APRIL 2017: Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2017 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Meet the team at BenchMark Physical Therapy, see story on page 5

8 9 11 18

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Our Town

Pondering pregnancy?

We’re With You. Think you’re ready? Some would say you never truly are – but the most important thing to do is to think it through. DeKalb Medical has been delivering babies for over 50 years and we love helping prospective parents make the decision that is right for them. Ready to start pondering? Visit PonderingPregnancy.com to download 10 Questions for Every Pondering Parent. You can also watch videos introducing you to our Obstetricians, so you can find one that thinks just like you.

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Our Town

On the Cover: Meet the Team at BenchMark Physical Therapy

By Our Town Staff While many healthcare professionals strive to see their patients repeatedly, BenchMark Physical Therapy’s goal is to get patients better and back to their lives. And, as each BenchMark location is so deeply rooted in the local area it serves, it makes for a very close relationship between patients and the BenchMark team.

As Leah Woods, Doctor of Physical Therapy at BenchMark Physical Therapy of Buford, puts it, “I love seeing you, but my goal is to not have to see you.”

Woods says that even though it seems counterintuitive to want to get rid of their patients, their ultimate goal is to get you better.

Though your BenchMark physical therapist will work with you as long as needed, their main objective is to get you to the point that you are well enough and strong enough to need physical therapy no longer.

BenchMark opened its first clinic in Tennessee in 1995. They quickly spread throughout Tennessee, into Georgia, and across the southeast. They now serve parts of the midwest and northwest United States. Locally, BenchMark serves Gwinnett County with twelve convenient locations, along with many clinics throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Woods serves as the Clinic Director at the Buford clinic at 2815 Buford Dr., Suite 102. She shared with us the six questions people ask most about physical therapy: How do I know if I need physical therapy?

You may need physical therapy (PT) if you have weakness, pain that doesn’t go away, pain that returns, or pain during activity.

BenchMark physical therapists are experts in evaluation and treat-

HOURS: Open Monday – Thursday 10 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM Sunday CLOSED

ment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect the ability to move and function.

What does PT treat?

Some of the more frequent conditions that BenchMark physical therapists treat include: Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, IT Band Syndrome, Orthopedics, Osteoporosis, Plantar Fasciitis, post-surgical rehabilitation, repetitive stress injuries, sports injuries, and TMJ dysfunction.

Whether treating pain or restoring function, BenchMark’s plan of care is specifically designed to treat the patient’s diagnosis.

Manual therapy, specific functional exercises, and a hands-on approach are important in a patient’s recovery.

Can I go to PT without a doctor’s referral?

Each BenchMark clinic offers direct access, allowing patients to self-refer to see a physical therapist without first needing a doctor’s referral. Direct access is allowed by some insurance companies.

BenchMark always consults with a physician’s referral as a team approach to deliver the best outcome. If a patient’s insurance doesn’t allow direct access, then a free musculoskeletal screening can always be performed and a physician referral can be given.

Are BenchMark physical therapists licensed?

Each and every BenchMark physical therapist is licensed by the state. Furthermore, many BenchMark physical therapists hold advanced certifications, such as dry needling or Astym® soft tissue mobilization.

BenchMark focuses on educating their staff to allow them to grow and specialize. Ultimately, this allows patients to receive betContinued on page 8

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PAGE 5

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Feature Writers One office, one One One office, office, one one team! team!team! Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Dana Harvey 2184 2184 Rawlins Rawlins St.St. Kim Hill 2184 Rawlins St. Sarah Schneeberger Snellville, Snellville, GA GA 30078 30078 Snellville, GA 30078 Karla Socci Somers 404.940.9887 404.940.9887 Michelle Watson Contributing Writers www.nakiasanford.net www.nakiasanford.net Carol Chandler-Wood Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen Javier Munoz Pam Walker

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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 2017 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Our Town Gwinnett 1227 Rockbridge Road Suite 208-171 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 678-825-2049 Info@OurTownGwinnett.com

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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Meet the Team at BenchMark Physical Therapy 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion: Make Your Story Count 8 Catching Up with In The Mow 9 All Children are Welcomed at Tucker’s New Cookie Cutters Hair Cuts for Kids 10 Highlights from Run the Reagan 2017 11 SportsTalk with Brookwood Soccer: One Game at a Time 12 One on One with Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce

“Exceptional coffees and teas complimented with house made breads, sweets and savories.”

13 Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Parkview High School 15 Chaplain’s Corner: Trust Me on This One 16 Sports Chat: Spring Middle School Golf League 17 Travel Tales: The Nightmares of Online Bookings!

18 Community Spotlight: Be Someone, Inc. 18 Love and Vets: Lilburn Locals Star in the Latest Cable Reality Show

851 Oak Road Lawrenceville GA

20 Pet Perch: The Danger of Foxtails and Your Pet

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21 Learning Lessons: Strategies for Taking Subjective or Essay Tests

PAGE 6

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Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion: Make Your Story Count

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

In early February, as I shared in my column last month, I faced one of the scariest events of my life. I was grilling hamburgers for my family – like I have thousands of times before – when suddenly the grill exploded into an inferno. Thankfully we are all okay and our house will eventually get back to some sort of normal. This month, I want to build upon that last column with some new thoughts that I hope will prove helpful to you.

Here is what I want us to ponder: What is our story? What do we want people to remember about us? If you think about it, we add something to our life story every day. This can be good, bad, or neutral. Our story develops based on how we live our lives, what we say, how we act, what we do, and who we are.

Life is a present. Life also is the present. We cannot change the past, just like we can’t alter the future. We can simply plan (to the best of our human ability) for the future and come to grips with the past. And, we can always seek to make others’ lives better in every encounter we have with them. Do you want to be this type person? I know I do. Life is stressful and hard. We all have a lot on our plates. So … love someone. Say “please” and “thank you.” Tell someone you care about them. Help someone when they are not expecting it. And, let’s stop being judgmental of others.

Remember, each minute in a short time becomes an hour, which quickly becomes a day. In time these days blend together to become months and years. The years add up quickly, and even if we are healthy, we only have so many years on this earth. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, or even an hour from now. I was reminded about this in a dramatic way on Feb. 3rd, and therefore, I want to take every opportunity to encourage others to make this community a better place. How? Continued on page 13

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PAGE 7

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Will my insurance cover the cost of PT? BenchMark accepts most insurance. You can call any clinic to see if your treatment is covered.

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Spring is in the air, and that means that it’s time to think about lawn care. Whether you need help with general lawn care, drainage solutions, or even a custom design feature, In The Mow (ITM) Landscape can take care of your lawn so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.

ITM Landscape got its start back in 2006 when Eric Soles started helping his dad with the lawn maintenance accounts he worked on the side.

What started small with one maintenance crew has steadily grown into a full-service lawn maintenance company that is still family-owned and operated by Eric and his wife, Tori, who joined the team full-time a few years ago. In spite of the economy, the company, with its solid reputation for quality work and excellent customer service, has experienced continued growth over the past eleven years.

When we last checked in with ITM Landscape, they employed two maintenance crews and one installation crew, and had plans to expand further into Gwinnett and Walton counties and the surrounding areas. In March of 2017, they closed on a new building in Lawrenceville and began the process of moving their headquarters from its current location in Loganville. The new facility sits on approximately one acre of land, and includes both office and warehouse space.

The best part is that there’s plenty of room to grow, and ITM Landscape plans to do just that in the coming years. Immediate plans to add an additional part-time Maintenance Crew will allow them to effectively serve more customers from their new facility. In addition to the residential and small commercial projects that have defined their services, they’ve recently taken on some larger commercial projects that include a dental office, and new annual maintenance contracts with a local apartment community.

But ITM doesn’t just work outdoors; they also partner in the classroom with local schools. Eric and Tori’s two sons attend Brookwood Elementary School, so it just makes sense that they work with 4th grade students there, teaching them about Entrepreneurship. In addition, they were thrilled to participate in the Shark Tank contest at Crews Middle School, where students gained practice in preparing and presenting their business plans to real life business owners. And doing what they do best, ITM Landscape has taken on a design project at Brookwood High School, the Soles’ alma mater, to enhance the property around the school.

One thing that has changed over the years is that there’s not much of a slow season anymore.

Even the winter months are busy with property cleanups and installation projects in preparation for the busier spring and summer seasons. With the excitement of the new building to kick-off the 2017 season, the entire team at ITM Landscape is looking forward to continuing their work in the community, and they can’t wait to create even more beautiful outdoor spaces for their clients.

More information at www.itmlandscape.com

ter care. For example, Woods is not only a Doctor of Physical Therapy, but also an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS). Only 5% of the PTs in the US have the OCS designation. Advanced training enables the PTs to provide better care to their patients each and every day.

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Why should I choose BenchMark for my physical therapy?

BenchMark is set apart from other physical therapy clinics because it offers hands-on manual therapy. This, along with their advanced certifications, allows them to provide exceptional care.

BenchMark is also very involved in serving the community. BenchMark desires to make a difference in the lives of others.

If you want to find out more about physical therapy or to find the location nearest you, visit the website below. Appointments are usually available within 48 hours. Extended hours are available by request. Complimentary assessments are available with an appointment.

More information at www.benchmarkpt.com

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 20 years!

All Children are Welcomed at Tucker’s New Cookie Cutters Hair Cuts for Kids

By Heidi Campbell As children enter Tucker’s Cookie Cutters, owned by Bo Crawford, they are wide-eyed and captivated by the colorful indoor playground, the toys, and the televisions. These kids, often fearful of getting a haircut, are quickly won over by the kid-friendly approach of the trained stylists and the excitement of sitting in a fire truck or a princess car while they watch cartoons. Cookie Cutters, which opened on February 14th, is dedicated to the highest level of customer service.

Crawford explains, “As a dad, I’ve learned that kids are very much about experiences. If they have a great experience, they will not stop talking about it. If it is a bad experience, you will never get them to go back. We cater to kids. They choose the chair they want, and the show they want to watch – every kid is unique!”

Cookie Cutters serves kids of all ages, as well as parents who want to make it a one-stop shop.

They offer haircuts, trims, shampoos, braiding, and special event styling with prices ranging from $6.95 for bang trims to $19.95 for a kid cut and shampoo. They offer a unique “Baby’s First Haircut” package for $19.95, which includes the haircut and a frame-worthy certificate documenting the event with a photo and a lock of hair. They use locally crafted hair bows, and stock a wide range of products from shampoos to lice treatments. Crawford says, “All of the products we use, including a vegan line, are designed for kids. We don’t use any chemicals or dyes, with the exception of some kid-friendly spray-in glitter.”

Cookie Cutters is proud of their partnership with Atlanta’s Autism Speaks, which has provided their stylists with training for giving haircuts to kids with sensory issues. Crawford recalls a grandmother who skeptically stopped in with her special needs granddaughter. Much to her amazement, her granddaughter sat for twenty minutes and giggled as Crawford blew bubbles while the stylist cut her hair. “Many kids who come in scared end up not wanting to leave,” says Crawford, “and, whether it is pigtails or a ‘fo-hawk,’ every kid leaves with a style.”

One mom recently came in with her four year old who, after being yelled at by their first stylist, had not had a hair cut in a year. “Her child was petrified,” recalls Crawford. “She saw our new location and decided to give us a try. When we finished with the cut, her son proudly declared, Continued on page 20

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PAGE 9

Highlights from Run the Reagan 2017

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More than 170 volunteers and 1,800 runners came out on February 25, 2017 to participate in the annual Run the Reagan road race in support of three community charities: The Brookwood Schools Foundation, Lilburn Cooperative Ministry, and Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. This year, the number of runners was double the number of 2016 race participants. Dr. Tonya Burnley, a race board member and principal of Gwin Oaks Elementary School in Lawrenceville, attributed the great turnout to the race committee’s efforts of getting local schools involved.

“We invited all the schools in Gwinnett County to participate in Run the Reagan this year. All seven schools in the Brookwood Cluster had a running team participate in the race,” Burnley said, noting that each runner on a school team earned five dollars for his or her school.

In addition to increased school participation, Run the Reagan also kicked up the entertainment a notch from previous years. Local drum lines and cheerleading squads from Berkmar, Grayson, and Brookwood High Schools performed along the course to keep the runners motivated. Power 96.1 and 94.9 The Bull radio stations were alongside the course cheering on participants as well.

Even Chopper, the Gwinnett Braves mascot, made an appearance.

Race volunteers included Shiloh High School HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) manning the water stations; Eastide Hospital providing medical support; Gwinnett County Fire Department welcoming families to the race; and Orange Theory Fitness and Sculpting Results Fitness getting the runners properly warmed up for the race.

This annual family race event offers participation for all levels of runners/walkers, including a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K – all timed events – as well as 5K and 1K untimed fun runs.

Ronald Reagan Parkway closes for the race, and remains closed the entire day, thanks to County Commissioner, Charlotte Nash, so anyone can enjoy bike riding and walking along the parkway.

Prizes were awarded for the Half Marathon first, second, and third place winners and the 5K and 10K overall and top finishers. All half marathon finishers received a commemorative Run the Reagan medal.

After the race, participants and spectators enjoyed a Family Fun Festival with live music, dance contests, moonwalks, food trucks, and a variety of local vendors. “The weather was AMAZING that day, and everyone had a great time!” Burnley, an avid runner herself, said. “We got a ton of positive feedback.”

The board members for Run the Reagan road race included Tonya Burnley, John Allred, Ron Weber – Owner of Dogwood Pizza, Steve Ridley – Community Outreach Minister at Cannon United Methodist, Dwight Harrison, Parks Mann, Michelle Hamilton – CPA at Hamilton Financial, Amanda Soesbe, and Warren Auld, president.

More information at www.runthereagan.net or https://www.facebook.com/runthereagan/

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Our Town

GRAND OPENING M ay 4 , 2 0 1 7 • 4 - 8 pm

SportsTalk with Brookwood Soccer: One Game at a Time

By Dana Harvey Brookwood High School boys soccer team’s road to its fifth state semifinals this season has not been easy, especially after losing seven players from last year’s lineup and opening the season with a tough 2016-2017 schedule. However, the team has shown resiliency in the face of adversity more than half way through the season.

“Having kids who can meet these challenges builds character and ultimately makes them better soccer players and great young men,” said second-year Head Coach and Brookwood Soccer Alum Stephen George.

The Broncos (7-3-1 overall, 2-0 region for games played through March 17th) have responded well thus far by winning seven of their first 11 games, which includes a 3-0 start with wins over Walton, Duluth, and Harrison. A two-game road stint in March against two top 15 ranked Alabama teams yielded a 2-2 tie with Hoover High School and a 3-2 win over Oak Mountain.

Continued on page 21

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The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (GECC) is an organization that serves the businesses and communities of Loganville, Grayson, Snellville, and the surrounding area. Doug Adams is the current president. He owns several small businesses and has been with GECC for six years. Adams is excited to see all the business growth in the cities the organization serves.

The GECC truly helps business owners be part of the community. It is made up of both small businesses and corporate members, so there are a variety of interests represented within the Chamber. The GECC also gives to the local community. In 2016 they were able to donate more than $4,000 to local charities and organizations.

One thing GECC does to foster entrepreneurship in the community is support the City of Snellville’s Shark Tank competition for students at South Gwinnett High School. Students give presentations of business ideas to a panel, with the best ideas receiving money to start up those businesses.

Any business or business owner who joins GECC receives many benefits. A monthly luncheon is held the third Wednesday of the month at Summit Chase Country Club, and a Lunch and Learn is held on the last Wednesday of the month at Snellville City Hall. The Coffee and Commerce, held the last Friday of the month, is an open networking meeting hosted at different members’ locations showcasing their businesses. Members also have online access to training videos covering an array of topics pertaining to business and the issues business owners face.

One of the best things about joining GECC is that everyone is welcomed with great fanfare.

New businesses or businesses that open a new location get a ribbon cutting on site. Even homebased businesses may request a ribbon cutting, which can be hosted at the Chamber’s office in Loganville. Ribbon cuttings are available for any new member who wants one, no matter how long they have been in business. As Adams said, “It doesn’t matter how long you have been in business; you are new to us.” If a member wants to hold a meeting or a seminar, the Chamber’s building is available.

The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce serves its members while remaining community focused at a grassroots level. “The GECC motto is ‘Where Business and Community Meet,’ and with the support we have from our three main cities – Snellville, Grayson, and Loganville – we are able to achieve that goal,” said Adams. “We have a family atmosphere here at GECC with members who care for and support each other,” he added. “That is our culture and that will not change.”

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Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Parkview High School

By Javier Munoz Anita Carver is a wife and mom of three almost grown sons. She is a preschool teacher at Greater Atlanta Christian and a Jesus follower, and she reads, scrapbooks, and watches baseball for fun. She has also served as a NG3 Huddle Leader with the Girls’ Basketball Team at Parkview for the past two years.

Javier Munoz (JM): Why did you decide to volunteer?

Anita Carver (AC): I am completely convinced that God pushed me into volunteering with NG3. As a mom of three boys, the idea of working with a team of girls was completely foreign to me, and, quite honestly, frightening. I worked really hard to convince Javier that I was really not the person he wanted serving in his organization. In the end, neither Javier nor God would take no for an answer. So, weeks after feeling a nudge, and days after a series of meetings, I found myself in a gym with tall, scary teenaged girls.

JM: What is the most memorable experience you have had so far?

AC: There are so many things that just make me smile! A pile of girls’ shoes by my front door, young ladies singing and dancing in my living room, a serious discussion about what being a follower of Jesus really looks like, learning how to take a selfie, a big smile when I arrive in the gym, tears shed over a big loss, hugs when we get together. The most memorable experience is the experience itself.

JM: What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering?

AC: Run-away! We often think of volunteering as something to put on a resume to look good, to impress someone. NG3 is so much more. When I began to really do life with “my girls,” I found that all of our lives were changed for the better. We share hopes and dreams, laughter and tears. I’m still a mom of boys, but I can claim mom of girls now, too.

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i r t B h h da y t 0 5 Celebration

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Make Your Story Count Continued from page 7 By helping people grow and reminding them to love others, to quit focusing on petty things that don’t matter, and to make a difference in the present, which is the only time you know you have.

I challenge you, as I have done to myself, to make your story count. I am so thankful to be here and to be able to write this to you. May God bless each one of you in the months ahead. And, as always, thanks for continuing the journey with me of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Taste of Lilburn Come to the Nash Pavilion in Lilburn City Park Saturday, April 22, 1 pm – 4 pm For $10 try food samples from some of Lilburn’s best eateries.

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PAGE 13

PAGE 14

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Our Town

Chaplain’s Corner: Trust Me on This One

By Dr. Rodrigo Cruz As you can probably guess from my name, I’m not a native from the state of Georgia. However, I was born in the south – the way-way south, as in south of the border of Texas. I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I was a criminal lawyer there until God called me into ministry around eleven years ago.

Living in the United States has been a blessing. Actually, the fact that I am able to speak two languages has been a blessing.

But it has been the source of a lot of work. People think I am a living dictionary. Often people in the grocery store or even in the street will ask me questions like, “How do you say, ‘Good morning,’ ‘God bless you,’ or ‘Have a nice day’ in Spanish?”

A couple of years ago I was talking with some of the kids in church, and I made the statement that I speak Spanish. All of a sudden they started asking me all kind of questions like, “How do you say French fries, Batman, or Sponge Bob?” I was able to impress all the kids until one little boy (because there is always one little kid) asked, “How do you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”

Honestly, I started to think about when I saw the movie Mary Poppins. I didn’t remember the subtitles for that phrase, but the song in Spanish is the same. So, I answered this kid, “Well, you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” He looked at me with the look that only kids can give, and told me, “You don’t speak Spanish,” and he left.

I know you probably don’t know me, and maybe you have no reason to trust me, but I really want to encourage you to trust me on this: “There is hope for this world.”

If you are like me, you will hear on the news that somewhere around the world we have a new war; millions of people are starving to death; the ozone is falling apart; AIDS is killing millions of people; and another person kills for pleasure or hate.

I want to tell you that there is somebody who doesn’t want to see the world like that – who does not want to see more blood that racism can spill, who does not want to see more children in the streets without a mom or dad, who does not want to see people living in hopelessness.

Continued on page 17

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Sports Chat: Spring Middle School Golf League

By Our Town Staff “There’s a great opportunity for local middle school age kids to learn and play golf in really fun way,” says Les Witmer, the new director of the local Middle School Golf League. “Golf can help boost kids’ health and confidence, as well as teach personal skills that will last a lifetime.”

According to Witmer, the league has been in existence in the past, but there are changes coming that will enhance instruction, play, and opportunities to learn the game of golf.

The Middle School Golf League is organized with players registering through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association. They are assigned teams based on middle school attendance, and receive golf shirts with their middle school or feeder high school’s colors. Last year the league had teams representing local middle schools including Baycreek, Couch, Crews, McConnell, and Trickum. Play is at Summit Chase Country Club in Snellville and Cedar Lakes Golf Course in Loganville on Sunday afternoons, and starts in March and runs through May. “A change is that we plan on again team best ball play, but will, as we progress, introduce stroke and individual competition,” added Witmer. “Repeat Middle School Golf League players or the more advanced junior golfer will begin play as team members in the best ball ‘Lauderdale’ format. However, during the first weeks beginning golfers will spend more time becoming more proficient at ball striking and understanding golf; and then take that knowledge onto the golf course.”

Each team has a team “Marshall” who is responsible for team lineups and who supervises the play on the course. Parents are welcome to walk or ride carts along the course as spectators, but must remain on the cart paths.

Accordant to the league director, working with the professional golf pros at the sponsoring golf courses insures a great learning experience for all participants. They also offer lessons and instruction and have junior developmental programs that players may want to sign up for later to continue to expand their game.

More information at http://www.middleschoolgolf.com/

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Advocacy Institute. Mr. Rodriguez is a Cancer Survivor and has been cancer free for 25 years.

Travel Tales: ANN-CAROL PENCE (Associate Producer/Co-Founder) arranged the music for The Nightmares of Online Aurora’s first Christmas CanteenBookings! in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of ower

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By Pam Walker S E Rshe V I C E & R E P A I R she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, In my business, I often hear the laments of travel advisors who created Aurora’s Musicals by who Moonlight, and Rather Aurora’s New Musical Initiative. She deal with clients want to book online. than relying Taz Butler has performed as pianist and/or director both they nationally (Goodspeed Opera on the experience andmusic knowledge of a professional, get Owner online thinking that theyCleveland can save money. Having just returned House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and from a meeting of my peers, the comments were flowing about locally (The Alliance, Theatrical Theatre, The Horizon).

VRBO, Air B N B, andOutfit, other onlineGeorgia sites that seemEnsemble to be the new “darlings” of the traveling public.

(Text) As a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol is most proud of Aurora Theatre winAs travel professionals, we get to hear many stories – or betning the first ever ter Pinnacle Award for experiences Large Non-Profit. well with her 4 said “nightmares” – about encountered by theThis goes Licensed & Insured No Job Too Small everyday traveler who thinks he or she is getting something for Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction for Mary Poppins and Les Misérables, nothing.

Aurora’s world premiere ofexample Clyde Bonnie: A found Folktale, and A Catered Affair and her Take for the’n family of five that a 2-bedroom condo on the Costa Rica for $100 per night!ANot only with Frog & Toad, Annie multiple nominations for In beach the inHeights, Memphis, Year did the bathroom have broken pipes and outdated fixtures, the Getof Your Gun, Godspell, Singin’ in the and A more Chorus smell mildew in the apartment was so bad that the family had toRain move to a much expen- Line. She is a participant sive hotel nearby.

They had to secure two rooms, and the hotel was not on the beach. in this year’s Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute.

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There was also the story of a couple who wanted to rent a car and stay at small hotels in Patagonia.

Everything looked perfect when they started down the road.joined But when Aurora the macadam D.H. MALCOLM, III (General Manager) Theatre part-time in 2007 turned to dirt and then to slippery pebbles, their car slid off the road. They had no idea how to asforthe bookkeeper and business manager for could thegetnew facility. Now in charge of call help in a Spanish speaking country.

When help finally arrived and they back on the road, they lost their way as there are no street or highway markings in many foreign countries. day-to-day operations, D.H. manages the Aurora Theatre budget, spearheads On arrival at their small hotel, their room had been sold to another couple as they were so late in development andended provides theatre getting to the location. They up sleepingthe in their rental car.with sound business advice. His background Then there was the independentfrom traveler Marist who was put in jail in Morocco because of includes graduating School, obtaining a powder BS from Duke University and found in his coat pocket. Local authorities saw a good way to make some extra money as they laterhim anof having MBAdrugs, from Georgia State University. accused even though it was cookie dust from a local vendor.D.H. has extensive management In our modern world, we are confident that we can do it all on the internet.businesses.

It is all right there He serves on the board experience in both entrepreneurial and large in plain sight. But buyer beware. All may not be as it seems. It is always better to rely on the of the Development of the City of Lawrenceville. In his other services of aDowntown professional to make sure your vacation is Authority safe and stress free. life, he isisan avidTravel golfer and a professional club fitter for Callaway Golf. D.H. has two Pam Walker a Virtuoso Advisor and can be reached at Pam@walkeradventures.com

wonderful children, Katie and Cam

Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 15Artistic Director) has been based in the metroJUSTIN ANDERSON (Associate

Atlanta area since and full-time Aurora since There is only one hope for this2009 world. He was born in a reallywith small town.

His mother was aJanuary 2014. Artistic asvirgin.

He had to live in another land because a king was looking for him.

His dad was a carpenter sociations include Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre, and Serenbe Playhouse. and he helped him until he was around 30 years old. He never wrote a book. He never occupied studying directing Rutgers University, Justin the privilege to work aWhile public position.

He was only 33 years oldat when he died between two thieves. Yet, neither had all the kingsAmy of the past, nor allPamela the armies that may come, can provide a hope to the worldDeborah today with Saltz, Berlin, William Carden, and Headwall. He holds as He does.

Mainstreetfirearms@gmail.com aThere BA isina light Theatre Arts from from that can shine in the middleCampbell of any darkness.University His name is Jesus.and Jesus isan the MA only in Theatre Studies One who can provide that hope.

I want to really encourage you to hope in Jesus, no matter how Mainstreetgunsandrange.com Regent University. His work has been seen at regional theatres in the Southeast hopeless your situation may be. Just trust me and trust Him. including Actor's Aurora Theatre, Garage Theatre Company, FantasticFlorida Firearm Training Classes Available If by any chance you don’tExpress, know who Jesus is and you want to findDad's out, I’d love to tell you more about Him...in plain English.

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Community Spotlight: Be Someone, Inc.

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Be Someone, Inc. located in Stone Mountain, is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses chess to get kids to think about the effects of their decisions.

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. As a teen, he joined a gang and started getting into a trouble. A teacher, the only white teacher at an all-black school, determined that Hudson’s life would turn out differently.

He took Hudson aside and taught him to play chess, and Hudson’s life was truly forever changed. He went on to be the first African-American to win the Birmingham City Chess Championship.

Actress Jane Fonda, who wanted someone to come to Atlanta and teach chess to elementary students, found Hudson by contacting the US Chess Federation. Once in Atlanta, Hudson stayed and founded Be Someone, Inc., a mobile program that allows him to take his lifesize chess board and pieces to any school or event in Gwinnett County and the state.

Be Someone’s Win by Choice program uses chess to teach youth the same life lessons Hudson learned through the game. He says there are many ways in which chess parallels life, and after just a few minutes with him, one begins to devise personal lessons by applying the rules and strategies of the game. Hudson says the most important thing you can do is, “Take time to think things through. You can make one move in life and never recover.” Every action has the potential to affect the rest of your life.

Teaching young children chess is easy. They relate to patterns naturally, and are taught to recognize them by their teachers. When Hudson beats fifty-nine students at one time, he is able to further relate to them and what they are already learning by showing how he uses pattern recognition to win.

Hudson’s pattern for winning at chess – and at life – is easy: Plan, Prioritize, Position, and Predict. When you plan and prioritize, you can adjust your own position and predict the movement of others so that you become a prophet and can prosper. He says his biggest focus is to teach youth that they win in life by giving to others. There are too many people in jail and in trouble because they are takers, but no one ever gets arrested for being a giver.

More information at http://www.besomeone.org.

Love and Vets: Lilburn Locals Star in the Latest Cable Reality Show

By Heidi Campbell The National Geographic Wild channel recently aired a new reality show starring a local Lilburn family: The Drapers. The show, which premiered on March 11th, highlights the balance between their busy veterinarian practice and their home life with four active teenagers, ages 13, 15, 17, and 19. The show focuses on animals – everything from rescuing stray cats to treating strange bumps on dogs.

Yet the network artfully blends the Drapers’ love of pets with their love for each other, their family, their team, and their community.

Drs. Will Draper and Fran Tyler Draper were approached a year ago by the Half Yard Production Company who was searching the US for a married couple that worked together as veterinarians. After narrowing down the possibilities, the company selected the Draper family for their new show. “They knew they wanted a major city, and they chose Atlanta because we were here and we have the largest private practice in town,” explained Dr. Will. “They taped us from August through October in our home, at both our Decatur and Stone Mountain Village Vet offices, as well as in our two restaurants – Rivals On Five and Bump’s BBQ.” The premiere of the show, celebrated with a “red carpet” event at Rivals On Five, has been exciting for the Drapers. Jeanna Shiver, their practice coordinator, worked the premiere into Continued on page 22

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PAGE 19

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Pet Perch: The Danger of Foxtails and Your Pet

By Terie Hansen A foxtail is a spikelet or spikelet cluster of a grass that serves to disperse its seeds as a unit. Some grasses that produce a foxtail are themselves called “foxtail” or “spear grass.”

These foxtail-like weed clusters have barbs that when disturbed, fall and work their way into the ground, making it hard for the cluster to come loose from the dirt. The outside part of the cluster also harbors bacteria composed of enzymes that break down cellular matter.

The danger of foxtails (grass awns) in regards to your pets is that this invasive weed commonly embeds itself into the skin, ears, eyes, underbelly, paws, nose – virtually anywhere on your pet.

A foxtail in a dog’s ear can perforate the eardrum. It can lacerate a paw pad, and travel into the limb. They may also get lodged in the throat, particularly behind the tonsils, causing great distress and even infection. Once in a dog’s nose or mouth, a foxtail can even migrate toward the lungs, other internal organs, and the brain! The bacterial enzymes will cause the animal’s hair and tissues to break down, causing infection and abscess. Veterinary procedures including surgery are often necessary to remove a fully-embedded foxtail.

Prevention is the best course of action. Foxtails typically grow at roadsides, fence rows, open fields, mountain trails, vacant lots, and sometimes lawns. Know what the many varieties of foxtails look like (Google “foxtails”) and avoid them when walking your dog.

Depending on the color of your dog or cat’s fur, foxtails can be difficult to spot, so do a thorough check of your pet’s fur after outings, paying close attention to ears, nose, underarms, under their collar, and between paw pads.

If you find a foxtail already beginning to embed itself into your pet, seek veterinary care immediately.

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Cookie Cutters Continued from page 9 Discover How Much Fun A Haircut Can Be! Fun for Kids, Stress Free for Parents

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‘I am no longer scared of haircuts!’ We want parents and kids to feel completely comfortable in here. We understand that kids might squirm or cry, and we will never make any customer feel put out. We strive to be fun for kids and stress free for parents.”

Community involvement is important to Crawford, and his new business has already partnered with Livsey Elementary to help with their PTSA and donate to their April Color Run fundraiser.

They also set up a table and donated free haircuts to a raffle for Mountain Park’s Spring Opening Day on March 11th. Mountain Park Elementary also benefited from their generosity when Cookie Cutters made a donation to their Bingo Night.

With experienced stylists trained to work with all children, Cookie Cutters is an experience kids will remember. “When my wife and I went to our first franchise meeting,” shares Crawford, “we knew this was the one. It was absolutely the right fit.”

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Our Town

Learning Lessons: Strategies for Taking Subjective or Essay Tests

By Carol Chandler-Wood Essay tests are a great way for students to earn grade points since essays are an opportunity to tell everything they know about a subject.

It is essential to understand main ideas and supporting details since essay questions involve major themes and how the facts relate to them.

Use a previously written outline, mind map, or combo notes and recall questions of the main ideas and supporting details from texts and class discussions.

Essay tests require at least one paragraph answers with a focus on the main points and general concepts. However, details must be included to back up, illustrate, or prove the main points.

When taking an essay test: • Read all directions/questions carefully.

• Decide how much time you will spend on each essay.

• Begin with the easiest essay so you will relax, gain confidence, and recall facts.

• Jot pertinent ideas in the margins. Number ideas in the order you plan to use them.

• Begin each answer by restating the question as your lead sentence.

• Use the information you wrote in the margins to write main ideas first. Then fill in supporting details.

• Leave space between answers to go back and add information.

• Reread. Did you answer the question?

• Answer all questions. Be specific. Use relevant facts.

• Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and NEATNESS (it does count).

• Remember, concise, well-organized answers are favored by teachers, which translate into better grades for you!

The following are usually included in essay directions: • Questions that include the words describe, discuss, explain, list, outline, prove, review, and/ or state usually require you to write all the relevant information you know.

• Questions that include these words require you to write specific facts in a specific way: • Compare - Write about the likenesses of the subjects.

• Contrast - Write about the differences only between the subjects.

• Compare and Contract - Write about the likenesses and differences of the subjects.

• Define - Write the meaning of the word or subject given.

• Illustrate - Give examples that would explain, almost draw a picture about the topic.

• Diagram - Draw and label charts, tables, time lines, etc.

• Questions that include the words criticize, evaluate, interpret, and justify require you to write your opinion backed up by facts.

Carol Wood is Owner of Total Learning Concepts. More information at http://www.totallearningconcepts.com/

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Brookwood Soccer Continued from page 11 In region play, the Broncos have posted two wins against Norcross and Meadowcreek. Two of their early losses in February and March came at the hands of the two top teams in Georgia, No. 1 Chattahoochee and No. 2 Peachtree Ridge.

The approach for this year’s team has been hard work.

“This is the way we approach each game and each training session,” said George. “Our goal is to always work harder than our opponent, and our guys have embraced that.”

On the field, Brookwood has quickly filled the void of losing several players with some strong returners who the team looks to for leadership and guidance.

Senior forward Christopher Pulido, the team’s leading scorer, has given the Broncos great production on the offensive end, while the play of senior midfielder Alex Rivera, senior defender Steve Rios, and junior midfielders Michael Neacsu and Angel Guevara has had a major impact on the team. Rios and Rivera were selected as two of Gwinnett County’s Super Six players at the beginning of the season. With this caliber of players, the team is expected to continue the Broncos’ tradition of excellence.

Brookwood will round out its regular season with two games against region foes Parkview at HOME on April 14th and on the road on April 18th against Lakeside in its quest to repeat as region champions. The ultimate goal is to win their second state championship in four years, and they will try to do so one game at a time.

More information at http://www.brookwoodsoccer.com/

Our Town

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

PAGE 21

Love and Vets Continued from page 18 their website, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Their publicist and long-time friend Mara Davis arranged publicity on both HLN and NPR. The National Geographic Wild network has also promoted them, even landing them a spot on the Rachael Ray Show. “It was really exciting!” shared Fran. “They flew us up to New York City, and I even got to go have my hair styled at a Dry Bar!” The Draper family has, for the most part, enjoyed the experience. The kids didn’t always appreciate having to do things over and over, explained Dr. Will, but they were excited about the show once it came out. Fran, perhaps, had the hardest time adjusting to the cameras. “This was a very different experience for me,” she explained. “I really had no idea what we were getting into.

Anyone who knows me, knows that this is out of my comfort zone. I like to be behind the scenes.

Will is the voice that everyone knows. He’s the one who is good at this!”

Dr. Will, however, disagrees with Fran’s opinion of her performance in front of the camera. “She is a natural at this,” he gushed. “She was exactly who she is, and she killed it! She has a very difficult time taking compliments. I mean, someone is going to start a Fran Fan Club! She is the best.”

The crew did a great job, according to the Drapers, of understanding the importance of their family time. They were, by the end of the process, a close-knit group that had a great deal of fun together, even celebrating in the end with comical group photos and cake. Fran was amazed at how accommodating the crew was, especially considering the extent of their project. “It was really interesting to see how they connected the dots. The equipment and the timing of everything were really fascinating!” Fran recalled. “They came in and repainted, changed pictures around, brought in plants, and replaced all the lighting – and all this for a room that is only seen in a flash!”

One scene that the “Love and Vets” leading couple won’t forget was when the crew was filming the Drapers’ as they went over their daily schedule. The director, Dean, mentioned that their schedule was packed and they weren’t getting to spend much time together. He suggested that Will, in the scene, should offer to take time with his wife for lunch or a movie. “When we ran through the scene for the second time,” said Will, “I said, ‘Well, it looks like we have a couple of hours here…’ and I kind of raised my eyebrow. Fran looked at me and said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘You can’t blame a guy for trying!’ We never thought they would put that in the show, and they DID!” When the episode aired, Fran and Will both laughed. “But when Tyler saw it,” shared Fran, “she was like, ‘I can’t believe you said that! I can’t go to school now!’”

Three episodes ran in March. The show not only captures the true love that the family has for each other, but also the masterful way that they juggle their busy lives, finding time to laugh and enjoy those around them.

More information at: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/love-and-vets/

May 23rd @ 6:30pm Snellville City Hall Community Room

Coming to Snellville Towne Green May

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On The Border - Eagles Tribute Band

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Food Truck Friday - 4-8 pm

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Snellville Farmers Market 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Snellville Farmers Market 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Snellville Farmers Market 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

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Rhythm Nation - 5 pm - 7 pm Stephen Lee Band - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm FIREWORKS! 9:30 pm Variety of Food Trucks • Fun & Games

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www.SnellvilleTourism.com PAGE 22

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

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PAGE 23

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