APRIL 2018 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Meet the team at Park Springs, see story on page 5
10 11 13 16
Up Close with Yoga Loft & Dance Barre Gwinnett Humane Society’s 25th Annual PAWfest Sports Talk: Q&A with Parkview High School Soccer Getting Schooled with Five Forks Middle School
STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037
PAID
PRSRT PAID U.S. POSTAGE
Top-Tier Academics in a Christ-Centered Environment Providence offers top-tier academics, competitive sports, and a wide range of fine arts offerings to K-12th grade students. Most important, Providence is a school centered around the person of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, is proud to isoffer or“Dr. on theSimmons ballfield, spiritual formation an everyday part of school life.
Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta
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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dental care, focused on both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only nine dentists improving in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others
Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.
• Porcelain Veneers • Teeth Whitening • Dental Bonding • Gum Recontouring • Dental Implants • All-Porcelain Crowns
BEFORE
AFTER
Compassionate Dentistry Our superior services can recapture the health, functionality, and youthful appearance of your natural smile. Our practice focuses on providing Before After long-lasting results and promoting overall dental health. Hexcellent e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d PAGE 2
accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.
J OHN W. S IMMONS,
2381-B Main Street E Snellville, Georgia 30
770-985-2437
John W. Simmons, IV, DMD, PC
2381-B Main Street East www.smilesbysimmons.co Snellville, Georgia 30078 Hours: Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday 7:00am 770-985-2437Office • smilesbysimmons.com Wednesday 7:00am - 6:00pm Thursday 7:00am - 2:
Dr. John W. Simmons, IV
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Think your doctor should listen to more than just your heart?
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On the Cover: Park Springs CCRC Offers a Caring Community for Life By Our Town Staff When Andy Isakson began searching for a retirement community for his parents, he discovered a true need in the Atlanta area. He was looking for a retirement option that offered an elegant environment, an engaging lifestyle, and comprehensive onsite health care. Motivated by family and decades of experience in commercial and residential real estate, the Isakson family embarked on a journey that resulted in the award-winning, amenity-rich continuing care retirement community (CCRC) known as Park Springs. Bordering the Stone Mountain golf courses, Park Springs has a beautiful, walkable campus of 61 acres. There are five different neighborhoods within the community, each with its own distinctive character. Golf View Homes and Mountain View Cottages offer single family home settings, while Overlook Villas and Park View Villas are connected to the Clubhouse and offer convenient access to the heart of the community. Golf View Villas, the most recent residential addition, is the best of both worlds. Members – as residents are called at Park Springs – who choose this home option can enjoy proximity to both the Clubhouse and the community’s lush surroundings. Amenities abound at Park Springs! Wellness is the forefront of the community’s focus, with a concentration on creating a lifestyle that helps Members stay healthy through diet and exercise. There is an onsite fitness center that offers weekly exercise classes under the tutelage of Fitness Director Reggie Porter. He and his staff of personal trainers work with Members to achieve a healthy lifestyle and meet individual goals. “He’ll write a program for you, work with you, and follow you, and he also teaches classes here. He’s all things fitness to Park Springs,” explains Sales and Marketing
Our Town
Director Susan Mahoney. Park Springs is the only community in the Atlanta area that has a board certified, full-time geriatrician on staff. Dr. Margaret White serves Members through the Wellness Clinic and is also the medical director for Pebblebrook Skilled Nursing. The Wellness Clinic is conveniently located in the Clubhouse and is open Monday through Friday. Mrs. Mahoney says, “Imagine the convenience of walking from a fasting lab test to the dining room for breakfast!” Speaking of eating, Members enjoy four dining venues onsite, including the Pub – the place to be for happy hour; the Bistro for casual dining; the Main Dining Room, with both regular and daily special offerings; and the Springhouse Grill, which offers a more formal dining atmosphere. In addition to these onsite restaurants, Park Springs also offers complimentary door-to-door take out service for quiet nights at home. Sunday is family day, which gives the culinary team a chance to show off with a beautiful Sunday Brunch buffet that’s perfect for rest and relaxation with family and friends. Park Springs has its own Main Street. Much like any other main street in America, there is a library, convenience store, bank, beauty shop, post office, and a Member art gallery and studio. A sign in the gallery says, “You’re never too old to be a beginner.” Members can take classes in drawing and painting, sculpting, and pottery. Mrs. Mahoney notes, “Many members had never painted, drawn a portrait, or sculpted a bowl before they got to Park Springs, but they do now!” Other groups include the Park Springs Chorus, the Park Springs Players theatric group, and the Stone Mountaineers. There is also a greenhouse onsite where
Members can grow flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables. The many available activities help connect people and create a true sense of community. Continued on page 21
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Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our 2017 Statistics Our listings sold for an
average of 98.36% of the listing price
Average Days on Market 31 Days
Number of homes sold 130
Would you like to know: How much your home is worth? What you need to do to get your home in top selling condition? What are the steps to purchase a home? Call me today for more info 770 654-8972
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Amadorphoto Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Maple Johnson Amy Ney J. Rice Joanna Shackelford Contributing Writers Kathy Coots Terie Hansen Kelly McAloon Wesley Spake Pam Walker Jocelyn Wykoff
n Traditional, private middle and high school n Non-traditional high school n Credit Recovery n Accredit homeschool work n Accredited by the GAC- Georgia Accrediting Commission n HIGH ACT/SAT scoresWay above state averages n Accepted to all Colleges and Universities n Hope Scholarships/MOWR
TNT Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@tntacademy.com n www.tntacademy.com PAGE 6
— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2018 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduc-tion in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Park Springs CCRC Offers a Caring Community for Life 7 Publisher Video: One Man’s Opinion 8 Making a Difference: BenchMark Gives Back 9 Snellville Events: Food Truck Fridays & Live on the Lawn Concerts 9 The Balancing Act 10 Community Talk: Snellville Days Festival 10 Up Close with Yoga Loft and Dance Barre 11 Gwinnett Humane Society’s 25th Annual PAWfest 12 Camp Creek Elementary Publix Family Math Night 13 Sports Talk: Q & A with Parkview High School Soccer 14 Realty Reality: How to Sell Your Home 15 Pet Perch: Raising a Well-Mannered Dog 16 Getting Schooled: Five Forks Middle School Knows the Power of STEAM 18 Travel Tales: Amazing Awasi at Iguazu Falls 19 Take a Deep Breath: Five Ideas to Reduce Stress
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American Heritage Animal Hospital
Publisher Video: One Man’s Opinion @RyanSauers
By Ryan T. Sauers
April 2018 Publisher Video: Watch video by scanning QR code with the camera on your phone, OR, type in Bit.ly/OurTownApril2018
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Where pets are treated like family!
“Are we your missing puzzle piece?” Now serving Knight Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year! Continuing to serve Arcado, Brookwood, Camp Creek, Craig, Gwin Oaks and R.D. Head Elementary Schools. Serving our community since 2005. Register Your Children Today!
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PAGE 7
Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 20 years!
Making a Difference: BenchMark Gives Back By Wesley Spake, PT, DPT, OCS At BenchMark Physical Therapy, our clinics may span 3,000 miles – from Seattle to St. Simon’s Island – but each clinic in between shares one common goal: to give back to the community. BenchMark created the Beyond the Mark initiative to reach outside our clinic walls and serve the community in the areas of health, hunger, and homelessness. Since the creation of Beyond the Mark, BenchMark has raised over half a million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Heart Association. In 2016, after the daughter of one of our regional directors won her battle with leukemia, BenchMark took the stage to support the family and to fight back by partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for a year-long campaign. We hoped to raise $75,000, but our communities and clinics blew us out of the water by raising over $225,000! In 2017, BenchMark’s 300+ clinics kept that same momentum. We banded together to make an aggressive goal for ourselves: $300,000 for the American Heart Association for research and awareness. Following in the footsteps of our leadership team, who kicked off the campaign by donating more than $24,000, the clinics went to work. Each clinic planned, advertised, and raised money by hosting fundraisers in their local areas. Fundraisers included bake sales, pie-in-the-face contests, yard sales, and selling t-shirts and pedometers. In the end, we reached our goal and raised $300,962! Furthermore, the second part of the initiative was to improve the company’s health as well as spread awareness to our communities. “Healthy for Good” is AHA’s movement focusing on eating smart, adding color, moving more, and living well. BenchMark hosted a company-wide step-contest that brought some healthy competition with it. In 2018, we hope to support another worthy cause and that you will come alongside us, too. It is amazing what a company can do by going beyond the walls of a clinic with a shared interest and a common goal. Wesley Spake, PT, DPT, OCS, is an Area Director for BenchMark Physical Therapy. More information at benchmarkpt.com.
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Wages and Sons has 2 grief support professionals on staff. As a service to the community, we offer 8 week grief support groups at different times throughout the year, as well as individual support. PAGE 8
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Upcoming Snellville Events Food Truck Fridays and Live on the Lawn Concert Series
Briscoe Park
By Kelly McAloon Ready for summer? I don’t know about you, but I am. There’s no better place to bask in the warm weather than on the Towne Green in Snellville with your friends and neighbors. Snellville’s got you covered for all of your food, fun, and entertainment needs all summer long. If you are looking for some spectacular, mouth-watering food that will satisfy any palate, join us on the Towne Green the first Friday of every month from May through October. Some of the delectable foods coming to the May 4th Food Truck Friday will be: the Cousins Maine Lobster Truck (as seen on Shark Tank); Exotic Que, grilling up those mouth-watering ribs, BBQ, brisket and chicken; and Gyro Chef Mediterranean, serving up some special gyro dishes that will be pleasing to all. And then there’s Hole in the Wall, famous for their wonderful jerk chicken and shrimp spinach salads, along with a wide variety of other food. Philly Connection will be on site with their ever-so-famous Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and Stick & Cones will serve up a wide variety of food. Don’t miss out on Atlanta Seafood, which cooks up the best fish and shrimp plates. Kona Ice will be on site with refreshing shaved ice drinks, and Sweet Treats will have many flavors of mini melt ice cream along with other frozen treats. Food Truck Fridays run from 4 – 8 p.m. with DJ Lee, who will keep you entertained the entire night. Bring the family out for some good ole fashioned hometown family fun. The fun doesn’t stop there. Snellville Live on the Lawn Concert Series is bringing only the very best music and fun to Snellville this year. Check out our line up! DEPARTURE - Journey Tribute Band is playing after our Memorial Celebration on May 26th from 6 – 9 p.m. “We Will Rock You!” with QUEEN NATION - Queen Tribute Band on July 14th. The DOOBIE BROTHERS EXPERIENCE – Doobie Brothers Tribute will rock the Green on August 18th. And we end the concert series with the popular BENNIE & THE JETS – Elton John Tribute Band on Sept. 22nd. Whatever you do, don’t forget your dancin’ shoes! More information at kelmca@comcast.net.
The Balancing Act By Jocelyn Wykoff Years ago I ran across a cartoon in a newspaper of a chef juggling many plates. While I’m sure there are many interpretations, what impressed me was that if he dropped one plate, every other plate would be affected. I am that chef. I am the balancing act. I think we could all use a few lessons on balancing time. Time flies. Time is of the essence. The time is now. We’ve heard these sayings our entire lives, but if you’re like me, you’ve never really understood these until you’ve had kids. And, it seems, the older I get and the more children I have, the faster time moves. I saw an inspirational quote that said, “All Day Every Day.” I should have this tattooed on my head because this sums it up for me. From the time I wake to the time I lay down to rest – and, honestly, in between dreams – I’m in constant motion. I’m thankful that I haven’t forgotten anything too important thus far, though I did have a mom-of-the-year moment when I forgot to pack my six-month-old’s bottle in her day bag. And of course, I didn’t have time to go back home, so I hit up the local Dollar General, and BOOM – problem solved. It never fails that these forgetful moments always seem to happen just as you think you have it all under control. You’re getting ready to take that point for team mom/dad, and the forgotten thought surfaces and your smile instantly turns upside down and you feel defeated. So why in the world would I want to add another item to my plate? While my time is limited every day, I always manage to make time for her, him, them, us – but never me. This is for me. And for you. You’re not alone in your daily grind to make miracles in 24 hours when you really need 34. We all have laundry piles and dishes in the sink, and the need to make trips to the grocery store. But what I have found is that at the end of the day, all of those things will still be waiting for me. All that really matters is that my family is safe and happy, and they know they are deeply loved because tomorrow I’m going to wake up and do it all over again. One of my favorite quotes on time is by Lily Tomlin: “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” Happy thoughts and reads until next time. Jocelyn Wykoff is a dreamer, believer, wife, and mompreneur of the Wykoff Household.
Our Town
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PAGE 9
Community Talk: Snellville Days Festival h Annu
2018
Our Town Staff
May 5 & 6
45t
al
This May 5th and 6th, the Snellville Days Festival is returning to T.W. Briscoe Park. Crowds of more than 30,000 are expected to pack the two day arts and crafts festival to enjoy a glimpse of the diverse talents of local artisans and entertainers. Delicious and diverse food options will be available from local civic and non-profit organizations that will be serving up everything from barbeque, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, to peanuts and popcorn. Come hungry! Some of the best local entertainment will fill the stage near the food court all day Saturday and Sunday for your listening and viewing pleasure. Wolves of the World are new this year, and they will be presenting the mystical, enigmatic wolf – a whole pack in fact – who will perform right before your eyes. The show even features a hero wolf that saves a young girl from drowning, showing that wolves can be intelligent and empathetic animals. Also debuting this year is Wildlife Wendy. Wendy and her tropical birds provide an up close and personal encounter with the most entertaining species of the bird world. Audiences are instantly intrigued by the majestic macaws as they present incredible physical abilities along with their vivacious personalities! Roaming the grounds will be a spectacular site – Robocars. Robocars are a unique and fun range of brightly colored, life-sized, transforming Robot vehicles. Operator driven, they walk and drive, creating endless excitement and photo opportunities for the whole family. Don’t miss the Walking TreeMan and Cowboy Woody. Barely distinguishable from real trees, Walking TreeMan moves slowly and deliberately down the street, and can be seen from 150 yards away! Keep your eyes peeled also for someone dressed as Woody from Toy Story – only he’s 10 feet tall performing lasso tricks! The crowds are sure to be big on Saturday, so the use of the free shuttle from Snellville First Baptist Church – that will run from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – is strongly recommended. There will be no shuttle service on Sunday. Beautiful T.W. Briscoe Park is located at 2500 Sawyer Parkway in Snellville. The hours of the festival are Saturday, May 5th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 6th, from noon to 5 p.m. More information at snellvilledays.com
T.W. Briscoe Park
Arts and Crafts ~ Kids Zone ~ Food Co Live Entertainment ~Wolves of the World ~ Wi
FREE ENTERTAINMENT ALL W 4068 Five Forks Trickum Rd. SW,Lilburn, GA 30047
Up W Close E O with Yoga Loft and Dance Barre
LVES IF L D L I W OF THE WO RLD WENDY
It begins with a plan
By J. Rice
Planning is everything, particularly when it comes to your long-term financial objectives.
CO WO
In May, Yoga Loft and Dance Barre on Scenic Highway in Snellville will celebrate its 1stSaturday: anniversary. 12 | 2:30 | 5 Saturday: 10:30 | 1 | 4 Watch for Wo Owner Margaret Norman’s own introduction to yoga twenty years ago came quite by Sunday: 12:30 | 2:30 | 4:30 Sunday: 12 | 2 | 4 Roamin accident, but was life-changing. She was working a desk job, and exercising only once or twice a week. “Everything I was doing involved sitting and typing, so it didn’t take long for my body and mind to suffer the effects. I gained weight, had back and neck issues, and felt miserable!” In her quest to try to feel better, she tried out some of the classes at her local Y, but none of them seemed to be a good fit for her. “Then I decided to take a yoga class, not even knowing what yoga was,” she says. “But I had misread the schedule, and ended up in Power Yoga! It was one of the most physically challenging things I had ever done, but my instructor encouraged me to take the class three times. WOW. Everything clicked for me by that third class. I felt lighter, freer, peaceful, stronger, relaxed. Yoga became a part of my life.” Norman likes to point out that there is something for every fitness level at Yoga Loft. “We offer a fun, fresh approach to the ancient wisdom of yoga. There is something here for everyone who seeks a healthier, stronger body, mind, and spirit. We started out by teaching all levels in our classes, but have now expanded our offerings to include beginner yoga classes twice a week, Serenity Yoga midweek, and Power Yoga five times a week. I’m so excited to launch our first Prenatal Yoga classes starting in mid-April. We always welcome kids and families with family yoga, mommy-and-me classes, and summer kids camps.” What sets Yoga Loft apart from other studios? “It’s not only the variety of yoga classes we offer, but also the array of other types of fitness classes in addition to yoga,” Norman explains. “Our clients love that they can have a one-stop shop here for all of their fitness fun. We offer cardio kickboxing, ballet barre workouts, dance fitness, strength training, and monthly craft and cocktail nights. I want people to absolutely know that we are beginner-friendly, warm, and welcoming for everyone regardless of age or ability.” She adds, “I love that we have a dedicated space for yoga that is right in the middle of Snellville, but feels like an escape in and of itself. This is exactly what yoga can do for you: give you a respite Continued on page 21
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Gwinnett Humane Society’s 25th Annual PAWfest By J. Rice Gwinnett Humane Society (GHS) is about to host their 25th annual PAWfest celebration, Saturday, May 19th at Briscoe Park in Snellville. Designed to raise community awareness about GHS as well as pet-related issues, this year’s event promises to be their biggest and best yet. For longtime volunteer Cori Koleszar, it’s one of the highlights of the year for GHS. “My favorite part of PAWfest each year is seeing all the families who come out to enjoy the day with their whole family – furry members included,” Koleszar says. “There are not many festivals or events where your dog is not only welcomed, but actually encouraged to come.” There are endless things to see and do at PAWfest, whether you want to actively participate or just be a casual observer. GHS estimates 1,500 people attended last year’s event, and they expect to surpass that number this year. “We have so many different things to do at PAWfest, from our 2-mile Pack Hike to our Dog Contests, Doggie Fashion show, Lure Chasing with Bad Ferret, vendors, silent auction, food, and just plain fun,” Koleszar attests. “If you’ve never seen Lure Chasing, you need to come out. It’s hilarious to see all the different dogs chase a lure around a ring in an attempt to catch it. Plus, admission to Continued on page 19
SPRING AH EAD O F TH E MARKE T. I VI AI AJ. J.B B OOL LI V UU CC KK MM OO NN 678.923.3232 Cell 678.923.3232 Cell 404.261.6300 Office 404.261.6300 Office 404.420.2692 Fax 404.420.2692 Fax obuckmon@beacham.com obuckmon@beacham.com www.beacham.com www.beacham.com
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By J. Rice Developing and improving math skills in a hands-on, real-world experience is the idea behind Family Math Night for Lilburn’s Camp Creek Elementary School (CCES) students. For the second year, Publix is joining forces with CCES to create a fun shopping activity geared toward math education. For teacher Laura Magner, it has been a labor of love bringing the experience to Camp Creek. “Family Math Night,” Magner explains, “is an event set up to engage both students and parents in a real-life application of math, through the very familiar activity of grocery shopping!” Magner has structured the evening around an activity page she specifically created for the K-5 students using the AKS (Academic Knowledge and Skills) for each grade level. “Each question posed to the students (on their activity page) uses items from the shelves and cases within Publix,” Magner explains. “It’s a problem-solving scavenger hunt, of sorts! No calculators are allowed, and students are encouraged to show their thinking on their papers. After they complete the questions, they return all their materials to the host table and receive a surprise generously provided by Publix.” Magner joined the staff of CCES in 2016, bringing twenty-seven years of experience with her. Having lived in the Parkview cluster since 1997, she was excited by the opportunity to join the cluster as a teacher, especially in light of the fact that her husband, Richard, was already a teacher at Parkview High, and her daughter a student there. It was Magner’s own mother – a retired teacher living in Florida – who heard about a math night at one of their local Publix stores and shared the idea with her. From the moment Magner approached the managers at Publix with the idea she had developed for Camp Creek, the grocery chain was on board. “The staff at Publix was welcoming and supportive at every step,” Magner states. “School communities benefit greatly from having strong relationships and businesses in their community. The Publix Corporation’s support of education and local schools is well known to most, and the Lilburn location is no different.” Magner recognized the potential for having a night for families to unplug together, have an enjoyable experience, and give parents the opportunity to see firsthand how well their child is coping with math problems. “They also get to see the types of questions that are appropriate for their age child, the strands within math, and the complexity and rigor for each grade level,” Magner says. “For the student, they get a chance to question and wonder in a new way about food items that are familiar to them. They get to explore and think about math in a fun, engaging, hands-on way. The goal is not to get the ‘right answer,’ but to explore math in a familiar place and begin to make connections between the skills they are being taught in school and their use in everyday life.” CCES, under the direction of Principal Valerie Robinett, provides multiple opportunities for learning after regular school hours, with everything from robotics classes to ukulele club. “Camp Creek has an incredible team of dedicated workers and support staff,” Magner declares. “Teachers and parents alike are very involved during the school day to make the education of the students engaging and chalContinued on page 21
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Sports Talk: Q & A with Parkview High Soccer By Our Town Staff Our Town Magazine (OTM) spoke with Varsity Boys Coach Danny Klinect (CDK) and Varsity Girls Coach Judson Hamby (CJH) of Parkview Soccer: OTM: Will you share an overview of your background in soccer? CDK: I began playing soccer when I was five, along with hockey, in Buffalo, NY. I liked hockey more as a kid, but that changed when we moved to Duluth when I was nine and hockey wasn’t popular, so soccer became my fulltime endeavor. I ended up Photo Credit: Sports Sweet Photography playing at Duluth HS and eventually Georgia State University, along with some other semi-pro and professional opportunities before becoming a teacher and eventual coach. CJH: I began playing soccer and basketball at age seven in Atlanta. I played high school soccer at Douglas County High. After that I went to Berry College to receive a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in secondary education. During the end of this time, I started pursuing my coaching opportunities and licenses, landing a job at Parkview. OTM: Will you share some info on the other coaches of PHS soccer? CDK: I’m amazed at how well the staff works together. Our staff is very experienced. Judson Hamby has won four state championships, I’ve won three, and Mark Leviton won one at Shiloh. Jason Frederick is our JV boys coach, and he does a fantastic job getting those kids ready for varsity. OTM: Will you share the history of success of the Parkview soccer program? CDK: We have fifteen state championships combined between the girls (8) and boys (7) programs. CJH: The history of our program drives the present. We work hard to keep the program standards high, and obviously the community and the players help continue to build those expectations. OTM: How is Parkview High School soccer able to maintain such success year in and year out? CDK: We have had some incredible athletic directors. Many schools focus primarily on football, and the rest of the other sports play second fiddle. But not at Parkview. Our current athletic director (AD), Nick Gast, is in his first year as our AD, and he has quickly shown that same attitude. We have fantastic facilities, including a soccer-only locker room that is better than most colleges. OTM: How valuable is the support of the community to your teams? CDK: We have tremendous involvement from the community and the greatest amount of sponsorContinued on page 15
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If you want potential home buyers to fall in love with your house, they first have to know it’s for sale. This is where a strong marketing plan comes into play, which not only publicizes your property, but gives people a preview of your home before they step through the door. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Regardless of whether your home is to be featured online, in a REALTOR’S® publication, or a paid advertisement, quality photos are a must. If a buyer likes the photos, his or her next step will be to schedule a tour of the home. You must capture your home’s best qualities in each image. Confirm that your REALTOR® uses a professional photographer because great photos are invaluable when selling real estate. Staging Having a professional help stage your home is critical to creating a feeling of home for the potential buyer. Some agents will provide this service as part of their agreement. Sign Here Believe it or not, one of the best marketing strategies is free. By placing a sign in your yard, you will let anyone driving by know that your home is for sale. In addition, call capture systems can provide additional information, translate the information to Spanish, and send pictures to smart phones. Your REALTOR® will likely provide you with a sign and call capture extension, which should be placed in a visible area of your lawn. Online Presence Many REALTORS® advertise their listings in local real estate publications, their business website, and various different online websites. It is important to understand where your listing will be advertised and be certain you are comfortable with the marketing plan your REALTOR® will be using. Kathy Coots is the owner of Coots & Company with Keller Williams Realty. More information at www. KathyCoots.com
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Pet Perch: Raising TNT Academy ANN-CAROL PENCE a(Associate Producer/Co-Founder) arranged the music Presents for Well-Mannered Dog Canteen in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of Aurora’s first Christmas
1998 as Resident Musical Director. An education major at James Madison University, she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, she Everyone aspires to having a well-mannered created Aurora’s Musicals by Moonlight, and Aurora’s New Musical Initiative. She dog. However, what seems well-mannered to one owner may seem obnoxious to another. has performed as pianist and/or music director both nationally (Goodspeed Opera Many dog owners get used to (or put up with) House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and negative behaviors – such as jumping, excessive barking, digging, chewing, and lungingTheatrical while locally (The Alliance, Outfit, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, The Horizon). on the leash – simply because they don’t know As a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol is most proud of Aurora Theatre winhow to correct them. Now Enrolling - Serving Grades 3rd - 9th Well-mannered implies the ability to per- Award for Large Non-Profit. This goes well with her 4 ning the first ever Pinnacle form commands such as sit, down, stay, and come when called consistently, and to remain calm under June 4th - July 13th Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction for Mary Poppins and Les Misérables, all situations and environments. • Funology - The Science of Having Look what we have in store: What does it world take to raise a well-mannered In a word, EFFORT. However, the rewards are A Catered Affair and her Aurora’s premiere of dog? Clyde ’n Bonnie: A Folktale, and Fun (Elementary) • Designed to be fun and interactive many! Early and ongoing training and socialization are key, plus daily reinforcement of the learned multiple nominations for In the Heights, Memphis, A Year with•Frog Toad, Annie • Electronics & Mechanics: Simple STEAM & Certified Curriculum skills. I believe the single most important thing you can teach a dog is how to remain calm in an excitMachines & Instructors ing situation (newGun, surroundings, new peopleSingin’ or dogs, onin walks, arriving at your home, etc.). Line. She Get Your Godspell, theguests Rain and A Chorus is a participant When calm, your dog can perform any commands you have previously taught him or her. Excitement • Accredited Private School • It’s All About the Code (Elementary) in this year’s Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute. (arousal) is what changes the training/retention dynamic. By Terie Hansen
Having a dog that primarily stays in your home, yard, and neighborhood is okay, but wouldn’t you
• State of the Art Facility
• Kid-friendly Support D.H. Manager) Aurora Theatre part-time inStaff 2007 rather haveMALCOLM, the dog you can take III with(General you anywhere dogs are allowed? It’sjoined certainly enriching for the • Nutritious, Gluten-free Meals dog. If so, then CALM is the game changer. as the bookkeeper and business manager for the new facility. Now in charge of • Snackbar during Break Sessions If you desire a well-mannered dog, then starting at home with exercise, structure, rewarding calm day-to-day operations, the Theatre budget, spearheads behavior, and correcting excited (negative) D.H. behaviorsmanages are key. Does your dog Aurora bark and jump when • Weekly Themes you get the leash (food, toy, etc.)?provides Put the leash down, for calm,with start again. Repeat until the dog advice. development and the wait theatre sound business His background • Robotics 1 (Elementary) remains calm while you attach the leash. Teach your dog Calm, and have your dog work for every• Robotics EV3 includes graduating from Marist School, obtaining a BS from Duke University and thing he or she wants, and you are on your way to a well-mannered dog! Terie Hansen is Owner at Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoachlater an MBA from Georgia State University. D.H. has extensive management ing.com experience in both entrepreneurial and large businesses. He serves on the board of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Lawrenceville. In his other Parkview HS Soccer Continued from page 13 life, he is an avid golfer and a professional club fitter for Callaway Golf. D.H. has two ship we’ve ever had. It’s exciting to see their support. wonderful Cam Our Programs Offers: OTM: How is thechildren, current seasonKatie going forand your four teams?
CDK: Our teams are doing very well. The Varsity Girls (at time of interview) are 9-1-0, the JV • Instruction by Master, Certified JUSTIN ANDERSON (Associate the metrogirls are 9-1-0, the Varsity Boys are 7-3-1, and the JV boys Artistic are 4-2-3. TheDirector) Varsity Boys playhas one ofbeen based Educationin Specialist the most difficult schedules in the nation. Atlanta area since 2009 and full-time with Aurora since January Artistic as• Small2014. Group Ratio 4:1 CJH: The Varsity Girls program is having a great year, which is credit to the girls and their hard • Serving Students Grades 6th sociations include Theatrical Outfit, Theatre, work in the off season and the current developments. There are Synchronicity some great teams this year in 7A, and and Serenbe Playhouse.- 9th • Nutritious, Gluten to Freework Meals we hope to be one of them in the end. While studying directing at Rutgers University, Justin had the privilege OTM: What key games and info do you want our readers to know for Varsity Boys? • Snackbar During Break Sessions with Amy Saltz, Pamela Berlin, holds CDK: Our region is easily the most difficult region inWilliam the state in allCarden, classifications.and Four ofDeborah the last •Headwall. STEAM CertifiedHe Curriculum five boys’ champions came from our region. Thus, all the region games for us are the most important a BA in Theatre Arts from Campbell University and an MA in Theatre Studies from games of the year. Regent work has been atGirls? regional theatres in the Southeast OTM: WhatUniversity. key games and infoHis do you want our readers to knowseen for Varsity CJH: The girls work extremely hard on the field, but also off the field as well. Their academic and including Actor's Express, Aurora Theatre, Dad's Garage Theatre Company, Florida character standards are the reason we are developing great people going into our communities and Repertory Theatre, Horizon Theatre Company, Serenbe Playhouse, Stage Door colleges. More information at www.ParkviewSocccer.com
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Five Forks Middle School Knows the Power of STEAM By Joanna Shackelford
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Five Forks Middle School (FFMS) pushes full STEAM ahead in the growing movement that focuses on teaching children how to solve real world problems. Andrew Whatley, assistant principal and STEAM initiative coordinator at Five Forks, believes in the power behind engaging students in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). He and his team of dedicated teachers have worked to grow their STEAM program for the last three years. “I work with fabulous people who have latched onto our vision for this program,” says Whatley, “and they have been tireless in fulfilling that for our students.” STEAM empowers teachers to implement project-based learning (PBL) instruction across all subjects. The focus, however, is not the final product, but the learning that happens along the way. Teachers teach the content through this instructional method, moving from a more traditional director role to a facilitative role. Whatley says, “Students are highly engaged in this approach and develop deeper connections to the concepts.” The demand for this type of learning is growing, and Five Forks Middle School, along with their fellow cluster schools, are working to meet it. In February, Brookwood High School hosted the second annual Brookwood Maker Faire, an event where all seven cluster schools gathered together to celebrate creativity, engineering, and tinkering. They had representation from student groups and community members showcasing both quirky and practical do-it-yourself projects. Whatley calls it, “The greatest show-and-tell on Earth.” At STEAM Night this past October, the school held their signature event that highlighted how STEAM is cross-curricular, and is embedded throughout all grade levels. On this evening, the building buzzed with activity as community members, teachers, parents, and students engaged in demonstrations and experiments that included over twenty hands-on activities such as learning how to solder and discovering the chemical reactions required to make ice cream. Participants were able to attend presentations from numerous STEAM-oriented experts, including a GBI forensics agent, and they even tested the latest optical evaluation equipment from the local Thomas Eye Group. FFMS’s award-winning 8th grade Vex Robotics team, a competition group that won state this year, showcased their skills in robotics design and technology. Students at Five Forks can join the STEAM team in 6th- 8th grades. The program integrates problem-based instruction throughout their four core content-area classes along with visual arts, technology education/engineering classes. Students learn the standard objectives through multi-disciplinary projects, allowing them to make deeper connections across content areas.
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Continued on page 21
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Travel Tales: Amazing Awasi at Iguazu Falls By Pam Walker
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I have been to Iguazu Falls in South America many times in the past. Recently named the 7th Wonder of the New World, the Iguazu Falls lie between Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. For my first visit I stayed in an old hacienda at the edge of the falls, sans electricity and with jaguars roaming about at night. Since then, many hotels have been built on both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides. The jungle is thick on each side and the views of the falls are often crowded with international hordes of people coming to see this spectacular sight. Although the views are remarkable from the Brazilian side, my preference is the Argentine side where you can get up close and personal with a series of metal walkways that span some of the falls and the jungles in between. There has never been a special place to stay... until now. Awasi Iguazu opened in early February as an amazing complex of small elegant villas and a main lodge where everything is included. Your own private villa guide will take you to some private out of the way places. My guide Pancho took me kayaking, hiking in the jungle, and out to see the falls. We visited a local Guarani village (indigenous people of the area) and really did whatever I requested while I was there. Gourmet meals and great Argentine wines are served any time you want them, and the expert bartender/trained sommelier even knew how to make a wonderful Manhattan. There are few hotels in the world to rival Awasi Iguazu, and I have been lucky enough to have stayed in many around the world. But this new addition to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side is a winner and a great place to explore this beautiful wonder of the new world! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com
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Take a Deep Breath: Five Ideas to Reduce Stress
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By Our Town Staff
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From work to working out, kids’ activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier. The problem is that our hectic schedules can lead to unnecessary stress. If you’re one of the many who feel frazzled on a regular basis, you’re probably longing for a vacation or a day at the spa. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to cut stress that you can sneak into everyday life. From mealtime to bedtime, if you start embracing small moments to be more mindful, you’ll be surprised how fast you can cut down on overall stress. Here are five simple examples of how you can find your own moments of Zen today: 1. Take a 5-minute walk: Whether it’s getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. For example, take a 5-minute break while dinner’s cooking to walk around the block. Weather not right for a walk? Give your body a quick stretch with an at-home yoga session. 2. Find quick-and-easy solutions: If making dinner for your family seems like a daunting task, choose quick-and-easy options designed to take the hassle out of meal prep. The frozen food aisle is a great place to begin your journey toward finding your happy place in the kitchen. Here you can find a variety of products that taste great and require minimal prep work, so you can dedicate more time to doing the things you love, like spending quality time with your family. 3. Choose quality over quantity: Make the most of your time each day by being intentional with your activities. Whether it’s playing a new board game with the kids after dinner or watching a TV show with your spouse, small quality moments can help you relax and enjoy yourself and your family when at home. 4. Take time to reflect: When using great-tasting, low-hassle products to make dinner, you’ll be spending way less time in the kitchen. Take those extra moments to reflect on everything you accomplished during your day or week. This will help give you a sense of pride and is a real confidence-booster. 5. Break from technology: Take a break from technology, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Put down your phone, turn off the television, and step away from all electronics. Just giving your mind a break from the active world of technology can reduce stress and help you mentally reset, especially during mealtimes, where being present is particularly important. These are just five simple examples, but moments of peace can be found anywhere if you take the time to look for them. Remember, the little moments are what make the biggest impact in life, and by embracing mindfulness, you’re setting the stage to be able to focus on what really matters. Life is a present, so take time to enjoy the moment. (BPT)
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PAWfest is always free, so we encourage all pet owners to come out with the whole family to enjoy the day!” Koleszar is one of many faithful volunteers who are vital to GHS’s success. “It’s hard for me to believe, but I’ve been volunteering with GHS for over fifteen years,” she states. “Like most of our volunteers, I started because I’ve always loved animals. I was the kid/teenager who would stop in the middle of the street to rescue a stray kitten or take treats to homeless dogs. Now, I am able to combine my passion for animals and my professional skills as a project manager to help GHS with event planning and fundraising.” Koleszar continues, “The most gratifying part of volunteering is when you know a pet is going to a perfect home for them. We work really hard to match the right pet with the right family, and it’s so wonderful to see when all the hard work pays off. Several of our volunteers get updates on a regular basis from our adopters about how their pets are doing. My favorite thing is visits from pets we have placed in a new home, whether it’s at PAWfest, another GHS event, or just stopping in our adoption center. It’s so heartwarming to see how happy our ‘fur babies’ are with their families.” The whole idea behind PAWfest is to let the public know about the GHS and its services, and to raise funds to continue those services. Koleszar emphasizes that the Gwinnett Humane Society is a volunteer-based organization, and they do not operate a shelter, nor do they receive any county, state, or federal funding to support their animals or any of their programs. “For the past thirty-eight years, we have relied on wonderful foster homes to temporarily provide a place for pets to stay until they find their new forever homes,” Koleszar explains. “Our foster families are THE most critical part of our operation. It can be a tough job, but there is nothing more rewarding than finding a perfect home for a foster pet. When all our foster homes are full, we are also happy to offer our Owner Sponsor program, where we work with the family who needs to ‘re-home’ their pet by allowing them to act as the pet’s foster home until he/she is adopted or a regular foster home is available.” Koleszar adds, “We also offer a monthly low cost vaccine clinic at our Sugarloaf Adoption Center to help the community with a low cost option to keep their pets healthy.” More information at pawfest.com.
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May 5 & 6
Annua h t l 45
Free Shuttles Saturday
Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5 FREE ADMISSION FREE PARKING / SHUTTLES
T.W. Briscoe Park
Arts and Crafts ~ Kids Zone ~ Food Court ~ Farmers Market Live Entertainment ~Wolves of the World ~ Wildlife Wendy ~ Strolling Acts!
FREE ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND LONG!
WOLVES IFE L D L I W OF THE WO RLD WENDY Saturday: 12 | 2:30 | 5 Sunday: 12:30 | 2:30 | 4:30
Saturday: 10:30 | 1 | 4 Sunday: 12 | 2 | 4
COWBOY WOODY!
Watch for Woody and Treeman Roaming the Festival
KIDS ! E N O Z All Day Fun For Kids!
OVER 200 FOOD, SPONSOR & CRAFT BOOTHS! SPONSORS
www.SnellvilleDays.com | 770.423.1330
**FREE SHUTTLES SATURDAY FROM SNELLVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH** PAGE 20
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Park Springs Continued from page 5 Should a Member’s health care needs change, Park Springs offers a continuum of care within the community. Pebblebrook is the onsite health center that serves those in need of Memory Care or Adult Daycare. The Cobblestone building offers Assisted Living and Respite Care that supports Members’ unique needs while empowering them to live independently. Built in 2004, Park Springs is still the newest CCRC in the metro area. “One thing we try to get through to people is, why wait?” says Mrs. Mahoney. “Park Springs is a service-rich, maintenance-free environment indoors and out.” Park Springs’ residents echo these sentiments. “The best thing about living here is no worries!” says Member Sheldon Hammond. “There are so many programs,” offers Jean Fenton. “Do it while you are in as good health as possible so you can take advantage of all the benefits here.” And Bobette Machnik shares, “I was raised to be independent and taught that I must not depend upon anyone. That served a good purpose, but then I moved in here, and I’m tootling along and then I said to myself, ‘I am not alone any more. I have a community that will help me for the rest of my life.’” More information at www.parksprings.com.
Yoga Loft
Continued from page 10
from the stressors of everyday living, while at the same time strengthening body, mind, and spirit. The more flexible our physical body is, the better able to handle physical stress. Likewise, the more relaxed we are, the better we can manage our emotional health.” Yoga instruction has become a way of “giving back” for Norman. “I know that physical movement (sports) helped me through some of life’s toughest moments at a very early age, and I also remember exactly how it felt to be the ‘new person’ in class doing yoga for the first time as an adult. It’s an honor for me to be able to help others overcome life’s obstacles through yoga, enabling them to fully realize their purpose, connect with others, and thrive!” More information at yogaloft.fitness
Publix Math Night Continued from page 12 lenging. Principal Robinett works with teachers, parents, community members and countless others to be sure the Camp Creek students have rich, diverse experiences.” Magner appreciated the feedback she received after last year’s Family Math Night. “Families were engaged and shared very positive feedback about the experience and time spent solving problems with their children,” Magner says. “The goal is to provide a memorable, thought-provoking evening that is fun in the moment, but has far-reaching results as well. Each time the students and parents shop at Publix, or another retail store, the hope is that they continue to notice prices, ask questions, and manipulate numbers they find in their environment.” More information at campcreekschool.com.
Five Forks Middle School Continued from page 16 Access to technology is the biggest hurdle public schools similar to Five Forks face when implementing 21st century learning. However, last year the school received $20,000 in grant funds to purchase additional Chromebooks and Google Virtual Reality headsets. Along with that, they have used their resources to outfit part of the Media Center into a Maker Space that is equipped with a 3-D printer and Makey-Makey kits, and is open to any interested students throughout the day. Five Forks is also responding to the gender gap in the science and technology workforce through an annual event they call “Girl Power.” On Saturday, April 14th, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., interested female students are invited to participate in a symposium-style experience, rotating through interactive presentations delivered by women in STEAM-dominant careers. In the past, participants have had the chance to examine a human heart, conduct chemical experiments, and engage in computer coding. This year, they can expect presentations ranging from an infectious disease doctor from the CDC to polymer and analytical chemists. “Our hope,” says event chairperson Ms. Howell, “is that this experience will plant a seed of interest in a young lady in hopes she will pursue a career in STEAM.” Whatley and his teacher team of STEAM innovators anticipate more growth for their STEAM programs in the future. “Our greatest wish,” he says, “is to have one-on-one devices at the school.” Meanwhile, they will continue to inspire kids through authentic project-based learning, building literacy in all forms of technology, and engaging in problems students could expect to face in the real world. More info: www.fiveforksmiddleschool.org
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LIMITED-TIME DISCOUNTS NOW AVAILABLE !
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• Restaurant-style dining plan (optional) • Fitness center • Heated indoor pool • Dog park • Enclosed courtyard with outdoor kitchen and bocce court • Movie theater and billiards room
Call (770) 285-1611 to arrange a tour for you and your four-legged loved one. We have a special treat waiting.
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The Village Corner German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.
German Bier Days April 21/22
6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 498-0329
Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 8am-11pm Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Monday
Live music by the Bavarian Duo
Don’t let pain slow you down. Let us focus on your full recovery so you can focus on what matters to you! Our licensed physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts who can quickly identify the source of your pain and develop a plan for your quick recovery.
Call your local BenchMark today to set up an evaluation. BUFORD I-85 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 (770) 271-4413
LAWRENCEVILLE 455 Philip Blvd, Ste 160 678) 985-0238
SNELLVILLE 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A (678) 344-7197
GRAYSON 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B (678) 376-0213
LILBURN 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 (770) 925-9210
SNELLVILLE CENTERVILLE HWY 124 3641 Centerville Hwy, Ste 400 (470) 365-2135
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