members included Jacque Coxe, Robert and Anita Farley, Robert and LaDonna Hagan, Coe Hamling, Paul and Bowe Lang, Charles and Phyllis Menser, the Roswell Rotary Club and Teaching Museum - North,. Info: 770-641-1260 or www.get.org.
The Georgia Alliance for Children’s 24th annual benefit auction start at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta. Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and inventor Lonnie Johnson are the event’s co-hosts. Comedians from the Punchline Comedy Club provide the entertainment. Tickets are $75. Call 404-588-0708 or email tickets@gac.org.
The Power of Women and Money’s next networking luncheon is Nov. 6 at the Horseradish Grill in Buckhead. Panelists will include Dr. Frenesa K. Hall, Chief Medical Officer of Mobile-Medicine.net; Dr. Dorothy Mitchell-Leef of Reproductive Biology Associates; and Dr. Samuel B. Brown, a fulltime psychiatrist specializing in women’s health and adult ADHD. Tickets are $35 each. Info: www.powerofwomenandmoney.com.
The 21st annual “A Meal to Remember, ” benefiting Meals On Wheels Atlanta, is Nov. 7 at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton. Chairing it are Monica Dioda, Mo Akbar and Charlene Crusoe Ingram. Patron tickets are $1,500 per couple. For tickets, call 404-605-8450 or see www.scsatl.org
The Link Counseling Center’s Miracle Ball starts at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Dr. The event’s chair is Betsy Haid and committee members include Nancy Binkow, Jennifer Linowes, Debra Patterson, Janet Mainor, and Amanda Richmond. The event honors longtime volunteers Renie and Fred Halperin. Tickets are $200 each or $100 each for young professionals 35 and younger. Call 404-256-9797 or see www.thelink.org.
The Torch Gala, benefiting the Georgia Chapter to raise money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, is Nov. 8, at InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. Tickets are $300 each. Call 404-982-0616 or email krittenbaum@ccfa.org. Info: www.ccfa.org/chapters/georgia/.
Soho Myriad owners Roger Caplan and Janie Stanfield are teaming up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Greater Atlanta Affiliate for a Nov 14 “Pink Show” at their gallery,1250 Menlo D. The art sale, silent auction, and cocktail party benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation starts at 6 p.m. A suggested donation of $20 may be made at the door and pink attire is encouraged. Committee members include Lila Hertz, Kasey Asarch, Kelly Dolan, Ann Cowan, Dr. Ruth O’ Regan, Harriet Liebowitz, Eve and Joel Goldstein, Janice & Andrew Dietz, Farshid Arshid, Missi McMorries, Che Watkins, Marianne Lambert, CaSondra Sigers, Liz Lapidus, Suzanne Shaw and Carrie Sagel Burns. Info: 404-351-5656, www.sohomyriad.com.
Atlanta restaurateurs Pano Karatassos, Bob Amick, Tom Catherall and George McKerrow will be roasted and toasted at the Four Legends of Atlanta Hospitality Roast, 6 p.m. Nov. 17, at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 732 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. Following a cocktail reception, guests will enjoy a three-course meal and dessert reception, prepared by four-star chefs Peter Kaiser, Kevin Rathbun, Gerry Klaskala and Jonathan St. Hilaire. Atlanta magazine restaurant critic Christiane Lauterbauch will provide the evening’s introductions and Flavors magazine lifestyle editor Carolyn O’Neil will emcee the roast. Tix are $500 each. See www.ACFB.org/ROAST or call 678-538-9000.
Braves slugger Jeff Francoeur and retired NFL player Matt Stinchcomb headiline the Nov. 28 Rock4Research concert. Chad and Ben Leathers perform as “Tumornators” at the benefit concert at Wild Bill’s in Lawrenceville. The event raises money to research Schwannomatosis, a rare disease that their younger brother, Drew, has been fighting since age 10. Francoeur, a former teammate of Chad’s at Parkview High School, donated $500 to the Children’s Tumor Foundation on behalf of the Tumornators for every home run he hit in his 2007 season. VIP tickets are available for $20 and will include a meet-and-greet with Frenchy and Stinchy. General admission for the concert is $10. Info: www.rock4research.com or www.tumornators.com.
The 2009 Hope & Will Ball, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has announced the honorary chair: Dan Amos, chairman and CEO of AFLAC. The chairs of the sixth annual ball, to be held Feb. 7 at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton, are Mary Claire Blackshaw and Amanda Tucker. Info: 404-785-7316.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Warrick Dunn takes the stage for charity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photos by Curtis Compton
Warrick Dunn, the Buccaneer-turned-Falcon-turned-Buccaneer, was back in the town he prefers Monday night.
“Atlanta’s like a mini New York and L.A. rolled into one,” Dunn said at the reception prior to his foundation’s annual fashion show at the Buckhead Westin.
“I miss the restaurants” in Atlanta, the once and present Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back said.
He’s received a warm welcome back from the Bucs, though.
“They’ve really accepted me,” he said. “The guys in the front office have done a great job making me feel like I never left.”
Dunn, whose foundation has provided homes for 78 single-parent homes and 205 dependents and children since 1997, starred as usual in his show. So did a few of his past and present teammates.
Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux, shown below in blue, seemed made for the stage.
“Some guys like to lay low, some like to be real flashy,” he said at the pre-party. “I’m kind of in between.”
He displayed his sense of style on his wrist, with a white and canary-colored diamond bracelet with a bold masculine design. It was a gift from his brother, Seattle Seahawks player Jordan Babineaux
Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran, a fixture at Dunn’s charitable events over the years, was ready to model again. (He was hoping to avoid wearing another fur coat down the runway. No dice.)
Sidelined for two years with injuries, Finneran had hoped to play with Dunn again.
“Now I get to play against him,” he said.
Falcons defensive back Lawyer Milloy was at the party, but didn’t participate in the fashion show.
“I’m not pretty enough,” he joked.
But he is a fashion-forward kind of guy, always keen to coordinate.
“I like to match,” he said. “If I’m wearing black shoes, I’m wearing black underwear.”
(Yes, that’s really what he said.)
Milloy did turn heads - well, this one at least - with his dazzling 3-ct. diamond stud earrings.
“You can’t have them,” he chided.
Before the show, Mayor Shirley Franklin took the stage to welcome Dunn back to Atlanta and salute the good work he’s done. His foundation works with families here, in Tampa Bay, in Dunn’s native Baton Rouge, La. and in Tallahassee, where he went to school at Florida State University.
“This is the kind of role model we need,” Franklin said. “A great guy, giving back to the community. We love you in Atlanta. You can come back any time.”
Dunn’s foundation was inspired by his mother’s untimely death. Betty Smothers was a Baton Rouge police officer shot in the line of duty.
“My mom died almost 15 years ago,” Dunn said. “I’ve had the opportunity and blessing to have other people live her dream for me.”
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment |
Should you unplug to dine?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They won’t really hack up your BlackBerry, but NEO Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Napoli, wielding the cleaver on the left, and executive chef Eric Chopin encourage you to Unplug the night of Oct. 29
Does it drive you nuts when cell phones go off in fine restaurants?
Have you ever been tempted to chop your companion’s BlackBerry in half so he or she will stop checking e-mail during dinner?
Eric Chopin is here to help.
The affable executive chef at NEO at the Mansion likes to pay diners a tableside visit sometime during the meal.
He didn’t get very far with the guest who feverishly text-messaged while he chatted with her companion one night.
“She never even acknowledged me,” he sighed.
The chef got to thinking. It seems many diners appear to be breaking bread with their BlackBerries, communing with their cell phones. Why not offer diners the options of a wireless meal?
The team at NEO decided to go for it. On Oct. 29, the elegant restaurant is holding an “Unplugged” event. Diners can hand over their precious electronics to the Mansion’s courtly butlers and - get this - actually enjoy their meals.
“Forget business for one hour,” Chopin says.
The contemporary Italian restaurant will feature candlelight and an acoustic guitarist during “Unplugged.”
Chef de Cuisine Giuseppe Napoli would love the idea to catch on with other restaurants. And woe betide he or she whose phone chirps during “Unplugged” and disturbs other diners.
“We’ll bring them back in the kitchen to peel potatoes,” Napoli joked.
For reservations the night of Oct. 29 or any other time, call 404-995-7545.
Do you have an Unplugged rule of your own at home or while dining out? Do you think more restaurants should consider having diners check electronics before dining?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Pretty in Pink
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gayle Hutchison, left, and Lynn Ford at the Pink Ribbons luncheon on Monday.
The 14th annual Pink Ribbons Luncheon, held Monday at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, honored breast cancer survivors while raising money for research.
Dr. Sheldon Lincenberg, founder of the event, shared positive medical news regarding new preventative treatments.
“Our hopes continue to be supported by strong facts that we are making progress,” he said.
As always, a highlight of the event was the fashion show segment featuring survivor models. This year’s honorees included Charlotte Andrist, Carol Bitner, Beth Borden-Goodman, Patti Cheek, Ruth Eldredge, Chris Gabrielsen, Claire Jackson, Ronnie Kessenich, Edi Reid and Mary Twine.
Belk sponsored the fashion show and announced a special day of shopping afterward at the Phipps location, featuring champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
“It is a tradition of the Belk family to give back to the communities we serve,” said Leo Whalen, manager of the Phipps store.
Monday’s event was chaired by Judy Lynn Rice and Charlotte Ros Terrell, with Eldredge, Lincenberg, Juliann Kaiser and Gigi Luedeman serving on the executive committee.
Stacey Baum, left, and Michelle Light, at the Pink Ribbons luncheon.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Political Party Plans?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
James Satterwhite has sweet treats in store for guests of either major political party
Election night’s right around the corner. Do you have party plans?
The Ritz-Carlton has whipped up a politically themed party package for those of us who’d like a butler at the ready on election night.
(Here at 72 Marietta Street, I believe the plans call for pizza and Cokes, and possibly some salad, but alas, no butler.)
Anyway, presidential suites at the Ritz-Carlton’s downtown and Buckhead locations will be ready to serve, regardless of your party affiliation. The package includes butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and three-course dinner for eight, champagne and coffee.
How suite it is: the presidential digs at the downtown Ritz-Carlton, above, and the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton, below
The final course features cute mini-desserts with the candidates in mind. Downtown, Executive Pastry Chef Terence Eatman will serve Democrat guests pineapple upside down cake with macadamia creme and coconut creme brulee with mango brunoise as a salute to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s native Hawaii; Pennsylvania shoofly pie for U.S. Sen. Joe Biden; and individual Blue-berry cobblers. GOP diners will enjoy butterscotch mousse with oatmeal cookie crumble, a nod to Cindy McCain’s oatmeal butterscotch cookie recipe; baked Alaska, Republican peanut creme chocolate cake and red-berry cobblers.
Buckhead, Executive Pastry Chef James Satterwhite’s dessert selections for Democrats may include Hawaiian Ices, “Obama Brulee,” and Chicago Cupcakes; Delaware Diner Cake and “Donkey” cookies. “Republican” desserts include Arizona Punch, baked Alaska, “Elephant” cookies, and “Tax Free Chocolate Cake.”
Yum!
Guests from either party can watch the results roll in on 42” high-definition flat panel televisions. The package includes overnight accommodations and breakfast for one couple.
(Let’s hope we have a winner by breakfast-time at least.)
The cost is $2,000 for the downtown location, $3,000 for the Buckhead location.
Info: 800-241-3333, or visit the hotel websites for Atlanta and Buckhead.
Do you have political party plans? Would you pay big bucks to bring in your party’s victory in style?
Permalink | Comments (36) | Post your comment |
Smoltz on Smoltz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“There have been a lot of things that have been unscripted in my life,” said John Smoltz, who buzzed the ‘Fly on his way into a rehab appointment the other day.
The 41-year-old is recovering from shoulder surgery; last year his agent announced Smoltz and his wife were divorcing after 16 years. Starting up Kings Ridge Christian School in north Fulton County offered plenty of challenges as organizers worked with city officials on zoning, annexation and such.
“I’m a big believer in being diligent, pushing forward with my faith,” Smoltz said. “The things that happen to me now or in the future are peripheral. I’m not complete. God hasn’t completed me yet.”
On Nov. 9, he and comic Jeff Foxworthy will muse on life’s ups and downs. “An Evening with Smoltz, Foxworthy & Friends” starts at 7 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta.
General admission tickets start at $39. Sponsorship packages start at $1,200 for two tickets, a baseball signed by Smoltz and Foxworthy, access to the Cadillac Club and VIP seating and parking. The “Hall of Fame” sponsorship package, at $29,000, includes tickets for 12 and a private reception at Smoltz’s estate, a pre-concert reception with Smoltz and Foxworthy at Encore Park and loads of other perks.
For information see www.JohnSmoltz.org or call 770-841-6576.
Smoltz had asked Foxworthy to play a bit part in the event, but his longtime friend and fellow Christian jumped in with both feet.
“It’s so much appreciated,” he said, adding that he gives Foxworthy full license to josh at his expense. Proceeds benefit Smoltz’s foundation, which supports a number of organizations including Kings Ridge, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
“We hope this is a huge success and a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s really the first time I’ve asked and gathered this much support from family and friends.”
Smoltz says he wants to finish his baseball career with the Braves, and that “it wasn’t hard - it was pretty much impossible” to watch this year’s season.
“I have always been a person who realizes I’m not going to be just a baseball player,” he said. “. I believe God takes desires away and adds desires. There’s life after baseball.”
Like politics? Might the ever-squabbling city of Milton, which has gone through three city managers and even hired an organizational psychologist once, use someone with an affable personality and leadership skills?
“There’s no way,” Smoltz said with a laugh. “I would probably be fired quick.”
Moving forward, the father of four kids ages 9 to 17 said he’d like to host events for fathers and their children.
“I have a lot of family time to make up,” he said.


