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Thursday, January 1, 2009
Real Housewives’ Resolutions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy New Year, Fab-lanta!
We checked in with some of the ATL’s social scenesters to see who’s pledging to do what in 2009.
Leading the way in laying down the virtuous vows? A couple of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” of course.
“One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have an impact on more lives.” - DeShawn Snow, whose foundation works with teenage girls.
Spend less time worrying about the things I cannot control and focusing on the things I can. No wine in ‘09 … makes a boring housewife.” - Kim Zolciak, who isn’t actually married, and definitely isn’t boring.
We didn’t hear back from the other three housewives, but never fear. Bravo’s planning a second season of the super-classy show. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, we checked in with folks from Atlanta’s social and philanthropic circles. Here’s what they plan to do this year.
Jack Sawyer, from left, with Sally Dorsey and Bill Torres
“I’m a workaholic and that is not going to change because I love my work so much. And I live and breathe a commitment to my clients. But I am determined to play more golf in 2009. Is that tacky?” - Jack Sawyer, regional president, BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Joanne Chesler Gross, left, with 2008 Opera Ball chair Jody Weatherly
“Raise more funds for our wonderful cultural institutions such as the Atlanta Ballet and Opera. In spite of the bad economy, we can do it!” - corporate lobbyist turned philanthropic powerhouse Joanne Chesler Gross, who is chairing this year’s Opera Ball.
Melanie Boltax with Ron Clark Academy student Merrick Adams and MaxMara USA president Luigi Caroggio, at the fundraiser benefiting the Ron Clark Academy. Photo by Jim Fitts
“For everything I buy to put in my closet I have to take five things out to give to charity; come up with new, inexpensive ways to raise money for Camp Kudzu and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund; recommit to my family and community to be a conscientious individual in thought, words and deeds that promote a peaceful, healthy environment.” - Melanie Boltax, who organized a recent luncheon benefiting Camp Kudzu. It serves kids with juvenile diabetes, including her son Zac,13.
“Trying to match-make as many friends as possible so they will have their weddings at the Millennium Gate.” - Rodney Cook, the Atlanta designer who masterminded the Gate, and raised millions in private funds to pay for it.
“Purchase a new filing cabinet that is functional, not just decorative; throw away my cellphone manual that’s still encased in plastic; never miss an opportunity to say something nice to someone who might need to hear a kind word.” - Lisa Tush a founding member of the Bow Tie Society, which serves underprivileged teens.
“Spend more time with the cherished friends about whom I most care and decline those things that make up the hectic rush of life and that don’t really matter.” - Susan Tucker,president of Tucker & Associates and a fixture on the philanthropic circuit.
Laura Turner Seydel, left, and Sacha Taylor at the ‘Primates at the Pink Palace’ event benefiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Sacha’s reading the book by Laura’s dad. Photo by Philip Shone
“Read more for pleasure. I am off to a great start with Call Me Ted. I have magazines, literally hundreds of them, all from 2008, neatly stacked in my office with hopes I will read them all.” - Sacha Taylor, who will co-chair this year’s Veneralia gala benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Jeffrey Fashion Cares and the Swan House Ball host committee.
“Work smarter and think year-round; reduce stress and continue to be optimistic; spend more time with family and friends; remain patient and be a good listener; be flexible and be willing to change.” Mary Lou Lanaux, a Keller Williams Realtor specializing in celeb clients and luxury properties. She has former Braves catcher Javy Lopez’ padlisted for $3.5 million.
“Go to culinary school to become a pastry chef! I’ve always enjoyed cooking and loved making candy with my mother and grandmother, and always had a desire to learn more.” - Tony Conway, president/owner of Legendary Events.
“To give up sugar, my ‘drug’ of choice. I am a sugarholic for sure!” - Sally Dorsey, who with Conway will co-chair this fall’s Party in the Kitchen, benefiting Open Hand. Wonder what the new pastry chef and the recovering sugarholic will serve for dessert?
Are you planning to refine in 2009? What’s your resolution?
