The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine
Our Town
August 2016
Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas
Meet the Team at The Little Gym of Snellville, see story on page 5.
11 15 19 22
One on One with Grayson Farmers’ Market Making A Difference Each Day: Why Not Ministries Focusing on Excellence: Catching Up with Foggy Bottom BBQ Sports Talk: Grayson Athletic Association Lacrosse Program
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Travels Tales: The Nicaraguan Canal By Pam Walker For some time now, the small country of Panama has slowly been creating a canal alongside the original Panama Canal. This new passage would permit today’s huge cargo ships to pass through instead of offloading cargo on the Pacific and bringing goods to the US through the often corrupt countries of Central America and Mexico. The New Panama Canal opened quietly a few weeks ago, and will hopefully bring down the cost of getting goods to the US market. A car shipped from Japan to the East Coast of the US through either of the Panama routes costs thousands of dollars, depending on the size and weight of the transport ship. It was thought that the expanded canal would help reduce costs, but instead it is costing even more. Little known to many of us, the small and very stable country of Nicaragua is building its own canal with the idea of shifting some of that business from Panama to their shores. Construction has begun and the canal is projected to open in 2018. This project was first started by a Spanish explorer who conducted a survey in the 16th century to connect the Pacific with the Atlantic Ocean. Napoleon III dreamed of its completion, and even Cornelius Vanderbilt purchased the rights to create it in the late 1890s. All attempts failed. However, about one year ago, a Chinese investor took over the project. The new canal is going to be three times as wide and twice as deep as the Panama Canal. It will allow ships the size of skyscrapers to pass from one coast to the other. It would also create the largest movement of earth in our planet’s history. The project is still taking baby steps and is being met by many protests as it will cut across some of the most bio-diverse lands in Central America. So for the time being, the Nicaraguan Canal is moving slowly and quietly, trying to keep a low profile on international markets. But if and when it’s completed, it will definitely give the Panama Canal, both old and new, a run for its money! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel consultant and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
Up Close with Stone Mountain Community Center By Michelle Watson
• Attention Deficit Disorder • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Adjustment Disorders • Anger Issues • Anxiety Disorders 4 Generalized Anxiety Disorder 4 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 4 Post-Traumatic Stress disorder
4 Panic Disorder 4 Separation Anxiety Disorder 4 Social Anxiety Disorder • Bipolar/Mood Disorders • Depressive Disorders 4 Major Depressive Disorder 4 Post-Partum Depression 4 Seasonal Affective Disorder 4 Situational Depression • Disruptive Disorders 4 Conduct Disorder 4 Oppositional Defiant Disorder • Grief Counseling • Personality Disorders • Phobias • Schizophrenia & other Psychotic Disorders • Self-Esteem • Stress Management • Mood Disorder
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Stone Mountain Community Center is located at 5370 Stone Mountain Hwy in Stone Mountain at the far end of the Stone Mountain Square shopping center. It serves the commu1. Outpatient services for children, adolescents and nity of Grayson and Loganville in addition to areas closer to it. Debra Adams and Chris Hales adults include: co-founded the community center to breathe life back into the local business area and to bring • Comprehensive Psychiatric Diagnostic Assessments the community members together. Adams believes unity can be put back into a community if people band together and help each other. • Follow-Up Psychiatric Assessments Adams had previously been involved in outreach ministry with her former church, where they • Medication Education and Management Services had a vision for offering services on a larger scale, and of giving children and adults a safe place • Individual/Family/Group Psychotherapy to learn and grow. She left her job in insurance to follow the calling she felt in her heart. Hales • Referrals to other health care professionals had been in construction and felt called to join Adams in this new venture. Hales’ expertise can • Bariatric Surgery Assessments be seen throughout the building as changes have been made to walls and rooms to accommodate 2. Inpatient/Hospital Services the vision of the Center. 3. Consultation Services Stone Mountain Community Center offers something of interest for everyone. Upon entering, there is a snack shop to the right where students can buy after-school snacks. On the left, • Behavioral Health Consultations to Employers there is a small conference room that is available for rent. There is a business center with com• Employee Assistance Program Services puters for student use, and one large multi-purpose room, called The D’borah, that is also avail• Tele-Psychiatry Services to the State of Georgia able for rent. The D’borah has a stage for plays and a large floor for parties, and houses church various Behavioral Health Agencies. services every Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. In other multi-purpose rooms, dance and art classes are offered. The facility also offers a huge gym which allows for basketball play and an open gym for youth and adults on the weekends from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.M.D. There is also an indoor pool. Mehmood Mehdi, The Center has a vision of empowering youth and adults. Anyone from ages 5 to 95 can find Board Certified Psychiatrist something of interest to do there. Drama, art, science, and other clubs are available for the kids, as well as kickball and flag football. There are basketball tournaments, karate, body sculpting, and workout Wednesday classes, and there is a mentoring program and college prep tutoring for those preparing for the SAT or ACT. Parents can be assured that their children are in a safe and loving environment. An on-site Board Certified Psychiatrist 367 Athens Hwy Ste 1050company is available for all events. A behavior health provider will soon be on-site to security Loganville, GA 30052 www.neurobehavior.net offer services to those who need them. 770-554-2999 367 Athens Hwy Ste 1050, Loganville, GA 30052 OfficeThe Community Center is more than a gathering place. It is a ministry. Adams says, “God Faxhas a higher calling in what we do. This is supposed to be a place of love, laughter and fun.” 770-554-2999 Office • 678-353-6979678-353-6979 Fax More information at www.stonemountaincc.org. www.neurobehavior.net
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On the Cover: The Little Gym of Snellville Builds Self-esteem and Confidence One Class at a Time By Heidi Campbell The Little Gym of Snellville owners Tammy and Paul Mazurkiewicz did not set out to run a children’s gym. Tammy spent twenty-five years commuting seventy miles roundtrip to her job at a print finishing company, and Paul worked as a financial advisor. When the couple had their two daughters, Catherine, now 20, and Amanda, now 16, Paul decided to become a stay-at-home dad. “That’s when I realized that kids are pretty cool!” he reminisces. Paul explains that being a customer at The Little Gym is what inspired them to go into the business. “Our four-year-old Catherine was extremely shy,” he begins. “One night, while watching gymnastics on TV, she said, ‘I want to do that!’ We visited several gyms, but they were not what we were looking for. They were high pressure, there was a lot of yelling at the kids, and none of the parents seemed happy. Once we joined The Little Gym in Lawrenceville, where there was no judging and no pressure, Catherine came out of her shell; she truly blossomed! That’s when we realized we wanted to open a franchise.” In March of 2004, Paul and Tammy opened The Little Gym, originally in Lilburn, and currently in the Shoppes at Webb Gin. Their instructors and program directors are well qualified – most with early education or gymnastics experience – to handle the nearly 600 kids that come through their doors each week. “Our instructors are all service-minded,” explains Paul. “They have to have a giving attitude and love
all children. Our program welcomes all kids – those who are on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and those needing occupational and physical therapies.” The Little Gym of Snellville offers a variety of classes for kids beginning with infants all the way through age twelve. Their day and evening classes, scheduled seven days a week, are affordable: $76.00 is the no-contract monthly fee for once a week classes. Boys and girls of all ability levels are invited to enjoy the non-competitive, skills-based classes, including tap dance, ballet, Kindermusik, and gymnastics. They also offer a unique sport skills class where kids learn hand, eye, and foot coordination in preparation for organized sports such as football, tennis, soccer, hockey, and baseball. “The kids spend time working on hitting targets and learning body awareness, control, and flexibility,” explains Paul. “We work to grow confidence and self-esteem in our kids, and they take it with them!” Kindermusik partners with The Little Gym to offer five to six classes per week for kids ranging from infancy to three years old. These classes work to build rhythm and listening skills. Kenzey, the music director, was thrilled to recently work with twelve-week-old twin babies. “They [the babies] listen and take it all in,” Kenzey explains. “Moms do group dancing with the babies, we create rhythms, and we work on depth
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perception with our brightly colored instruments. Moms love the time with their babies and often make play dates with other moms!” Aside from the regular classes, The Little Gym also has several other popular programs. They sell out birthday parties every weekend, host a monthly “Parent’s Night Out,” and offer camps in the summer and during holiday weeks. During the school year, they also have a Wonder Kids Club, a three-hour, one day a week “Introduction to Pre-K” class for three and four year olds, where the kids not only get to take gymnastics, but they get to develop fine motor skills, coloring, and work with letters and numbers. “Our kids get a great beginning Continued on page 18
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Our Town The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Inc. Company
Let Your Smile Shine!
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Distribution Coordinator Ellen Sawtelle Web Development Webkat Design Feature Writers Daidra Annis Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Tony Socci Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Feature photographer Anthony R. Socci Contributing Writers
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Entire contents copyright 2016 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton 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.
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4 Travels Tales: The Nicaraguan Canal 4 Up Close with Stone Mountain Community Center 5 On the Cover: The Little Gym of Snellville Builds Self-esteem and Confidence One Class at a Time 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 7 Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Archer High School 8 Catching up with Dr. Pruni: Our Local American Ninja Warrior 9 The Soles Are Always Improving ITM Landscaping 10 Reader Recommendations: TOP 5 Reads for Summer Entertainment 11 Words of Wisdom: Insights for Young Parents 11 One on One with Grayson Farmers’ Market 12 Photos and Hometown Stars from the Grayson Spring Green Festival 15 Making A Difference Each Day: Why Not Ministries 16 Getting Local with Loganville: Action-Packed Events 16 Community Spotlight: Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre 19 Focusing on Excellence: Catching Up with Foggy Bottom BBQ 20 Travel Tips: If Perfection Were an Orange 21 Fitness Foundations: Active Kids = Active Minds 22 Sports Talk: Grayson Athletic Association Lacrosse Program
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From the Publisher:
AUG Love your lawn, all year long.
One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
I love people and love our community. This is one of the reasons I enjoy being involved with this magazine. We continue to see little but great division everywhere we look. If you watch traditional news, it is hard to miss information designed to make us anxious, less trusting, mad, frustrated, angry, divided, and scared. If you watch such news (and how can you miss it), you’re shown a world that looks out of control and about to combust. If I did not know better, I would think there weren’t any good, loving, and caring people left in our world. And, I might think everyone has either given up or lost hope, and/or is frustrated beyond repair. But let me tell you something. Yes, we do have a lot that I grieve over. The senseless killings we have seen in recent weeks and months make me sick. Terrorism and no concern for life make me ill as well. Moreover, the “blanket judgement” of people based upon their skin color, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, creed, gender, etc. is something that deeply bothers me. I seek unification not division. I desire peace, love, harmony, laughter and a better world for my children and future grandchildren. A Bible verse speaks to me on this subject. In John 14:27 Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” This Scripture comforts me. You see, Our Town community, we are simply a microcosm of all that is happening around the world. Right here in our own communities we all have our opinions, beliefs, values, and worldview. You know UNTIE (coming undone) and UNITE (coming together) are not that different. Thus, I challenge each of us to focus on what unites us, not divides us. We are all human beings. We are all here for a short time on this earth. We are all made of flesh and blood. There are so many wonderful things going on around the world that are never covered, but that is for another time. In the Our Town community we have amazing people doing incredible things to make our community better. We have super families, great schools, wonderful parks, and people of integrity and character. Our diversity is one we embrace and one that makes us stronger. Let’s continue doing what has made us one of the best communities in this country, and then… stretch some more… to become even better. Let’s love more and criticize less. Let’s work to find common ground with others we may not know or understand. If we start with a couple of things we share in common, then relationships can blossom and great things will happen. Together we can let the Our Town community be the model that other cities talk about and learn from. We need to deeply care about each person we come in contact with. Will you help me to challenge others to think of ways to build our community, to become even better, to refrain from criticism, and to focus on solutions? Remember, every human has emotions: joy, love, anger, frustration, anxiousness. It is what makes us human. Together we can make a difference and build stronger bridges of understanding between one another. I could not be more proud of where I work, play, worship, fellowship, and live. People need encouragement and are eager to hear a kind word. People need to laugh and want to smile. Let’s make August – as summer ends and school begins – an amazing month as a symbol of hope and love to all. I am so glad you are with me as we continue the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Will Bearden of Archer High School By Matt Williams, NG3 President NG3 is a non-profit that offers relationally driven character development and chaplain services to high school athletes. We believe that change comes through relationships, and those relationships take time and effort. In this and other upcoming articles, we will highlight some of the people who are involved with our organization. NG3 Student Spotlight on Will Bearden of Archer High School 1. What does NG3 mean to you? NG3 to me means an opportunity for students to serve others in their community, as well as to build relationships with great people. They provide character development, mentorship, and spiritual guidance that is unmatched in today’s world. NG3 has opened-doors, connected people, and changed the lives of so many students and adults, including mine, and I am honored to be a part of such an incredible organization. Continued on page 21
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Catching up with Dr. Pruni: Our Local American Ninja Warrior By: Rachael Brice What is fitness? According to the founder of Crossfit, Greg Glassman, fitness consists of ten key aspects: cardio and respiratory endurance, strength, speed, stamina, power, coordination, agility, balance, flexibility, and accuracy. Glassman believes if you do not possess each of these facets, then by definition, you are not fit. Dr. Robert Pruni, DC, DACRB, CCSP, CPT and CFL1 also accepts this definition of fitness and teaches these ten aspects every day at CrossFit Lilburn, the only CrossFit facility in the country that houses a full three-stage Ninja Warrior obstacle course, which is now the largest CrossFit/Ninja gym in the United States. Dr. Pruni has been busy since we last caught up with him. He competed in seasons 5 and 6 of American Ninja Warrior (ANW) and submitted his application and video to compete in season 7 when, regrettably, he broke his neck. However, nothing can keep Dr. Pruni down for long. A few months later he traveled to Orlando to test the obstacles used in season 7, leading him to submit his audition tape for season 8. Additionally, Dr. Pruni and his team added many more obstacles to the Ninja portion of the gym and hosted its fifth ANW competition, which was attended by more than 300 Ninjas. This competition was particularly special because it was a part of the newly formed National Ninja League (NNL), a nonprofit formed by a collection of the nation’s top Ninja facilities whose goal is to promote Ninja obstacle courses across America. Roughly 60,000 Ninjas submit a video for their shot at the coveted title of American Ninja Warrior, but only 600 to 700 make it to the first round of competition. So what do the other 59,400 Ninjas do who don’t make the cut? They join the NNL and run various obstacle courses across the country to stay in shape and ensure they’re at the top of their game. “The goal,” Pruni said, “is to get these Ninjas to become sponsored athletes and make them true Ninja pros.” Pruni and the NNL team are currently working to obtain sponsorships for some of these Ninjas so they can become true professionals and get paid to compete. They are also working to expand the league and establish more Ninja gyms in the central states of the country, as most of the gyms are predominately located in the Northeast. “The Northeast generates more Ninjas than any other part of the U.S,” Pruni said. His NinjaKour gym is one of two in the Southeast. Not only is Pruni a Ninja, he also practices medicine full time as a chiropractor, rightly earning himself the nickname, “Doc Ninja.” Besides providing relief for his patients, he also provides care to other Ninjas he competes against. “I want them to be in the best possible shape when I kick their butt,” Pruni said. Pruni and his team have also started a kid Ninja program, which allows children and young adults, ages six to sixteen, to learn the different Ninja obstacles while having fun and getting in shape. When students master an obstacle, they move up in ranks, which range from Level 1 to Level 10. Pruni said if a student is good, he pushes them to enter competitions and join the NNL to compete professionally. “It’s a win-win situation,” Pruni said. “Too many times I’ve seen parents coming to the gym to train but leave their kids sitting in the lobby sipping on Mountain Dew, playing video games, or watching a movie. Now both parents and kids can exercise at the same time and have fun while doing it.” Pruni and his team now host Ninja Birthday Parties. He provides balloons, paper products, and the venue, and gives party guests a true Ninja experience by allowing them to try out the obstacles. Pruni can host up to four parties on a given Saturday, and each party runs ninety minutes booked every two hours. As a full-time husband and dad of four – and when he isn’t breaking a sweat at the gym or caring for his patients – Pruni can be found spending time with his family. He considers himself lucky to have such a strong support system both in and out of the gym. More information at http://crossfitlilburn678.com/ or http://ninjakour.ninja/.
PAGE 8
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Tori and Eric Soles, the owners of In the Mow (ITM) Landscape Managment, met while they were students at Brookwood High School. Years later, after both graduK-8th Grade ~ Serving Families Since 1986 K-8th Grade ~ Serving Families Since 1986 K-8th Grade – Serving Families Since 1986 ated from college, they mar791 Tom Smith Road • Lilburn, GA 30047 791 Tom Smith Road • K-8th Lilburn,Grade GA 30047 ~ Serving Since 1986 791 Tom Smith RoadFamilies • Lilburn, GA 30047 ried. Tori, an MBA, worked 770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org 770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org 791 Tom Smith Road ••Lilburn, GA 30047 770-381-0557 www.sjnrcs.org for the Atlanta Ballet in Arts 770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org Management, and Eric worked in marketing for Enterprise Car Rental. By 2006, Eric knew that he was ready to do something different. Tori and Eric, along with Eric’s Hours: father, Eddie, decided to take a Sun. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm chance and change the course of their lives. “I was looking to own my own company. I wanted Fri. - Sat. 11am - 11pm fate in my own hands. I wanted to have control of where things went, and I went into this thinking it would be easy,” admits Eric. Visit us on Facebook! 706 Grayson Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 The couple quickly realized that owning their own business required hard work and dedication. They’ve grown the business steadily, now employing two maintenance crews and one Between Sugarloaf & Hwy. 124 Across from the BP installation crew, but they worked seven days a week to make it through some weak economic times. “We felt that if we set it up right and persevered, we would be okay,” says Tori, who now works full time for ITM to handle the bookkeeping and HR side of the business. Perhaps the hardest times for this family-owned business struck last year, when Eric was diagnosed with cancer. It was during this time that Tori came on board full time, and Eddie, Eric’s father, came back from retirement to help out. “It was hard,” shares Eric. “I had to rely on great friends and family. In this business, it’s hard to be sick because no one is going to pay you to ‘not work.’ Getting through the cancer has given me a new lease on how we will move our business forward.” Abel Gonzalez, Executive Chef Now that he is back to work full time, Eric feels that he is even better able to run his company. “Going through this in my 30s has given me perspective, and made me more empathetic toward • FREE Wi-Fi others,” he explains. “Work is not a burden to me these days, it’s a privilege. I get to mix art with • Let Us Cater Your business. I get to work outside every day and not in a cubicle!” Next Party Or Event! The “art” that Eric mentions makes up half of their business, and includes the amazing instalLunch Specials lation projects that they do to transform lawns with landscape renovation, yard and flower bed starting at $5.49! designs, outdoor lighting, patios, and waterfalls. Aside from regular commercial and residential lawn maintenance, their business also helps people solve problems as they are able to fix irrigaMon. - Fri. 11am - 3pm tion issues, maintain drainage and erosion control, repair sinkholes, and build retaining walls. Their prices are consistent with other companies, with lawn services starting at $200 a month. Voted ITM is committed to putting customer service above all else. In 2012, they welcomed their www.FridasMexicanRestaurant@live.com “Best of Operations Manager, James Bolich, who is instrumental in sales, bids, routing, crew managewww.fridas-restaurant.com Gwinnett” ment, and overall operations. As a team, ITM schedules appointments to ensure their complete understanding of their clients’ needs, they work within budgets, they provide estimates, and they strive to bestow the best customer service in the industry. “We get lots of calls to ‘fix’ the work of other companies,” shares Eric. “We put everything into our clients, so even though another company may come in $5.00 cheaper, all products are not equal. Service is what we do!” ITM utilizes a unique business model for their employees. Pay is based on commission which ensures that their crews are highly motivated to keep the customers happy. It also allows the Purchase of $35 or more Purchase of $25 or more crews to seek out new clients in order to raise their paychecks. The company continually seeks new ways to recognize the outstanding work of their employees, and plans to add retirement benefits and possible summertime bonuses. “I have come to understand my role as a business owner,” explains Eric, “as part coach, part business owner, part motivator. I want to do well by my clients and my employees. We are a company with heart behind it.” The company plans to expand their business in both Gwinnett and Walton counties, as well as into the North Decatur and Tucker areas and beyond for installation projects. They approach each year with the goal of improving their business and making each year a little better than the last. As ITM approaches its tenth anniversary, the Soles are thrilled with the lives they’ve Not Valid on Fridays • Dine in Only Not Valid on Fridays • Dine in Only created. With two boys, ages six and nine, Tori says, “I enjoy helping our clients and taking on the challenges of a competitive market. ITM landscaping has really met our needs as a family. Alcohol excluded. Cannot be combined with other Alcohol excluded. Cannot be combined with other I’m grateful to be able to be a mom, and work our business.” offers. Not valid with specials featuring the same offers. Not valid with specials featuring the same
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Reader Recommendations: TOP 5 Reads for Summer Entertainment By Heidi Campbell I love to read. There is nothing more relaxing than finding a quiet spot – a hammock, a beach chair, or a comfy sofa – and delving into a good book. Summer time is the best time to become engrossed in the books that have been stacking up next to the bed. Here is a list of my TOP 5 “must reads” for your last month or so of summer.
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Beach Music by the late Pat Conroy. This novel takes the reader from South Carolina to Rome, and weaves in harrowing Holocaust history to make it an important and unforgettable read. Conroy is not only descriptive and brilliant, but he weaves a story that entwines history, backstory, and Southern charm. If you want to start out with a shorter taste, I recommend his novel The Water is Wide, which is a memoir (although it is sometimes listed as a novel) about his arduous teaching experience off the coast of South Carolina on an island he refers to as “Yamacraw.” Most people recognize Conroy from his two most popular novels, Lords of Discipline (a powerful film about his experience at the Citadel) or The Prince of Tides, which was made into a film starring Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. This book’s heroine, alone and resourceful, will move and inspire most readers. Don’t be deceived by the title. This story has a little bit of everything: grit, humor, passion, and gut-wrenching sadness. It is a story told from the world’s loners, people who speak a special language – a language of flowers, which dates back to the Victorian Age – a language only understood by a few. This is a beautiful read. Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen. This author has got to be one of the most intelligent, smart, and hysterical writers of our time. His novels, over twenty-five at my last count, are pure pleasure. Sick Puppy is the story of an “eco-terrorist” who uncovers a huge scandal when he attempts to “punish” a guy who throws trash on the highway. With quirky characters, exciting twists, and always an underlying “cause,” Hiaasen’s novels are more than highly entertaining. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker (and its sequel A Well-Tempered Heart). These are two powerful novels. The story is set in Burma, and takes the reader back in time to an amazing tale of human endurance, love, and passion. The characters are unforgettable. In the first novel, main character Julia travels to Burma from NYC to find her father. She uncovers his early life story, and meets unforgettable characters. The sequel also takes the reader back to Burma, and pulls perhaps even tighter on the heartstrings. The State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. This tale is set in the rainforest of the Amazon. Patchett crafts a plot full of unforeseen twists while questioning morality at every turn. The danger in the bug-infested Amazon creates a backdrop where science meets tribal cultures, and the reader experiences everything through the vivid descriptions of the main character. If you enjoy these books and/or have other book suggestions please email Info@EndResultz.com
PAGE 10
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Words of Wisdom: Insights for Young Parents
One on One with Grayson Farmers’ Market
By Ann Weeks
By Daidra Annis
Over the past ten years as I manage my childcare center, my own home, and personal and business relationships, I find that I “hear” the words of wisdom my grandparents and parents recited to me when I was a child, teen, young woman, and mother. How often did you hear an adult relative say, “You learn something new every day”? EVERY day I learn something new. I have very creative teachers who live by those words, as demonstrated in their lesson plans for the children, the bugs they collect on the playground, the activities, and the one-on-one moments with a child throughout the day. You, too, can learn something every day. My father liked to say, “It is not a mistake if you don’t do it again.” I have said that to myself after I have managed a crisis or situation that did not go as well as I had hoped. I have said, “I won’t do that again!” When the next crisis occurs, I have a plan in mind that is a better and much more effective and positive. We teach the same concept to the children! We can learn from our mistakes. Young children need frequent reminders. You, too, can learn from your mistakes. The saying “older and wiser” applies to me as well. I have been around for over half a century. My life experiences have shaped my attitude, my outlook, my approach to others, and my roles in life. My staff seems to recognize this, and I find myself having very personal conversations with them once in a while. I have been given the name Nana Anna because they feel like I treat them as would a grandmother! When I am in that role, I recall my own grandmothers. I remember how safe I felt after I received a hug from mine, so I offer hugs. I request hugs, too. You, too, will become wiser as you get older. The saying “If momma is not happy, no one is happy” is true, too. However, as a “momma” you are responsible for your own happiness. As a young mother, teaching your children to respect authority, to be responsible for their own actions, to follow the rules, to maintain proper nutrition, and to get a good night’s sleep are parental responsibilities. Imagine what your children see and hear as they are strapped safely into their car seat. Now, imagine your child as a Continued on page 18
The folks in Grayson are always inviting you to “Get Into Grayson,” and Wednesday nights during the summer are no exception! Head over to Grayson Park and you’ll find the Grayson Farmers’ Market in full swing! Grayson Community Development Director Gail Lane earned her Farmers’ Market “wings” as a volunteer in the early days of the Snellville Farmers’ Market. With that experience, it made sense for her to take the reins when it came time for Grayson to host its own market. Along with Sylvia Still, Gail coordinates all aspects of the Market, and thanks to their guidance, the Market runs seamlessly each and every Wednesday throughout the summer months and into the fall. Providing variety and a vibrant selling environment, the Market consistently offers 25-30 vendors each week. This model has worked well since the Market opened five seasons ago. All booths feature locally-sourced products with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, natural products, and artisan breads. Non-profit booths that benefit the community, like the Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary, the Gwinnett Extension Service, and the Gwinnett County Public Library, are always welcome. The Market is more than just food, though. It truly is a Wednesday night destination with something for the whole family, and four-legged friends are welcome, too! The playgrounds at Grayson Park provide endless entertainment for the youngest patrons, and food vendors – whether in a booth or in a truck – are on hand to provide delicious dinner options. Live music can often be heard as part of the evening’s festivities. The Market has also been the site for fundraisers for the Grayson High School Drum Line and a girl’s Lacrosse team, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a Hula Hoop contest or an intense hopscotch competition! For the 2016 season, the Grayson Farmers’ Market will be open every Wednesday through September 28th, from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. They always have room for vendors, and would love to have you for the season! The Market has a very active Facebook page that includes inspiring Continued on page 18
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Photos and Hometown Stars from the
2016 Grayson Spring Green Festival
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Making A Difference Each Day: Why Not Ministries By Tony Socci What do you get when a girl is born in Nebraska, is raised in Florida, and moves to Georgia? You get Lorie McBride, of course, who teaches English as a second language at Cedar Hill Elementary School on Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville. Lorie majored in elementary education with a minor in Bible at Lee University in Tennessee. She earned a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. As satisfying as teaching is to Lorie, she felt a need for something in addition to her work at Cedar Hill. She turned to prayer, and the answer came through many of her friends. Lorie realized that most of them were very hard working single parents with more than one job, but who were still unable to get out of being “just over broke.” Typically, an emergency such as an auto repair or a child getting sick would trigger depletion of any financial reserves the single parents happened to accrue. For many, it became a monthly choice as to which bills would be paid on time and which bills would be late. Lorie began a single parent fellowship at Life Church International, which put her in contact with more needy single parents. Her desire to assist her friends and to be sure children had safe, stable housing, led to the start of Why Not Ministries. Why not give financial aid to single parents in need? Why not give a homeless mother and child the chance to get off the streets and into a warm bed? Why not assist a family facing eviction to stay in their home? Why not give a single mother and child the deposit that would enable them to rent a home? Why not give a hand up instead of a handout? Some of the families Why Not Ministries has helped include a mom and her son who were abandoned at a motel with no transportation or money; a mother who faced eviction because she had quit her job to take care of her daughter who had cancer; a mother who just got a job but needed money for an apartment deposit in order to move out of the hotel they had been staying in; and a mom who needed help so she didn’t have to return to an abusive relationship in order to
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provide shelter for her daughter. Funding for Lorie McBride’s wonderful work comes from private donations, fund raisers, and Life Church International. Why Not Ministries is staffed by fifty to seventy-five unpaid volunteers. The need for assistance is so great that it can be, at times, overwhelming. Mostly single parent women seek assistance, but Why Not Ministries has helped single parent men as well. Recipients of assistance have ranged in age from 18 years up to grandparents. You can make the dream of shelter real for homeless single parents by joining Why Not Ministries at their Dream Dash 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run at Shorty Howell Park in Duluth. The race will begin at 8 a.m. on August 20th, and all proceeds help provide shelter for homeless and nearly homeless single parent families. Register today at https://www.runsignup.com/Race/GA/ Duluth/whynot5K. Not a runner? You can sponsor someone else by registering as a phantom runner. More information at whynotministries@yahoo.com or www.helpsingleparents.com
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The Enchanted Forest
Getting Local with Loganville: Action-Packed Events By Macrae Brennan-Fuller
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The City of Loganville is excited to announce more of (August and beyond) its 2016 events lineup, which positions Loganville as a tourism destination for festival-goers, music lovers, automotive enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages. Be sure and enjoy all this great city has to offer in the coming months. The City will continue to turn up the heat in August with The Embers at Groovin’ on the Green Friday, Aug. 19th. As early fall approaches it brings with it a few additional opportunities for family fun before the leaves change and colder weather arrives. In September, the Haley and Alexis Band will take Loganville’s Groovin’ on the Green stage on Friday, Sept. 16th. Autumn Fest returns to Downtown Loganville on Saturday, Oct. 15th. Festival-goers of all ages will not want to miss this exciting event, which will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and features a variety of craft vendors, food and children’s activities. October’s cooler weather will not deter residents from relaxing with their blankets on Friday, Oct. 21st at this year’s final Groovin’ on the Green with popular country music recording artist and Loganville native Jordan Rager, who will take the stage at 8 p.m. Opening act Pressley Sullivan will begin at 7 p.m. In November, the City will host a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11th at 11 a.m. on the City Hall lawn to celebrate our military service men and women, who selflessly sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms at home and abroad. The 2016 events season will wind down as the winter holidays approach, with the Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 25th at 6 p.m. on the Town Green, and the Christmas Parade along Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 3rd at 6 p.m. So stay connected as there is a ton of stuff happening in the months ahead. More information at www.loganvilleevents.com.
Community Spotlight: Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre By Tony Socci
One of the unique features of the Aurora Theatre is that it offers productions in Spanish with English supertitles. The intent is to reach across linguistic and cultural barriers to bring professional theatre to Georgia’s diverse community. Teatro Aurora has produced 4000 Miles (2015), Las Mujeres Verdaderas Tienen Curvas (Real Women Have Curves) (2015), Mariela in the Desert (2014), Noche de Velas (Night of the Candles)(2014), and Driving Miss Daisy (2014). The very first Aurora Theatre spread its wings and found flight in 1996 in a converted hardware store north of Atlanta in the city of Duluth. Aurora’s excellent programing did not go unnoticed. Lawrenceville realized the positive economic impact of a professional theatre, and extended an invitation to move Aurora’s headquarters and production facilities there. The invitation was the cornerstone for Lawrenceville’s revitalization plans, and a unique partnership of city government, private development, and not-for-profit charity saw the purchase of a 100-year-old church. In May of 2007, and $7.5 million dollars later, the new facility opened with two performance spaces producing more than six hundred annual events. Over 4,600 patrons have purchased season tickets, and now in their twentieth season, over 70,000 visitors are entertained yearly. The Aurora Theatre has become the largest arts organization in Gwinnett County and is the most rapidly growing venue of this sort in the state of Georgia. In 2009, the Aurora accepted the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s first Pinnacle Small Business Award for a non-profit organization. Credit must be given to the vision and artistic leadership of founders Anthony Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence who serve as artistic directors. Thanks to Anthony and Ann-Carol, the Aurora Theatre was named the Best Theatre Company in Atlanta in 2010 by Creative Loafing. More recent accolades came from Georgia Trend Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, who Continued on page 20
PAGE 16
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The Little Gym Continued from page 5
Grayson Farmers’ Market Continued from page 11
here, they build their confidence, and go on to do great things,” Paul reveals. “One of our former boys went on to work as a trapeze artist in the circus, and another young lady is now singing the National Anthem at major sporting events. Several gymnasts have gone on to traditional gyms where their coaches have been impressed with their great skills.” The Little Gym, as Paul says, “…is a springboard to life’s successes.” He recalls one kid who was struggling on his baseball team. He lacked coordination and was perpetually striking out. Additionally, he was left out of spend the night parties and was frequently ostracized by his team. His parents brought him in to not only work on his sports skills, but to also grow his confidence and self-esteem. “He spent the entire school year in our program,” recalls Paul. “The next year, his dad came in and told us that he was back on the baseball team. His dad leaned against my desk and cried. His son had the highest batting average and everyone wanted him on the team. The only change the parents made was sending him to The Little Gym. We changed this kid’s life.” More information at www.thelittlegym.com/SnellvilleGA/Classes
recipes for its visitors. You can often find “What’s fresh next week” to give you an idea of what items will be available for the following week, as well as the ingredients needed to make the featured recipes. More information at https://www.facebook.com/GraysonFarmersMarket/
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Words of Wisdom for Young Parents Continued from page 11 teen behind the wheel of the car on their first “solo.” Ask yourself about the example you have set for them. Do you follow the rules of the road? Do you drive too fast, text, or fuss and cuss at other drivers? “It is never too late” to be a better parent, spouse, teacher, boss, or friend! “It is never too late” to set a good example and to guide your child to grow up to be someone you are proud to call your own. You, too, will be happy you paid attention to the “words of wisdom.” Ann Weeks is Owner of Five Forks Academy. More information at www.fiveforksacademy.com
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Focusing on Excellence: Catching Up with Foggy Bottom BBQ By Karla Socci Somers
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“I believe you actually build a barbecue plate,” Stacy Wilson, the owner of Foggy Bottom BBQ in Loganville, says. “I have learned that from many of my mentors. You don’t just cook a piece of meat and throw it on a bun.” After two-plus years in the restaurant business, Wilson and his partner Phillip Folsom • Pilates Let us help you become • Senior Classes have earned numerous awards and learned a few new things. But their core values of serving fresh, authentic barbecue with exceptional customer service are essential to their goal of becoma happier & healthier YOU! • Barre Classes ing the best barbecue restaurant in the area. u Barre u Massage u Yoga “People drive from all over Atlanta to come see us,” Wilson says. “People will drive for good, Now Offering authentic barbecue.” Foggy Bottom recently received the 2016 Certificate of Excellence from u Circuit Training u Pilates Class Membe rships! TripAdvisor, based on the number of positive reviews the restaurant has received. u Nutrition Counseling According to Wilson, authentic barbecue begins with a quality piece of meat, wood for smoking it, rub or spices applied to the meat, and the cooking process of time and temperature. “You should be able to taste the star of the show – the meat,” he says. “Sauce is up to the customer, but One-on-One Individualized Care... the meat should stand on its own with the perfect balance of flavors from the process.” for All Your Three sauces, including vinegar, mustard, and sweet flavors, are made in-house to complePhysical Therapy Needs! ment the meat. Based on personal preference, customers choose the flavor profile “that should take you back to your childhood memories,” Wilson says. In addition to his authentic cooking techniques, Wilson models his restaurant protocol after Chick-fil-A. Like the favorite chicken chain, Foggy Bottom strives to be active in and supportive Locally 20 Grayson New Hope Rd., Grayson of the community by sponsoring local schools, churches, businesses, and charity events. They Owned are closed on Sundays, and their philosophy includes making sure the customer has a positive & Operated overall experience, from the welcoming atmosphere, to the food, to the friendly people who Since 2001 serve it. “People are coming to our house to eat, and we need to host them in that manner,” Locally Owned & 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. • Suite C • Grayson 770-682-3854 Wilson says. Operated Since 2001 Wilson also believes in sharing his techniques with all those who ask. People love to talk about barbecue because it is “a very personal experience,” and he is happy to share how Foggy Bottom does it. This past year the restaurant offered a free “how-to” series of classes. They set up a smoker and a tent outside the restaurant where people attended barbecue class. Wilson and his team showed their students how to prepare, rub, trim, season, and cook the different types of meat they serve. Afterwards, participants received a coupon for a discounted meal. Wilson says he is always asking, “What can we do to help our customers have a great experience?” He answers by saying, “One way is to talk to them about our process; tell them how we get the meat so tender.” According to Wilson, brisket, Foggy Bottom’s number two seller, is not typical in the state of Georgia. Brisket is something usually found in Texas. “It’s a hard piece of meat to cook!” he says, “People appreciate it when we Start a Travel Business with Expedia® share how we cook it for the proper tenderness.” If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, enjoy building relationships & love planning What’s next? Wilson recently dream vacations, a career as a Vacation Consultant could be right for you! bought a new smoker and beginning in the fall, the team is going to introWe make our customers the core of everything we do, that’s why we’re looking duce whole hog to their customers. “Many people have never had that,” for motivated Consultants who are passionate about achieving success Wilson says. Foggy Bottom plans to through excellent customer service. offer this whole hog experience at various times throughout the season. A little off the beaten path, Foggy INQUIRE TODAY ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM Bottom is not on a main road in Loganville. As for plans to move to a more visible, high-traffic location, Wilson says his customers have advised against it. “They like us being the hidden (770) 985 4029 gem – the hole-in-the-wall family and community barbecue restaurant that’s tucked away in the lawrenceville@cruiseshipcenters.com trees,” Wilson says with a laugh. “We are going to stick with that.” www.joinecsc.com/Lawrenceville Foggy Bottom BBQ is located at 85 Ray Road, Loganville, Georgia. More information at http:// www.foggybottombbq.com
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Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre Continued from page 16 proclaimed the Aurora Theatre as one of the Best Places to Work. Other awards include Atlanta Magazine’s Best of Atlanta 2013, seven 2013 Suzi Bass Awards, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 President and CEO Award for Excellence in Arts, and the Gwinnett Chamber’s 2015 IMPACT Regional Business Award for Hospitality. The Aurora’s expansive repertoire not only includes the Mainstage Signature Series and the Harvel Lab Series, but provides access to a myriad of ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses across the region. There are such diverse programs as FREE Play Day for youngsters of financially challenged families, Sensory Friendly Performances for families with autistic children or adults, and the Community Conversations Series that allows the Aurora to more specifically engage with our diverse community on multiple fronts. Their simple mission statement defines direction. It states, “Aurora Theatre is committed to producing quality, professional theatre for the Southeast, North Georgia, and our most ardent supporters, the residents of Gwinnett County. We will serve these communities by offering entertainment that nurtures a love of theatre and develops a new generation of theatergoers.” More information at: http://www.auroratheatre.com/
Travel Tips: If Perfection Were an Orange By Karen Tanner-Holt One of the things I most enjoy about travel is meeting new people, having new experiences, or experiencing something familiar in an extraordinary way. I’m charmed when something I’m familiar with takes my breath away and embeds itself into my grey matter. On a recent trip to Italy, I found myself hiking along a spectacular trail between two coastal Mediterranean towns. The trail was very narrow and steep, and just another of the thousands of terraced ledges that create the origami landscape that faces the beautiful blue sea. It was a perfect day: blue sky, white puffy clouds, fantastic temperatures, and a blustery breeze that kept us comfortable as we traversed this threadlike path across the mountains. As we turned a corner, the trail opened up and there, in the elbow of the next switchback, was a tall elderly man who looked something like how I imagine Father Time should look: grey beard, long grey hair and a straw hat. Although he was a bit shabbily dressed, he still somehow managed to come across as very stately. He spoke no words as he stood next to his baskets of lemons and oranges. We selected two beautiful oranges and conducted our entire transaction with bad Italian on my part and gestures on his part, still no words. He took out his knife and scored the orange so we could peel them more easily. We eagerly gathered up our bounty and headed down the path in the wake of his smile and silent wave. At the next wide spot in the trail, we scrambled up the nearest ledge off the trail for a seat and enthusiastically dug into our oranges. This was the most amazing orange I’ve ever had: fresh off the tree, fully ripe, and perfect. The rind peeled easily from the meat of the fruit, which was tender, sweet, and juicy. It wasn’t pithy or fibrous like the oranges I get at home. As I sat overlooking the Mediterranean, delighting in this sweet succulent taste explosion, I knew this was a moment to be treasured. Karen Tanner-Holt is an avid traveler. More information at www.backyardtouristandbeyond. com.
Com Sum ing So o me r 20 n! 17
Experience the Dogwood Difference Spirit Filled Buildings In all our activities and design features we believe that the individual was created in the “image of God” and that the body was “wonderfully” made such that it has the innate ability to heal itself given a healing environment and lifestyle. Wellness/Dietary Centered Environment Throughout our community fresh wholesome fruit and fruit flavored H2O for hydration can be found in one of our multiple bistro areas. Our culinary menu offerings are developed with an array of healthful options clinically proven to stimulate appetite while also offering items with nutritional value for our Seniors. Negative Ion and UV lighting in Common Space Air Handling Systems Numerous studies have proven that negative ions lift moods, improve respiration, increase mental clarity, decrease viruses and clear the air of dust, pollen and mold spores. PAGE 20
Dogwood Forest of Grayson Call for more information! (678) 496-2319 www.dogwoodforest.com/grayson Assisted Living | Memory Care | Respite Care | Adult Day Care
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Fitness Foundations: Active Kids = Active Minds By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT Summer break 2016 is almost over and it’s time for the kids to get back to the classroom! How can we make sure they are taking care of their bodies the way they take care of their brains? Physical activity is generally trumped by scholastic pursuits. Viewed as unequal in importance, physical activity is often treated as a reward rather than a necessity. However, success in one might be linked to the other. A yearlong study of 8 and 9 year olds enrolled in an after-school exercise program reported a greater boost in executive-function brain skills than the control group. The take away was, “If you want young students to do well in reading and math, make sure that they also move.” (1) Even if your child is enrolled in after school sports or activities, those events often take place only a couple times a week. Daily activity recommendations for children are not being met. Children (starting at age 6) and adolescents should do one hour or more of physical activity daily. Rotate days to include three days each of aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bonestrengthening movement. It is important to encourage young people to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety. Children under the age of 6 should be encouraged to have active free play, adding more structure as they grow older. (www.health.gov/paguidelines) The sole responsibility of children’s fitness and health doesn’t rest with your school. Find the energy to get out and walk with the kids around your neighborhood. Have dinner at the park. Get out in the yard and kick a ball around. PLAY. It will be good for everyone, not just the kids. Kelly Farris is the owner of Ladies Workout Snellville and the President of KLF Fitness. More information at ladiesworkoutsnellville.com. 1. Reynolds, Gretchen, “How Exercise Can Boost Young Brains,” Well, (Oct. 8, 2014), http://nyti.ms/1CTBN0I (Accessed18 July 2016).
Character Counts with NG3 Continued from page 7 2. What is the most memorable moment you had with NG3? Every Monday night our huddle would meet at Coach Matty’s house and hangout with each other. This is where a group of guys who were good friends became great friends by sharing stories, experiences, and some good laughs. Coach Matty realized the leadership potential in all of us, and continually pushed us to grow by sharing character lessons and personal advice in all aspects of life. More importantly, he opened up his doors to us and provided an unmatched support system. 3. What would you tell someone who has never heard or experienced NG3? NG3 is a service based non-profit organization in which men and women walk alongside student athletes and provide unmatched character, personal, and spiritual guidance. NG3 is like no other organization that centers itself around relationships. NG3 employs the best men and women to work with high school students by coming to practice, sharing character lessons, and connecting with students on a personal level. Leaders within NG3 enact positive change on entire communities through no pressure relationships and positive influences. NG3 leaders are personable, fun, and provide support for students who lack it. Matt Williams is President of NG3. More information at http://ng3.org/
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PAGE 22
Sports Talk: Grayson Athletic Association Lacrosse Program By Daidra Annis While lacrosse is a widely popular sport north of the Mason-Dixon Line, it has only recently become an option for youth in Georgia. The Grayson Athletic Association (GAA) began its lacrosse program in 2009, and just one year later joined the Gwinnett Lacrosse League. In the past seven years, the GAA lacrosse program has gone from one or two teams playing in the spring to year round opportunities for boys and girls in 1st through 8th grades. Tony Jopling, the current director of GAA Lacrosse, didn’t know a lot about the sport when his son started playing in 2010 as a second grader. Through the years, he’s been an active part of his son’s teams, and his own love and passion for the sport grew. He describes his tenure as director as “more rewarding” than he ever expected it would be. He shares the focus of the GAA Lacrosse program to “provide the opportunity for Grayson youth to play lacrosse, and gain the skills necessary to continue to play, should they want to pursue it in high school.” While there are a few kids who begin to play in kindergarten, most of the GAA athletes begin playing lacrosse in first grade, and can play for GAA through eighth grade. GAA and its neighboring associations work together to find a team for every child, no matter the age. If there are not enough athletes in a certain age group to form a team, the athletic associations often reach out to one another to ensure that all kids have a team to play on, even if that means traveling to a different part of the county. Because lacrosse is still in its infancy here, there is a lack of public awareness that all the organizations strive to overcome, so the willingness to work together is a key factor in the success of all lacrosse programs. To set the bar high, GAA Lacrosse provides the opportunity for all of their coaches to attend US Lacrosse Training. This investment pays off in developing a well-rounded athlete with the necessary skills to advance to the high school level. The coaches are united in their focus on teaching fundamentals, skills, and strategies, while instilling a true love of the game to all their athletes. Grayson Lacrosse participates in three leagues throughout the year: Spring, Summer Travel, and Fall. This year’s travel league included 130 boys, the most ever for the travel teams. The recently completed 2016 spring season was very rewarding with the Junior Girls and the Senior Boys East teams winning their division championships. It was the first time that the championship was held outside of a high school stadium, and the Grayson community did not disappoint. Parents and supporters came together at Bay Creek Park to show their pride and put on a good show for the league! Mr. Jopling is quick to point out that the GAA Lacrosse program is very much a “We” program since a lot of people work together to make it happen. Mr. Jopling says, “Without our parent volunteers, coaches, team moms, etc., GAA Lacrosse could never be the amazing program that it is!” He also points out that David Horton, the current assistant director for GAA Lacrosse, has become an invaluable part of the program, helping to promote growth in both the boys and girls youth lacrosse programs. Additionally, a newly founded organization called Grayson Area Friends of Lacrosse (GAFOL) lends support, as well. Their sole purpose is to grow lacrosse in Grayson, and they help with advertising, distributing fliers at area schools, fundraising, etc. Lacrosse parents primarily make up the membership of the GAFOL, but they welcome volunteers or anyone with a heart for the sport in Grayson. One joint GAA/GAFOL program in particular benefits the community in a big way, and Mr. Jopling is especially proud of it. The equipment rental program offers affordable equipment options for young athletes and new families. When an athlete outgrows his/her equipment, that equipment can be donated to the GAA Lacrosse program to outfit new players who can experience playing the sport for a season without the expense of a complete set of equipment. Families just write a check that is held as a deposit. At the end of the season, the family can either return the equipment and pay nothing, or keep the equipment and their check is then cashed. Registration fees and uniforms are just a portion of the financial commitment required of all athletes, so the rental program is a creative way to make lacrosse a viable option for many who might otherwise find it impossible to participate. It has been said that lacrosse is the “fastest sport on two feet,” and in looking at the program that has developed through GAA in just seven years, it might also be the fastest growing sport in our little part of town! More information at http://www.gaasports.org/lacrosse/ or http://www.gafol.org/
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