Community Spotlight on Health and Wellness

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SECTION C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

“

Fad diets commonly fail because it’s unrealistic to sustain them.

They focus on the result and not the process. In the short term, they’re great because people see results quickly and they feel motivated, but when it wanes, they start to wane and old habits start to creep back in.”

— Cris Hartley, Director of Diabetes and Nutrition Education at Gwinnett Medical Center

“

You think of (eating) as a simple behavior but it’s a lot more complex. All kinds of factors contribute to eating habits, and many start developing in childhood. You really have to understand where your habit is coming from.”

long-term

— Rebecca Gomez, Clinical Health Psychologist and Behavioral Health Coordinator at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Center for Weight Managementy

“

Exercise is not a quick fix for any problem — it’s a long-term commitment.

You have to stick with it to see improvement, and you can break it down into small goals, so it’s not as daunting a task. I would say setting goals is the key and rewarding yourself when you reach the goal.”

— Becky Thompson, Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Gwinnett Medical Center’s SportsRehab Facility

Lifestyle

It’s a brand new year, another chance to set goals and then achieve them. A lot of people have resolved to lose those extra pounds, but what about keeping them off? There isn’t one solution or quick fix. Achieving a healthy weight and maintaining it means living a long-term healthy lifestyle. In this spotlight section we look at four areas that can make your resolutions a reality.

Diet

Page 2C

Exercise Page 3C

Mental Health Page 5C

Technology Page 5C

2C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

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new year, new you

Healthy eating as a long-term lifestyle

By Katie Morris

There are a variety of fad diets — The Atkins, the Hollywood Diet, the Baby Food Diet and the Cabbage Soup Diet just to name a few. It can be hard to keep track of them all, but they have one thing in common — a quick fix.

Cris Hartley, the Director of Diabetes and Nutrition Education at Gwinnett Medical Center, said one of the biggest issues with fad diets is they’re unsustainable in the longterm.

“Fad diets commonly

Three tips for eating healthy on a busy schedule • Planning is key. If you plan ahead, at the end of a busy day you’ll find you come out in a healthy way.

• Keep a survival kit of healthy snacks like Greek yogurt, an apple with a tablespoon of almond butter or a small handful of nuts.

• Plan to drink plenty of water. Most of us get dehydrated throughout the day, which causes us to reach for that mid-day snack.

fail because it’s unrealistic to sustain them.

They focus on the result and not the process. In the short term, they’re great because people see results quickly and they feel motivated, but when it wanes, they start to wane and old habits start

to creep back in,” Hartley said. “It takes a lot of focus and work to change a habit. It can take about a year for a significant lifestyle change to occur.”

According to Hartley, the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH diet are the best options out there

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“Exercise isn’t a weight lose tool and doesn’t give you a license to go out and eat more. When you work out, you still have to eat the right foods. There’s a lot of science to it. If you have questions and don’t think you’re meeting your goals, a dietician can look at (your diet) and provide answers.”

— Cris Hartley, director of diabetes and nutrition education at Gwinnett Medical Center

Cris Hartley, the director of diabetes and nutrition education at Gwinnett Medical Center, gives advice for how to eat healthy as a lifestyle. (Special Photo)

at the moment because they have staying power.

The Mediterranean Diet is heart-healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes of Mediterranean-style cooking. The DASH diet was developed to lower blood pressure without medication and includes an eating plan with fruits and vegetables, low-fat and nonfat dairy, along with nuts, beans and seeds.

There are three traps people commonly fall into that can sabotage a long-term healthy diet — snacking, using exercise in place of healthy eating and treating yourself too often.

Hartley said there are two categories of snacking: grazing and refueling. Grazing is grabbing food out of habit or boredom, and refueling is refilling the body with good nutrition due to legitimate hunger.

“Snacks should be low

in calories but nutrient dense and contain a protein. It’s important to stay away from high-sugar and high-fat foods,” Hartley said.

Hartley recommends snacking on Greek yogurt, an apple with a tablespoon of almond butter, avacado slices on whole grain crackers, or nuts, which are very high in omega fatty acids but also high in calories, so limit the portion size to six to eight nuts.

Another common misconception is that adopting an exercise routine gives you a pass to eat whatever you want.

“Exercise isn’t a weight lose tool and doesn’t give you a license to go out and eat more. When you work out, you still have to eat the right foods,” Hartley said. “There’s a lot of science to it. If you have questions and don’t think you’re meeting your goals, a dietician can look at (your diet) and provide answers.”

It’s important to treat yourself and occasionally indulge, but the key is to keep it in moderation.

Hartley advises planning ahead of time how much and often to include your favorite foods. It’s also important to keep the portions small and take the time to be in the moment and really enjoy the treat.

“There are so many reason for us to overindulge and treat ourselves.

There are 200 days a year that can be considered special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, and that’s when we tend to overindulge” Hartley said. “You need to really think about it and define what occasionally means to you.”

Hartley said it’s a good strategy to view healthy eating as meal planning rather than dieting and to come up with a plan that works for you.

“Everyone is individual, you have to stop and ask yourself, ‘What will help me stay on track?’

You have to include things you enjoy,” Hartley said. “Working with a dietician can help you sort what is your way and lifestyle because no two people are the same. It’s not one size fits all.”

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 • 3C

new year, new you

Getting

started

Finding an exercise routine for the long term

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

“It’s been a long day.”

“I’m too tired.” “My favorite TV show is about to come on.” “I’ll just work out tomorrow.’

It’s easy to come up with excuses not to work out. The hardest part of starting any exercise routine is just getting started.

Becky Thompson is a Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Gwinnett Medical Center’s SportsRehab Facility. She said there are numerous benefits to your overall mental and physical health gained from a regular exercise routine like stress relief, calorie burn, increased energy, strengthening of muscles and more.

Thompson said there are two key factors for starting a fitness routine the novelty wears off.

— getting out the door “For someone startand sticking with it once ing a running routine, I

Above, Gwinnett Medical Physical Therapist Becky Thompson explains how treadmill training can help Brook Orlandella, 16, get back to her competitive state during a treatment session at Gwinnett Medical Center- Duluth in Duluth on Wednesday.

Orlandella, a sophomore at Peachtree Ridge High School, is recovering from an injury in order to compete on the cross country team next year.

Left, Thompson uses elastic bands while working with Orlandella at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth in Duluth on Wednesday. (Staff Photos: David Welker)

recommend a run/walk interval program, which allows for beginners to

break up the distance into manageable pieces and also minimizes aches and pains. Jeffgalloway.com has some really good programs,” Thompson said.

Important things to keep in mind when choosing an exercise routine are finding something you enjoy and then setting goals.

“Exercise is not a quick fix for any problem — it’s a long-term commitment.

You have to stick with it to see improvement,” Thompson said. “You can break it down into small goals, so it’s not as daunting a task. I would say setting goals is the key and rewarding yourself when you reach the goal.”

Thompson also advises not to forget strength training because it’s an important part of a fitness routine that can reduce

the risk of injury.

“Even if you are doing cardio, it is important to build a strong base of support in your core and pelvis. It is a key for prevention of injuries when you’re beginning a cardio routine,” Thompson said.

“Strength training can build muscle and boast metabolism in as little as 30 minutes twice a week.

A lot of people are unsure to start with strength training, and that’s where a personal trainer comes in handy.”

It can be difficult to commit to any exercise routine, especially running because a lot of people convince themselves they have to become a marathon runner. Thompson said there are many health benefits gained from just a small amount of running, referring to

a recent study published Monday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

“Running as little as five minutes a day significantly lowers the risk of dying prematurely and adds three years to the average runners lifespan,” Thompson said.

Thompson said to keep in mind that any amount of exercise is better than nothing at all.

“If you can only exercise for 15 minutes a day, that’s better than nothing at all. Just getting a 15-minute walk in during your lunch break will help,” Thompson said. “It’s still progress.

Keep moving forward, even moving slowly is still moving forward. Two steps forward and one step back is still forward progress.”

Gwinnett Medical Physical Therapist Becky Thompson uses elastic bands while working with Brook Orlandella, 16, at Gwinnett Medical Center- Duluth in Duluth on Wednesday.

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4C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

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Enter for a chance for you and your sweetheart to win the

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 • 5C

new year, new you

Root of the matter Getting to the psychological factors of overeating

By Katie Morris

leads to emotional or stress eating and sensory eating, meaning you see something delicious and want to eat it whether you’re hungry or not. Another com-

mon issue is using food as a coping mechanism, which Gomez said often develops in childhood and many times is the result of a trauma.

“There are so many societal, behavioral and environmental habits that play into it,” Gomez said.

“Certain foods trigger the release of dopamine, which makes you feel better. That’s where the term comfort food comes from because foods that are high in sugar, fat or carbs give you that relief.”

A key strategy for preventing overeating is to pay attention and really be in the moment.

“Your brain works against your waistline. It will trick you. That’s why you have to ask yourself, ‘Why am I eating in this moment and do I need this?’” Gomez said. “Pay

attention and ask yourself, ‘Is there an issue I need to resolve? Eating won’t fix the problem, so what will?’”

There are a variety of ways to distract yourself if you’re having a craving — Gomez suggests exercising because studies, including a study published in the medical journal Psychosomatic Medicine, have shown that “moderate exercise three to five days a week can give you benefits similar to an antidepressant.”

“You can also go to friends or family for support, finding a hobby or activity, playing with a pet, setting a goal and achieving it, all those things can give you the burst of satisfaction but carry on much longer than the three to five minutes of eating food,” Gomez said.

Cris Hartley, Director of Diabetes and Nutrition Education at Gwinnett Medical Center, said it’s a great idea to keep track of what you are eating on a daily basis, even on the weekends.

“Apps can be good education tools, like My Fitness Pal has a good food directory that can be used to build awareness,” Hartley said. “They are

also a good way to keep food records, which is the No. 1 predictor of success.”

According to Rebecca Gomez, a Clinical Health Psychologist at Gwinnett Medical Center, support can be a key factor in successfully living a healthy lifestyle. Some people prefer to take up hobbies or turn to family for support, but some people

have started joining online communities.

“There are so many online and digital communities where you can connect with people and they can cheer for you and even hold you accountable,” Gomez said. “We live in a digital world right now, and I would rather you find what works for you and what you are going to stick with.”

TIPS FOR AVOIDING MINDLESS EATING

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

Eating may seem like • Be conscious and aware while eating a simple task — you put food in your mouth, chew • Eat at the table without electronic devices and swallow — but from a psychological standpoint • Measure your portions it’s actually a lot more complicated than that.

• Drink plenty of water “You think of it as a simple behavior but it’s a lot more complex. All kinds of • Don’t go back for seconds, put the leftovers factors contribute to eating away habits, and many start developing in childhood. You • A craving only lasts for 20 minutes, so wait really have to understand 25 minutes before eating where your habit is coming from,” Rebecca Gomez, • If you’ve waited and are still having a cravClinical Health Psycholoing, only eat three bites, savor them and gist and Behavioral Health move on.

Coordinator at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Center for Weight Management, • Clean out your pantry. If it’s not there, you said. can’t eat it.

Gomez said there are two types of hunger — physical hunger, which mately hungry and needs which is what people really means your body is legiti- fuel, and head hunger, struggle with. Head hunger

Rebecca Gomez, a Clinical Health Psychologist and Behavioral Health Coordinator at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Center for Weight Management, gives advice for avoiding overeating.

(Special Photo)

Tech-savvy ways to lead a healthy lifestyle

By Katie Morris

katie.morris @gwinnettdailypost.com

We live in a digital world filled with a variety of ways to incorporate technology into our dayto-day lives. There are several tools available like digital devices, apps, social media and online communities that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Fitness gadgets and apps can provide the means for you to successfully navigate the journey toward a longterm healthy lifestyle. The important thing is finding which one of them works best for your lifestyle and will provide the motivation you need.

Wearable fitness trackers, like the FitBit, have been rapidly gaining popularity and were big sellers this past Christmas season. Becky Thompson, Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Gwinnett Medical Center, said fitness trackers can be a good way to keep up with progress.

“Some people are data people, who like to upload data from a GPS watch after their run. I run with a GPS watch to keep up with my progress. I also keep track of my personal records from different races,” Thompson said.

Thompson said apps are also good tools for tracking progress and providing motivation because they allow you to share

progress with an online community.

“Some people like to post every single run on Facebook, and Map My Run allows you to do that.

Some people just like to type in the post themselves. I think whatever motivates you, and some people really respond well to that since of accomplishment,” Thompson said.

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6C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

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Reaping rewards through reminiscing It’s always rewarding to curl up with a cup of tea and reread about all the interesting people about whom I wrote over the past year. I remember when I met columnist Rick Bragg at a Gwinnett Library function, he said, “What I want most is for readers to like ‘my people.’” The same goes for me. I’m not going to try to top the words of a Pulitzer Prize winning writer!

It’s so gratifying to look back at how many of “my people” gave so selflessly to so many worthy causes, like Leslie Watkins of the William Day Chapter of DAR and Bruce Maney

of the Button Gwinnett Chapter of SAR who travel around the state in period costumes teaching about colonial times.

Stu and Vicki LaRoche, parents of two developmentally disabled adult children, founded The Next Stop at the Suwanee

Back in autumn, just as the leaves began to hint of the enchanting oranges,

yellows and reds to come, we took a Monday off and headed to the state fair.

Susan Larson

Sports Academy to provide a place where children like their own can continue to grow and have fun as adults. Every year as a fundraiser they sponsor a Super Bowl raffle, awarding two tickets and $2,500 cash to the lucky winner, who this year is Jerry Fowler, owner of J & J Landscaping, who bought 10 tickets after being told of the raffle by one of his customers.

Mahuli Jakubek, director of Collaboration and Environmental Strategies for GUIDE Inc. (Gwinnett United in Drug Education) keeps me well informed of all the volunteer programs she helps to set up to edu-

cate teens and their families about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

In memory of his father, a Holocaust survivor, Woody Morawiec, a teacher at Trickum Middle, collects shoes that he sends to needy people all over the world, including those served at our own Lilburn Coop.

Pre-teen Jackson Alexander Vicnair of Dacula, who lives with a congenital heart defect, joins his parents Devin and Kristen in the fundraising walks they organize for the Georgia Chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation.

Carrie Tallent, who has a

son with autism, is making great strides in fundraising with her athletic ability by participating in Ironman events.

I am always touched by all the organizations that support our troops and our veterans: Quilts of Valor, Task Force Patriot, Fly Fishing for Vets, ArtReach, the Gwinnett County Veterans’ Resource Center and various churches and civic groups that provide both economic and emotional support.

I loved meeting the Hebron Angels, a youth baseball team in Dacula who go to bat not only on home plate, but in their commu-

nity where they are known as the Mission Team, doing whatever they can to help the less fortunate.

I conclude with the first Gwinnett cause I ever wrote about, Tiny Stitches, a group that makes layettes for needy babies. To help raise funds, Tiny Stitches will conduct a knit fabric sale on Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Your Extra Attic, Bldg. D, 130 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Sugar Hill. Fabric is $1 per pound, cash only for what I know is a worthy cause.

Susan Larson is a writer from Lilburn. Email her at susanlarson79@gmail. com.

A Southernly, and slightly elongated, introduction

January 25th 233731-1

I was astounded to learn rinky-dink fairs in shopping that it was my husband’s first center parking lots, for to fair, other than a couple of me, nothing announces fall’s arrival more than football season, state fairs and carnivals with hayrides and pumpkin decorating contests.

We were looking forward to seeing the livestock and horses so we were disappointed to learn that the animals take Mondays off.

Except for four milk cows, the enormous barns were practically empty. Tink was a bit crestfallen. He had been on the fair’s website the night before, planning all the places to see, agriculturally.

Thanks to our friends, John and Cinda, we had a golf cart, so while Tink was out of the cart buying a hot dog, I called my childhood friend, Jerry Truelove, a well-respected dairy farmer who sits on several dairyrelated boards.

When Jerry answered, I explained the disappointment at not seeing all the cows and horses. “But there are four milk cows here. Could you arrange for Tink to learn how to milk a cow?”

“I can make that happen.

Let me make a call.”

A few minutes later, he called back. “Go over to the red barn and ask for Nicole.

She works with the Georgia Commodity Commission for milk. She’s going to teach him to milk a cow.”

Now, you probably think that this story is about my citified husband from California learning to milk a cow.

It is not — though I will say

775 Dacula Road

your name isn’t nearly as interesting as who you know.

Or, more importantly, who you’re kin to.

“Do you remember the gas station where you used to fill your car and get it washed? Way back when you were in college?” asked Ronda a man who approached me Rich after a speaking engagement.

“Well, that was my brother’s he loved the surprise like station. I’m the youngest. a child would and learned There were four of us. Three quickly how to squeeze the boys and a girl.” milk from the cow’s udders Of course I remembered, and enjoyed every second so we talked for five minutes of it. before I had to ask, “So, This is about how a South- what is your name?” erner makes an introduction, Several years ago, I was at especially when there’s a Matthews Printing, talking to connection of some kind. folks I have known forever.

Rather than just offer my “Do you know Margie?” I hand and introduce myself asked. “Oh, of course you by name, I said, as would do. Her brother, Jim, used to any typical Southerner, “I’m work at the newspaper. Then Ronda Rich. Jerry Truelove’s he went to the radio station. friend. We grew up together. He’s married to Slim DeIn fact, I have known him long’s sister, Evie. The ones since the day I was born. We who have the big cancer were in the hospital nursery fundraiser at their farm every together. He was born the year.” day before me. His daddy Suddenly, I stopped as it kept my daddy company dawned on me. “Oh, no. I in the waiting room while I have become my mother. I was being born. We graduhave to give the genealogy of ated together. And, we’re every person I mention.” still neighbors after all these Actually, though, I had years. Friday night, I made just bloomed into the quintchili and cornbread muffins essential Southerner because so I called him to come over we don’t really know you and join us for supper.” unless we know who you All this before poor Nicole are. had a chance to say a word.

Ronda Rich is the bestYou know, it’s true, selling author of “There’s A though: connections and Better Day A-Comin’.” Visit familiarity are important www.rondarich.com to sign to the people of the South. up for her weekly newsletWhen you meet someone, ter.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 • 7C

Don’t be the person who waits for someone else We all want the safe space, the space where you won’t be rejected, where you won’t look silly, where there’s no risk, and where you know that things will work.

Whenever I talk about emotional engagement, or passion or Noble Purpose, inevitably someone will come up to me afterward and say, “I love this, but my company will never go for it.” That person then proceeds to explain why his or her money-driven boss doesn’t care about emotional stuff like this, or the person will say, “The people in my company are too intellectual — or educated, or uneducated, or power hunger or

Forget Perfect

asm. We want our spouse to be more loving before we risk our own heart. We want our friends to share their vulnerabilities before we share our own.

You don’t have to be a behaviorist to see where this goes. If we wait for others to emotionally engage, we can easily wind Lisa McLeod up leading a very barren life. disengaged — to get into Here’s the big mistake: this.”

We know what’s in our What they’re really say- own hearts, but we often ing is, I want to stay safe. underestimate what’s in I don’t want to be the one everyone else’s. We judge who starts. ourselves by what we’re It’s a common human thinking, but we judge quagmire. We want our others by what they say boss to become passionate and do. about the company before We may be thinking, I we invest our own enthusi- wish this company were

more passionate, but if no one else is saying it out loud, we tell ourselves that we’re the only one who cares.

The truth is, most of us hold ourselves back from becoming emotionally engaged. We yearn for a sense of greater purpose; we want meaning; we want close emotional connections. Yet it’s easier — and safer — to check off our daily tasks than it is to open our hearts, and be vulnerable by talking about big things like love or passion at work.

But what are we really waiting for, the safe space when everyone else is on board? Or the awful space when things are so bad

we don’t have anything left to lose? The truth is, sharing your emotional aspirations for your job, or your relationships, doesn’t make you less powerful, it makes your more powerful.

So don’t wait. Don’t wait until your business is failing. Don’t wait until you get comfortable enough to talk to your boss. Don’t wait until it’s convenient, safe or easy.

And above all, don’t wait until you think everybody else is ready.

If you think your boss is cold-hearted, talk about how much you love your customers anyway. If you think your team will laugh at you, tell them that you

want your work to make a difference anyway.

Somebody has to start.

You can be one of the people who holds back, waiting to see what everyone else is going to do. Or you can be one of the people who has the courage to bring your full emotional self into everything you do.

At the end of the day, all we have is each other.

Your life is a short imprint in the arc of the universe.

You can sit around and wait for the safe space to share your hopes and dreams. Or you can be the one who goes first.

Lisa McLeod is author of the bestseller “Selling with Noble Purpose.”

College football playoff system is awesome first step I confess: I was a doubter.

When the new college football playoff system was announced, I thought the move from the two-team BCS championship to a fourteam “tournament” was kind of lame — a step that, even if in the right direction, was disappointingly small.

The result, I acknowledge, was much better than anticipated. Simply moving from two to four teams seemed to increase the drama, anticipation and excitement (not to mention television revenue) ten-fold.

And the games! Watching the semifinals on New Year’s Eve was quite possibly the most fun I’ve ever had as a college football fan. And even if that was partly due to the company — shout out to Aaron, Todd and Adam — the games themselves were very good, especially Ohio State v. Alabama.

Nor did the championship game disappoint, despite the Buckeyes’ turning it into a late rout, just in time for me to fall asleep in my recliner.

So here’s my assessment of the new playoff system: It’s a great start. But why stop there? If doubling the number of teams enhanced the experience that much, what would happen if we doubled it again?

An eight-team playoff is the next logical step in this progression. Not only would that ramp up the excitement level (and television revenue) even more, it would also solve some of the more obvious and thorny problems with this four-team scenario.

Consider the school that was left out — TCU, which in retrospect just might have been the second-best football team in the country. The Horned Frogs annihilated Ole Miss, which pinned the only regular-season loss on an Alabama team that narrowly fell to the eventual national champ.

Let’s not lose sight, too, of the fact that TCU was the only Power 5 conference winner that was left out of the mix. In fact, having a

Rob Jenkins four-team playoff positively ensures that, each year, at least one conference champ won’t get a bid.

With eight teams, however, there’s a spot for the winners of all five of the big conferences. Besides eliminating some of the debate over relative conference quality, having each champ qualify automatically will make the regular-season conference races, and the conference championship games, even more meaningful than they are now.

An eight-team field will also allow for three at-large teams to be invited. This year, that might well have been Baylor, Wisconsin, and either Mississippi State or Georgia Tech.

Imagine the following pairings the week before Christmas: Alabama v.

Tech, Oregon v. Wisconsin, Florida State v. Baylor, and Ohio State v. TCU. Would that have been awesome, or what?

More to the point, it would have been the fairest and most accurate way possible of crowning a true national champion. (Ohio State might still have won, but my money would be on TCU.) So thanks, college football powers-that-be, for the new and improved football playoff experience. Now, please, don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Rob Jenkins is a local freelance writer and the author of “Family Man: The Art of Surviving Domestic Tranquility,” available at Books for Less and on Amazon. Email Rob at rjenkinsgdp@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter @ FamilyManRob.

PET OF THE WEEK

Each week the Gwinnett Daily Post will feature an animal available for adoption at the Georgia SPCA, which is located at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, Suwanee, GA 30024. The hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 until 4 p.m. You can see the rest of the adoptable cats and dogs at www.georgiaspca.org.

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Artemis is a beautiful girl with long, soft grey fur. She is very playful and likes to play a good game of soccer with her little ball. Artemis will make a terrific family pet.

Come see her at the shelter. Our adoption fee for kittens is $150, and our adoption fee for cats over one year old is $125.

8C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

gwinnettdailypost.com

Suwanee names assistant city manager From Staff Reports

said. “Throughout the years, she and her team have played vital roles in creating, cultivating, and spreading Suwanee’s culture and identity.”

In her previous role, Brinson directed all economic development efforts for the Denise Brinson city and was responsible for overseeing all promotional, public art, event and public relations efforts.

After more than 15 years with the City of Suwanee, former economic and community development director Denise Brinson has been promoted to assistant city manager.

In a released statement, city manager Marty Allen praised Brinson for her “many years of passionate, creative and dedicated service.”

“Denise’s relentless drive and energy help keep Suwanee moving ahead and continually focusing on what can be done to make Suwanee better,” Allen

chair of the Georgia Downtown Association, the North Gwinnett Schools Foundation, and the Leadership Gwinnett Alumni Committee. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Florida Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of South Florida. She previously served as an economic development specialist for Florida Power Corporation, which is based in St. Petersburg, Fla. Her promotion was approved by the City Council on Dec. 16.

RESTAURANT SCORES

VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Family Promise of Gwinnett

Family Promise of Gwinnett seeks to help end homelessness in the Gwinnett community one family as a time by helping them move into self-sufficiency.

They are in need of volunteers to answer phones, screen clients and do secretarial work. There are many

“Denise is a recognized regional leader in her current field of expertise — economic and community development,” Allen added. “In her new role, she will continue to directly oversee economic and community development efforts for the city while also undertaking new and additional jobs citywide.

This promotion recognizes both the work she has been doing for many years while also best utilizing her passion, knowledge, and talents to serve all facets of Suwanee moving forward.”

Brinson, who is married and has two children, is the past

shifts available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Those interested should contact Laura at volunteer@familypromisegwinnett.org for more information on becoming an Office Angel.

— From staff reports

Restaurant........Address.............................................Score McDonald’s.......3210 Buford Drive, Buford.........................84 Peregrines Landing at Holcomb Bridge 680 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross.................................84 Sam’s Japanese Restaurant 3525 Mall Blvd., Duluth.......................................................84 Golden Buddha Restaurant 4300 Ga. Highway 20, Buford.............................................65 Green Tomato Country Buffet 3446 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross.............................100 Boston Market.....4215 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth............87 Blimpie 1740 Indian Trail Lilburn Road, Norcross............................95 Hammerheads Seafood and Sports Grille 415 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee...........................86 Philly Bistro......2680 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford..............89 Stevi B’s Pizza....1500 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.............96 Discover Wings....1300 Indian Trail Road, Norcross.........99 Wing Ranch Restaurant 1154 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville........................91 Sonic Riverside 2208 Riverside Parkway, Lawrenceville............................100 Residence Inn....1940 Satelitte Blvd., Duluth.....................87 McDonald’s.......1963 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth...............80 Dunkin Donuts.

4955 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.............................89 Stone Mountain Pizza Cafe 5370 U.S. Highway 78, Stone Mountain.............................90 Dippin Dots Cart A at Gwinnett Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.......................................100 Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital 3215 McClure Bridge Road, Duluth..................................100 Pita Corner 911 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville...................................100

LUNCH MENUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Tuesday Big daddy’s pizza, black bean empanadas, deli fresh subs, PBJ’wich, mellow yellow corn, farm fresh produce Wednesday Mozzarella sticks, oven roasted chicken, vegetarian burger, signature salads, PBJ’wich, roasted zucchini, farm fresh produce Thursday Seasoned baked wings, old world lasagna, lasagna marinara, deli fresh subs, PBJ’wich, local green beans, farm fresh produce Friday Pancakes and sausage, poppin’ shrimp poppers, yogurt muffin basket, pinwheels, PBJ’wich, hashbrown sticks, farm fresh produce MIDDLE SCHOOL Tuesday Spicy chicken sammie, calzone dippers, vegetarian burger, deli fresh subs, signature salads, PBJ’wich, farm fresh produce Wednesday Oven breaded chicken, mini corn dogs, cheese quesadilla, homestyle sammies, signature salads, PBJ’wich, farm fresh produce Thursday Tex-mex nachos, country style steak sammie, mexi bean pizza, wrap n’ roll wraps, signature salads, PBJ’wich, farm fresh produce Friday Chicken & waffles, catch of the day, yogurt muffin basket, deli fresh subs, signature salads, PBJ’wich, farm fresh produce HIGH SCHOOL Tuesday Chicken tenders, big daddy’s pizza, Gwinnett’s best burger, empanadas, deli fresh subs, signature salad, fiesta burrito Wednesday Oven roasted chicken, stuffed crust pizza, ultimate hot dog bar, vegetarian burger, wrap n’ roll wraps, signature salad, quesadilla pizza Thursday Speciality flatbreads, big daddy’s pizza, Asian wings, cheesy grilled cheese, deli fresh subs, signature salad, Asian rice bowl Friday Brunch 4 lunch, big daddy’s pizza, seafood basket, black bean burger, homestyle sammie, signature salad, Cuban sub

GWINNETT GAB SnowWorld guests can give back on MLK Day In observance of Martin

Luther King Jr. Day, Lanier Islands resort invites guests to give back to the community. In exchange for bags filled with gently used

clothing, guests will receive half-priced admission to the resort’s newest attraction, SnowWorld.

All of the clothing collect-

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MAIL COMPLETED ENTRY TO: GDP/Jake and Neverland • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or gwinnettdailypost.com/contests to enter at

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by January 30, 2015. Winners will be notified by phone.

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ed throughout the day will be donated to Goodwill of North Georgia. The nonprofit has provided services in the region for nearly 90 years. In fiscal year 2014, Goodwill of North Georgia provided job training and employment services to 45,540 people and helped 14,652 people find jobs or start new businesses.

The organization currently operates 51 stores and more than 60 attended donation centers.

SnowWorld patrons will be able to enjoy nine thrilling speed slides, the 13-lane tube slide Polar Plummet, four snow play zones, skating at the Polar Rink, eight familyfriendly eateries, carnival rides and firepits throughout for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Lanier Islands SnowWorld will be open on Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit lanierislands.com.

AARP Smart Driver Course PrimeTime Health will

NOW AVAILABLE ON DISNEY DVD

Atlanta Extreme Vol-

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FOR YOUR

MAIL COMPLETED ENTRY TO: GDP/Tombstones • P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or gwinnettdailypost.com/contests to enter at

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by January 30, 2015. Winners will be notified by phone.

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 years old or older to enter. Void where prohibited & restricted by law. Sponsor’s employees and their dependents are ineligible. Entries must be received by January 30, 2015. Winners will be notified by phone.

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Atlanta Extreme Volleyball Club food drive

leyball Club kicked off their season with a food drive for the North Gwinnett Co-op. A big part of the AEVC vision is community outreach and service opportunities for their teams. Club director Lauren Sands wanted the first tournament day to count for more than volleyball and rallied the teams to bring in canned goods for admission.

With 250 families involved in the volleyball club, it was the perfect opportunity to hold a food drive and stock the shelves of the North Gwinnett Co-op food pantry after a busy holiday season.

The North Gwinnett Co-Operative Ministries is a faith based organization that provides food, clothing, utility and prescription medication assistance to residents of Buford, Sugar Hill and Suwanee. For more information on the Gwinnett Co-op, visit northgwinnettcoop.org.

Gwinnett Gab appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post. To submit an item to Gwinnett Gab, email gab@gwinnettdailypost.com.

Visit us online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com.

FOR YOUR

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host classroom refreshers and defensive driving courses for drivers over the age of 50 this Tuesday.

The course fee is $20 for non-members and $15 for active AARP members, and participants must present AARP card at the class to receive a discount. Drivers will get two 10-minute breaks and 30 minutes for lunch. Snacks and lunch will not be provided. A check is the only payment accepted, and participants should bring their payment to class.

The AARP Smart Driver Course will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Glancy Campus Community Education Classrooms, 3215 McClure Bridge Road in Duluth. The classes will be held in the Kiwi Room. For more information or to register, call HealthLine at 678-312-5000.

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NOW AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL HD

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 • 9C

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your community: city by city

City by City is a weekly look at the happenings in the places you call home MORE FROM BUFORD

AUBURN Auburn OWLS to meet Jan. 21 The Auburn OWLS (Older, Wiser, Laughing Seniors) will hold their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11:30 a.m.

The OWLS are an active senior group that operates solely on fundraising and donations.

The group participates in quarterly trips, game nights and other social events. Any person over the age of 50 is welcome to join.

The January luncheon will be held at the J.D. Withers Building located a 7 Seventh St. For more information, contact the city of Auburn Parks and Leisure Department at 770-963-4002.

BARROW COUNTY Bird walk scheduled for Ft. Yargo Fort Yargo State Park will host an Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 13.

“Fort Yargo has some great habitat, including marshland, mixed hardwood forest and an expansive open lake,” an event listing said. “We will look for a variety of birds like woodpeckers, warblers and wading birds.”

For more information, visit gastateparks.org/ FortYargo. The event is free but parking is $5.

women’s networking event Jan. 22.

Set for from 8 to 9:15 a.m., the event at the Marriott Courtyard — Peachtree Corners will feature presenter Lori McTaggart of Isagenix Systems. Coffee and light breakfast will be provided.

The event is free and open to business women in the Norcross, Peachtree Corners and Berkeley Lake areas.

Guests are asked to register by visiting www. southwestgwinnettchamber.com.

The hotel is located at 3209 Holcomb Bridge Road.

Matt Fritch and his daughter Logan have attended the North Gwinnett Kiwanis Club Father/Daughter Dance for five straight years, since Logan was 1. (Special Photo)

DANCING DUOS Father-daughter dance set for February From Staff Reports

Over the years, the Father-Daughter Dance hosted by the Kiwanis Club of North Gwinnett has become extremely popular. So much so that this year the club will host three different dances over two nights at the Buford Community Center and Theater.

This is the seventh year the club has hosted the event, which will take place Feb. 6 and 7. In previous years, the dance was held on Saturday night. But this year a Friday night dance has been added.

It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday there will be two dances — one from 6 to 8 and the other from 9 to 11 p.m.

Another addition to

BERKELEY LAKE City looking into marshals program Mayor Lois Salter has recommended to the city council that the city create a city marshals program to enhance security in the area. The marshals would be hired and paid directly by the city and would patrol in a marked city-owned vehicle, likely an SUV. Salter wrote in a recent newsletter that the city would begin with one full-time officer and discontinue the use of Plaza Security guards.

Salter said she is open to feedback, the Council representatives are supportive of the idea, and she’s discussed the plan with homeowner association presidents. music is loved by so many.”

Tickets range from $12 BRASELTON to $25 and can be pur‘Heart for Chocolate’ chased at bufordcommunigala to benefit abused tycenter.com. and neglected children On. Feb. 7, the BraselDACULA ton-Stover House will host Learn Microsoft Word a “Heart for Children, Heart basics during free for Chocolate” gala to to library course benefit Piedmont Casa, Interested in learnan organization serving ing how to use Microsoft abused and neglected Word? The Hamilton Mill children by advocating for branch of the Gwinnett each to have a safe, loving County Public Library is and permanent home. offering several classes Tickets are $55 for the in January geared toward event, which will include a helping people of all ages buffet by Cornbread and learn basic Word funcCaviar, chocolate creations tions to create letters, from local bakers, dance papers, advertisements music by classic rock band and other Word projects.

Line 6, silent and live aucThe course is part of tions and a children’s art the “Computer Classes showcase. Sponsorships @ Your Library” program are also available.

— a series of classes on The event will begin at computer basics.

6:30 p.m. For more inforClasses are scheduled mation, call Annette Bates from January through at 706-387-6375. Tickets March. Interested particican be purchased online at pants are encouraged to piedmontcasa.org. check the library calendar more offerings.

BUFORD The Microsoft Word Patsy Cline tribute class will be held on show coming to Tuesday, Jan. 20, from community center 11 a.m. until noon and “Today, Tomorrow and on Wednesday, Jan. 21 Forever: A Tribute to Patsy from 4 to 5 p.m. Space Cline” will be performed is limited. Classes are on Jan. 24 and 25 at the available on a first-come, Buford Community Cenfirst-served basis. ter’s Sylvia Beard Theatre.

The Hamilton Mill The one-woman show by branch is located at 3690 Katie Deal “features a live Braselton Highway in band, tight harmonies and Dacula. a powerhouse singer,” city DULUTH officials said.

High school to offer “In this tribute,” a listing college and career for the event said, “you’ll readiness night learn a little bit about Katie, a little bit about Ms. Patsy, Duluth High will host and a lot about why Patsy’s a night to discuss ideas

IF YOU GO

future dates,” said David • When: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. Williams, the event’s organizer and founder.

6, 6 to 8 p.m. and 9 to “There will be a red 11 p.m. Feb. 7 carpet entrance, an entry • Where: Buford Comarch, and each young munity Center and Theatre lady will receive a long • Dress: Sunday Attire stem red rose upon • Tickets: Purchase departure as they leave. online at www.northgAnd our D.J. plays a vawinnettkiwanis.com riety of family friendly music to accommodate this year’s dance is there all musical taste.” will be horse-drawn carWilliams said the riage rides available for dance is open to daughpurchase during the two ters of all ages, young dances on Saturday. Car- to adult and he expects riage rides are limited attendance to be near and will be available on 1,000 this year, up from a first-come, first-served 275 in the second year basis. of the event. All pro“Our dance is along ceeds from the dance the lines of a high and other Kiwanis school prom, so it will Club fundraisers are give dads an opporreinvested back into the tunity to teach their community in the form young ladies what they of scholarships for area should expect from their high school seniors and

for other community charitable needs, Williams said. To date, the dances have returned approximately $30,000 back to the community and have drawn attendance from a five-county area.

The carriage rides cost $25 per couple, and there is a limited amount of rides per evening.

Dress for the event is Sunday attire and refreshments are served and professional photography offered.

Williams said he expects both the carriage ride tickets and tickets to the event to sell quickly.

Those interested can purchase tickets online at www.northgwinnettkiwanis.com. For more information, call Williams at 404-386-4782.

SNELLVILLE Public works wins environmental award For the second straight year, the city of Snellville’s Public Works Department has brought home an award from the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation.

This time, the department won the top prize in the Waste Reduction and Recycling category for a government agency, according to a news release.

The department took the third place prize last year.

“Since opening in 1991, the Snellville recycling center has seen a 1,000 percent increase in the amount of material recycled with them and has grown into one of the finest facilities of its kind in the Southeast,” KGBF officials said in the release.

From July 2013 to June 2014, the city’s recycling center processed more than 8,300 cubic yards of ground yard waste, 781 tons of recyclables and the 215 tons of recyclables picked up per month in the city.

“I’m honored to be part of such an environmentally conscious city,” said Public Works Director Gaye Johnson. “Winning first place for the state of Georgia in waste reduction is no small feat. I couldn’t be prouder of our Snellville citizens for being pro-recycling and making a difference.”

SUGAR HILL City seeking LOGANVILLE and options for college Middle School, 1221 applications from Covenant Christian and career readiness from Lawrenceville Highway in those in need Academy to host 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. Lawrenceville.

The World Changers open houses 29. The event will feature From 11 a.m. to 2:30 Organization will visit topics such as financial p.m., a health and wellThe Loganville private Sugar Hill again this year, aid and standardized tests ness fair will be held in school has scheduled from 6 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. the media room of the open houses for 2:30 p.m. and the city is seeking and breakout sessions middle school. The event to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25, Feb. applications from needy people in need of home will follow and discuss will include information 8, March 29 and May 3 repairs and maintenance. dual enrollment programs, about the Affordable Care for new students. The For three days this Maxwell and Grayson Tech Act, health screenings admissions event is for July, World Changers will and students who need to and a voter registration students in third grade furnish the volunteer labor catch up or stay on track drive. More information is through high school. for repairs at the homes for graduation. For more available online at www.

The school is located in information, call the school unitedebonysociety.org.

Gwinnett near the Walton of Sugar Hill residents “on a limited income due at 770-476-5206.

County line between Loto disability, retirement LILBURN ganville and Grayson. or other hardship.” The GRAYSON City released details on For more informaSugar Hill Housing AuAmbassadors of large development tion, call 770-466-7890 thority will provide funding Laughter clowns The city of Lilburn has or email leighpeters@ for materials while the city to visit library released details of a sizcovenant-cougars.org. itself will provide adminisChildren ages 4 and up able mixed-use developtrative support. are invited to read with a ment that the city council NORCROSS Those in need can clown on Tuesday, Jan. gave a green light to City working on call 770-945-6716 or 20, at the Grayson branch Monday night. new garden park visit Sugar Hill City Hall, of the Gwinnett County The plans from NaThe city of Norcross located at 5039 W. Broad Public Library. coochee Corporation is building a community St., for more information.

The special storytime call for businesses on garden park at the city with the Ringling Brothers Lawrenceville Highway SUWANEE Circus “Ambassadors of and Main Street, with 250 welcome center and museum.

Farmers market looking Laughters” will begin at 11 one- and two-bedroom The park will hold 30 for vendors a.m. and feature Rob the units in a $25-million, garden beds, a greenThe Suwanee Farmers Clown.

292,000-square-foot, house, living roof, shed Market is looking for farmThe Grayson branch is three-story building. A and compost area, as ers, herb and flower growlocated at 700 Grayson three-story parking deck well as public art, the ers, butchers, bakers, jams Parkway in Grayson. large enough to hold 500 city said. It will also be and soapmakers, among vehicles is also planned the site of nature-based LAWRENCEVILLE others, for its upcoming fronting on Church and MLK Day parade, 11th season. Applications Main streets, according to workshops, farm to table dinners, “wine in the garcelebration to be are due and the annual the city. den” evenings, children’s held Jan. 19 market meeting will be held The special-use permit programs and more. on March 30. The season The United Ebony Soapproved by the council The park, located at is scheduled to open on ciety of Gwinnett will host would allow up to 325 185 Lawrenceville St., is May 2. The city is not offerthe 15th annual Martin units. expected to be done by ing the farmers market on Luther King Jr. celebration The residences are summer.

Tuesdays this year. on Monday, Jan. 19. designed to blend in with The market does not The celebration kicks the Main Street RealignPEACHTREE CORNERS accept arts and crafts, off with a parade at 9:30 ment project, which Chamber hosting non-licensed products, or a.m. The parade begins includes a new City Hall/ networking event produce re-sold from other at the Gwinnett Justice Gwinnett County library, a The Southwest Gwinmarkets. Visit suwanee. and Administration Center, 49,000-square-foot facility. nett Chamber of Comcom for additional guidelocated at 75 Langley For more information, Drive, and ends at Moore visit www.cityoflilburn.com. merce is hosting a lines and an application.

10C • SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015

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Meadowcreek students celebrate Best in State award Meadowcreek High received some exciting news recently when a student team who designed a mobile application was awarded a Best in State award in the third Verizon Innovative App Challenge.

The national competition was designed for students to

address a need or problem in their local schools or communities. The Meadowcreek students developed “Teen Fitness” that addresses physical inactivity among teens and promotes a fitness lifestyle. Students from South Forsyth Middle also took home an award. Ninety

teams of middle and high school students from across the country have advanced to the next phase of the judging process.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and pride that our students’ project was chosen as the ‘Best in the State,’” Meadowcreek Principal

Enter to win this hunka-hunka

GRAND PRIZE!

Tommy Welch said in a press release. “At Meadowcreek we support learning through doing. The Verizon Innovative App Challenge offers Meadowcreek students an opportunity to participate in a rich, projectbased learning experience that fosters teamwork and encourages them to explore new ideas and consider future careers in STEM. This experience has exposed our Meadowcreek students to new possibilities for their futures by opening doors they may never have known were there.”

The Verizon Innovative App Challenge was created by a partnership with the Technology Student Association in response to

Good News from Schools

Keith Farner a critical need to inspire student interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

More than 90 percent of the winners from last year’s Innovative App Challenge expressed interest in pursuing STEM careers after learning coding and launch-

ing their winning app in the Google Play store. About 70 percent reported increased creativity, teamwork and communication skills, and content knowledge.

“This contest has exposed students to new skillsets such as learning to collaborate, negotiate and best of all, problem solving,” Jonathan LeCompte, Georgia/Alabama region president for Verizon Wireless said in the release. “We can’t wait to see which of these creative concepts will become actual working mobile apps that can help make a difference in local communities.”

Keith Farner writes about education. Good News from Schools appears in the Sunday edition of the Daily Post.

Enter to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to the

Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors at Philips Arena February 20th at 7:30pm

AT L A N TA

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ENTER BY JAN. 25TH FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 GREAT SEATS PLUS DINNER AND OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE CROWNE PLAZA. Name___________________________________________ Address__________________________________________ Email____________________Phone___________________ Mail completed entries to GDP/Elvis, PO Box 643, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or enter online at CONTEST CENTRAL on gwinnettdailypost.com, rockdalecitizen.com, or henryherald.com.

No purchase necessary. Prize valid only for dates associated with Elvis Lives Contest. Sponsors and their families are not eligible. This winner will be notified on 1/26/15 and have 24 hours to confirm prize acceptance. Failure to confirm acceptance will forfeit award and another winner will be chosen. By entering you consent to receive limited promotional offers from the newspapers and their partners. Prize has no cash value and cannot be resold or exchanged.

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