The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine
Our Town
February 2016
Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas
Meet the team at Body of Health and Life see story on page 5.
8 10 12 13
Community Business Spotlight: Meet Flashback Games Up Close with Walker Law Firm: Helping Gwinnett Families Cannon Church: A Natural Resource for Gwin Oaks Elementary The Path Project: Nonprofit Impacts Students’ Lives
STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037
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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dentalnine care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only dentists in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others
Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.
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accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.
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PAGE 2
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Maurice Jové M.D. Nathan A. Jové M.D. Jeff A. Traub M.D. Decatur
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Travel Tales: Planning for Trouble – Always Have a Plan “B” By Karen Tanner-Holt I’m a bit of a planning maniac and a fairly seasoned traveler. Some say, “Plan for the best case scenario.” My motto is, “Always have a back-up plan!” On a recent overseas trip, my plan “B” turned a potential trip upset into a couple of days of inconvenience. We arrived early and our room was not yet ready. As we often do, we left our bags with the hotel staff to sightsee a bit while we waited. Upon returning we were shocked to discover that two of our bags – which contained our iPad, camera, prescription medications, car keys, travel information, chargers, etc. – had disappeared. Our excitement with our trip rapidly decayed into shock and hysteria. So, now what? Our first task was to make a list of what was missing and its value. This is where emailing yourself information before you leave home becomes vital. Then it was time to visit the local police station to file a report. A police report is essential for filing an insurance claim. Next, we determined what we needed to replace immediately and what could wait until we got home. For us, prescription medications were at the top of the list. We had emailed a picture of our prescription bottles to ourselves before leaving home. This photo, combined with the police report, enabled us to replace our medications at the local pharmacy. A spare key hidden on the car at the airport parking lot erased concerns about driving home upon our return. An afternoon on the hotel’s computer allowed me to reprint all of our travel information that I had emailed myself. Do you see a pattern here? Easy access to your pertinent information can truly save the day and your vacation! Karen Tanner-Holt is an avid traveler. More information at www.backyardtouristandbeyond.com.
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Wine, Women and Wealth: Empowering Women through Financial Education By Michelle Watson Wine, Women and Wealth of the Southeast, based in Duluth, is an organization centered on educating women about finances. Bobbie Kern, the regional director, has a passion for seeing women and children provided for. The organization was founded in Napa Valley, California by Denise Arand of Five Rings Financial, a partner of the Alliance Group. Arand saw that women were not as financially literate as the men in their lives, and she wanted to help them learn to handle money and to build wealth. Since its beginning, Wine, Women and Wealth has grown into a national movement. The southeast region reaches from Georgia, west to Alabama, south to Florida, and as far north as Maryland. Bobbie Kern spearheaded Wine, Women and Wealth of the Southeast in the spring of 2012 out of the Alliance Group’s Duluth office. In August 2015, three new chapters were added in Roswell, Buford, and the Cobb/Cherokee area. All of the leaders are volunteers, and no selling of any products or services is ever done at the meetings, although all of the leaders are licensed in finance or insurance or both. Women seeking to purchase financial management or insurance services may do so, but during regular business hours outside of the meetings. Each chapter of Wine, Women and Wealth of the Southeast meets on a different Tuesday night. They are all conducted identically so that there is consistency. There are no men allowed in the meeting, not even male servers, thus providing women with a safe place to be honest about their situations and to ask any questions they need answered. Wine, Women and Wealth does not seek to usurp the male’s role in the home or as the provider of his family. Rather, the purpose is to help women prepare for the “what ifs” of life. Spouses die, partners leave, jobs are lost unexpectedly, and women stay single longer than planned. Wine, Women and Wealth prepares women so that when life blindsides them, they come out ready to move on, with women receiving the assurance that it is never too late to start a retirement fund. Children are another concern of Kern’s. She stresses the importance of educating women so they can in turn educate their children. She is appalled that students come out of high school Continued on page 8
PAGE 4
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On the Cover: Body of Health & Life Introduces New Services to Improve Health By Heidi Campbell Julie Mills-Watson, the owner and founder of Body of Health & Life, welcomes each client with a hug and a smile, and her caring, authentic nature keeps them coming back long after the healing process is over. Her desire to help clients return to health and wellness is evident in everything she does, from sharing healthy lifestyle advice to treating them with her healing touch. Mills-Watson opened Body of Health in 2010. Since then she has watched her therapeutic massage clinic experience consistent growth in not only the number of staff, but also in expanded services. The clinic now incorporates kinesiology taping as well as hot stone therapy to address sports-related issues and chronic pain due to the overuse of muscles. The Body of Health clinic offers a variety of unique services such as lymphedema therapies, detox ionic foot bath, hot/cold pack therapies, compression garment fitting, thermography screening, and massage therapy for special cases such as cancer, seniors, sports, and maternity. Now, with her latest expansion, Mills-Watson and her team
will be able to spend more time working with scar and soft tissue clients. Hopefully, by working with local physical therapists to help improve a client’s range of motion, each person treated will now be able to return to a better quality of life. “While we are growing, and hope to continue, we will remain a therapeutic massage clinic and not a spa,” says Mills-Watson. “Many of our clients are acutely ill, and it’s exciting to think that we will be in a position to help even more people without having to delay their treatment. It’s amazing,” she affirms, “how touch and manual therapy does so much to heal the body.” The motto of Body of Health is to help people “heal quicker, hurt less, and have a better quality of life.” In 2012, Mills-Watson wrote and published Here’s the Deal about Cancer where she shares what she learned when her late husband, a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The book focuses on the importance of integrating therapies and forming a health team. Every chapter offers the reader a checklist of items to consider for each step in the treatment process. Julie wanted anyone who had been diagnosed with cancer to be able to
learn from her experiences and to be better informed when making critical choices. Body of Health is a business rooted in the local community. They participate in numerous community health fairs where they not only offer free chair massages, but also help educate people about services available to help ease pain. In addition, they work with the local Lymphedema Association, participate in Relay for Life and breast cancer awareness, volunteer with Health to You,
and visit local schools to offer complimentary “appreciation” massages to teachers and school staff. Mills-Watson encourages lifestyle health, and gives easy solutions to her clients. “Your body reacts better,” she explains, “when it has the nutrition it needs to heal.” Body of Health incorporates a nutritional product called Juice Plus, which provides fruits and vegetables in capsules. It is another simple way to bridge the gap between what people Continued on page 9
BusiNeighbor Veterans Center: A Vision for Life By Kim Hill
All-aboard! We’re singing a new tune… and we hope you’ll join us. The Little Gym has teamed up with Kindermusik to create new, harmonious program
Children newborn through 4 years can now sing, dance, and learn through Kindermusik music and movement classes at The Little Gym! Classes provide a sensory rich environment, complete with music, movement, and fun to help your child learn to march to the beat of their own drum!
Try a class for FREE!
The Shoppes at Webb Gin www.thelittlegym.com/snellvillega 770-982-0901
Our Town
Charmelle Scott has a vision. She wants to put an end to the staggering numbers of suicides committed by our American veterans. The Veterans Administration puts that number at twentytwo a day. “In our lifetime,” she says, “we still know what it feels like to have a veteran, but can you imagine if we don’t have them?” A veteran herself, Ms. Scott knows firsthand how a vet can struggle with a reason to get up in the morning. That’s why her vision encompasses creating a place where veterans can interact with others who understand, and where they can clear their minds for a while. Ms. Scott is the executive director of BusiNeighbor, Inc., a non-profit organization that has participated in many charitable projects such as raising money to purchase shoes and diapers for needy children, and partnering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise awareness and funds for babies with blood cancers. “This is indeed the largest project thus far,” says Ms. Scott. To make the BusiNeighbor Veterans Recreation Center a reality, Ms. Scott plans to raise the funds to purchase a 6.2 acre property in Stone Mountain. Located at the end of VFW Drive, the land will provide a secluded setting adjacent to VFW Park. The site has two buildings, a large stand-alone pavilion, and a lake, offering the potential for a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Ms. Scott emphasizes that the focus is the recreation. “Most of the time when I say recreation, people hear resource. That is not what this is. This is a place where veterans can come and truly relax and eat and be merry, like a huge game room if you want to think of it like that.” She explains that unwinding is the hardest thing to do when a veteran returns from duty, and that the majority of the suicides occur within the first five years. The activities offered by the recreation center would help alleviate stress, and also offer opportunities for the vets to give back. The need to see the vision through is $329,000. “I think that if the community knows about it, you never know whose heart may say, ‘we can knock this out in two or three months, and have it up and running,’” says Ms. Scott. Her heart is definitely focused on this cause for however long it will take, and the sooner it happens, the sooner lives will be changed. More information at www.BusiNeighborVeteransCenter.org
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Our Town
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The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family M agazine
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Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Webmaster Robert Fordham 101WebsiteDesigns.com Distribution Coordinator Ellen Sawtelle Feature Writers Daidra Annis Macrae Brennan-Fuller Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Sarah Dickens Kim Hill Kathleen Mardis Michelle Watson Contributing Writers Kelly Farris Terie Hansen Mike Harper Corey McTeer Karen Tanner-Holt
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. 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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IN THIS ISSUE 4 Travel Tales: Planning for Trouble – Always Have a Plan “B” 4 Wine, Women and Wealth: Empowering Women through Financial Education 5 On the Cover: Body of Health & Life 5 BusiNeighbor Veterans Center: A Vision for Life 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 7 Vecoma: A Hidden Paradise 8 Flashback Games: Brings Welcomed Nostalgia to Date Nights, Family Night Outings, and Parties 8 Reach Your Full Potential 9 Fitness Foundations: Exercise is Good Medicine 9 Community Spotlight: Lifepoint Thrive 10 Up Close with Walker Law Firm: Helping Gwinnett Families for Over Thirty Years 10 Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation: Promotes Spiritual Awareness 11 Realty Reality: Do I Need a Home Warranty? 12 Pet Perch: Is Microchipping Your Pet Woth It? 12 Cannon Church: A Natural Resource for Gwin Oaks Elementary 13 The Path Project: Nonprofit Impacts Students’ Lives 13 The “UN” Zone 14 THRIVE (ing) in Middle School PAGE 6
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Assume nothing - Reply back that ad is approved o Individualized Care... ALL ITEMS HAVE BEENOne-on-One CHECKED FOR ACCURAC
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I hope you are off to a great February. Winter is in full swing, and before we know it warm weather will be back. Wow, does time ever go so fast. As always, we have an issue of local stories, written by our talented team of local writers, on local topics. These are stories that are covered virtually nowhere else and that provide you a break from our conLet us help you become stantly connected world. It would be easy to simply pull in generic stories (like other a happier & healthier YOU! magazines do), but that would not make your reading experience special. After all, this is the story of Our Town, NOT “any town.” We are dedicated to excellence and to providing insightu Barre u Massage u Yoga ful local community and family content. This demands a great team and a commitment to u Circuit Training u Pilates excellence. This is our goal each month. Our Town’s overall readership continues (in both Gwinnett monthly magazines) to grow u Nutrition Counseling each month. Why? We have an excellent team and group of advertising partners. Each month, we mail a high quantity of copies (yes, lots of postage) to select homes, distribute thousands of One-on-One Individualized Care... additional copies in our display shelves in strategic areas in the community, produce our online version (OurTownGwinnettOnline.com) which is growing exponentially, and stay connected for All Your with our heavily engaged social media audience. All of this info can be found on our newly Physical Therapy Needs! updated website, OurTownGwinnett.com Our Town provides a high-end quality printed product with a unique size – for example, our ¼ page ads are nearly as large as other ½ page ads – that is filled with content people want to read. We provide better stories and lower adverting rates with greater branding value. We touch 20 Grayson New Hope Rd., Grayson readers through a variety of channels. This means we integrate print, online, and digital media so you can choose how you “consume the content” we offer. This is a true “win-win” for our readers and advertising partners. Finally, I ask that you support our advertising partners who invest, believe in, and support this 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. • Suite C • Grayson community. Please consider where you spend your money and choose an Our Town partner. These are organizations you can trust, and we are quite selective of who we partner with and are so proud of each of these organizations. Thank you for doing this, and tell them Our Town sent you. We are excited about the future and know the best is yet to come. We have an amazing community and so much to be proud of. So, stay connected with us during the month. Have a great February and stay warm. And as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!
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Vecoma: A Hidden Paradise By Rachael Brice The hustle and bustle of a crowded, noisy city can cause anyone to desire a bit of peace and quiet and an escape to a secluded mountain house or remote beach house, but in the late 1920s Venie and Cotton Mather decided to build their six-sided vacation cabin next to the Yellow River in Stone Mountain. Set upon seventy magnificently wooded acres, the land, rich in history, can be traced back as early as 900 B.C., when it formed part of the extensive Native American southern trading route. In 1927, the cabin was completed and named Vecoma, a derivative of Venie and Cotton’s names. The place proved to be a pleasant country home for the Mather’s and their four daughters. It is now a piece of history as it has been passed down through four generations. Today Vecoma is a family-owned and operated business, serving thousands of guests as an award-winning event venue that hosts over 100 events a year. Intriguingly, one of Venie and Cotton’s granddaughters, Judith Warren, proposed the idea to transform the land and cabin into an event venue. Wanting to keep the property in the family, she developed a plan to build the business and host weddings and events. Vecoma opened its doors to the public in October of 1996. An elegant, intimate setting for birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, receptions, and corporate events, Vecoma is a perfect “getaway” location where guests are able to enjoy its breathtaking views, the meandering Yellow River, and the surrounding woodlands while sipping on their favorite cocktail or dancing to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” Although Vecoma prides itself on its events, it is best known for its wedding ceremonies and receptions. Caroline Tucker, executive director at Vecoma and one of Venie and Cotton’s greatgranddaughters, has been with the business from the beginning. “I love being at the weddings and events,” Tucker said, “because the brides are always beautiful and everyone is always happy, smiling, and having a good time with their family and friends.” Vecoma has hosted over 2,000 weddings and special events and is celebrating their twentiethContinued on page 11
Our Town
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Wine, Women and Wealth Continued from page 4 and college unable to manage a checking account. By educating moms on the importance of managing a household budget, saving money, and purchasing insurance, Kern knows the next generation is more likely to handle money wisely and to succeed in all areas of life. Another way that Wine, Women and Wealth of the Southeast helps children is through annual charity donations. In 2015, the ladies adopted the NICU at Gwinnett Medical Foundation. They provided them with two checks to aid in the cost of medical transport units, baskets full of receiving blankets, and snacks for the nurses who work around the clock. They also provided mirrors for the NICU ward. Because babies in incubators are placed face down and are often turned away from their parents, their faces are not visible, or only half of a baby’s face is seen at a time. Placing a mirror under the baby’s face allows the parents to see a symmetrical view of their precious one. A new charity is adopted every year and announced at the February meetings. At the time of this interview, Kern did not know which charity would be chosen, but she does know it will benefit children with cancer. More information at http://www.wwwsoutheast.com.
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Flashback Games: Brings Welcomed Nostalgia to Date Nights, Family Night Outings, and Parties By Macrae Brennan-Fuller Looking to teach your significant other or children the pattern to Pac-Man? Interested in reliving your glory days in the 70s and 80s playing Donkey Kong or Space Invaders? The owners of Flashback Games invite you to take a short trip down the road and back in time to enjoy your retro game fix. Just two years ago, Flashback Games, a retro arcade and grill, relocated to Loganville after outgrowing its Athens. Co-owners William Geiger and Roger Ozbolt continue to enjoy sharing their passion for the retro world of gaming with their patrons. “Flashback Games draws people from near and far to Loganville to come play the classic games,” Geiger said. “Many people have said they are happy Loganville has such a unique attraction that appeals to the young and old alike.” The arcade provides numerous options for new and experienced gamers, including more than fifty original game cabinets that Ozbolt and Geiger fully restored. All of the old favorites, such as Donkey Kong, Galaga, Pac-Man, and Space Invaders, among many others, live on at Flashback Games. The place also features seven cabinets that serve as “Multicades,” which offer more than 950 games on one single gaming machine. A full list of games is available at www. flashbackgames.org/game-list. Gamers of all ages are encouraged to continue their travel through time into the console area, where they will find a selection of six old-school home gaming systems that offer several hundred retro games. Patrons can also enjoy pinball and air hockey in separate corners of the area. Although many of the games found there bring patrons back to the exciting 1980s, the retro arcade also includes modern touches such as a jukebox that the owners converted into a full karaoke machine. Hungry and thirsty gamers can also enjoy a variety of food and drink, including burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, nachos, wings, and soda and beer. Gamers can also take advantage of the $14.99 Eat and Play Combo, where they receive one entrée or two snacks and access to the arcade and consoles. One-month memberships with full access to the arcade and consoles are available to patrons for $49, and annual memberships are $249. Gamers can also drop in and pay an entry fee that covers unlimited access to the arcade games and the consoles. “The Eat and Play combo is certainly one of the best entertainment values around. Where else can you get all-day entertainment and get fed for $14.99 a person?” Geiger said. “Monthly and yearly passes are equally great values for the gamer who loves to be in the arcade twice or more a week.” The arcade is also available to host parties, and features a lounge with plenty of places to sit, relax, and strategize for your next gaming adventure. More information at www.flashbackgames.org
Reach Your Full Potential By Dr. Corey McTeer PT, DPT As we move into a new year many people strive to improve their overall health. It is a top priority for many people. In order to achieve this goal it is important to create healthy habits. This will make the task more attainable. One habit that you should develop is a good workout routine. It is important to maintain consistency with your workouts, throughout the year, and to find activities that are engaging. This will allow you to maximize benefits and ultimately set you up to achieve your goals. It is also vital to set realistic goals. And, remember that these goals need to be attainable as unrealistic goals set you up for mental failure, thus causing you to lose track of your progress. It is key to identify barriers that may prevent you from attaining your goals. You must be sure that your body is just as prepared as your mind as you embark on your journey to better health. If you have reservations or limitations due to painful movements, perhaps your first step in the process should be to seek guidance from a Physical Therapist. A Physical Therapist can help you identify restrictions in joint mobility, muscle flexibility, or Continued on page 11
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Fitness Foundations: Exercise is Good Medicine By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT What if there was a recently approved pharmaceutical that could replace your blood pressure medicine, reverse your type 2 diabetes, AND help elevate your mood, all in one shot? Think about the time it would save. It would be a buy-one-get-two-free deal. Would you ask your doctor about it? The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK has labeled exercise a miracle cure. They are encouraging doctors to promote exercise to their patients as a means to reverse disease and certainly as preventative medicine. Here are some known benefits from the UK project: 31% reduction in cardiac mortality 90% improvement in self-esteem and well-being (from outdoor activity) 25%–53% reduction in pain symptoms among osteoarthritis patients 57% lower rate of prostate cancer progression At least 10 mm Hg drop in blood pressure among 31% of patients 50%–80% reduction in risk of developing type 2 diabetes 30%–50% reduction in risk of falls among older adults 30% lower all-cause mortality rate 45% reduction in risk of bowel cancer (ideafit.com) The project also put out a call-to-action for the fitness industry to diversify its clientele. I am happy to state that Ladies Workout is already on top of this. We have every age, shape, color, and size woman in our gym daily. Women are working out side by side, taking control of their lives and their health. We have to change our attitude as a nation about exercise. Fitness and exercise are not just for the young and it’s not about vanity. Fitness is for EVERYONE, and the starting pistol can go off right now. Stand up and stretch. Then go for a walk and just keep moving. Exercise is good medicine. Get out there and get you some! Kelly Farris is the owner of Ladies Workout Snellville and KLF Fitness. More information at 4217_Dr. Chris' Valentine's Day ad resized.pdf 1 1/25/2016 9:05:10 AM ladiesworkoutsnellville.com
Community Spotlight: Lifepoint Thrive By Michelle Watson Communities that work together are the ones that flourish because the residents know they have friends to turn to and safe places to go to in times of need. Lifepoint Thrive is such a place. An outreach ministry of Lifepoint Community Church in Loganville, Lifepoint Thrive hosts a Store House once every three months. At the Store House, any member of the community is welcome to get free clothes, shoes, and hygiene items. Free cat and dog food are also available. Joy Shaw and Tracy Kimler are the volunteer directors. Shaw was previously involved in clothing the homeless, while Kimler had been involved in pet rescue for five years. When the two faced issues in distribution, they decided to combine their efforts with Pastor Dwayne Lype agreeing to let them start Lifepoint Thrive as a ministry of the church. Lifepoint Community Church seeks to serve residents of “Walton County and beyond.” The next Store House is planned for April 2016, with another one planned closer to the start of school that will feature backpacks and supplies. Donations are accepted year-round, though the Store House does feature seasonally appropriate clothing. Clothing, hygiene items and pet food items are received by appointment. Monetary donations are accepted through the church’s website at www.lifepointchurch.cc. Their greatest needs continue to be pet food and hygiene items. More information at www.facebook.com/lifepointthrive
Body of Health and Life Continued from page 5 should eat and what they can eat. Mills-Watson has been taking it as a preventative for ten years. “People are always impressed with the education we give them,” she says. “We know the body, and we listen to the individual client. We don’t just tell people to stretch, for example. We tell them WHY! It is not complicated, so we break it all down to come up with doable ways to achieve better health.” Clients keep coming back to Body of Health because of the soothing, welcoming atmosphere and caring staff. One woman recently returned after trying to save money at another office. Mills-Watson was thrilled to have her back and says, “She told me she returned because she missed us. She said we weren’t judgmental and she felt at home here. That is what we are about. We are a family.” More information at http://www.bodyofhealthandlife.com/
C
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770.979.5125
drchrisnaturalremedies.com Our Town
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PAGE 9
The Enchanted Forest
Up Close with Walker Law Firm: Helping Gwinnett Families for Over Thirty Years By Stacye Carroll
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As a young man with one year of law school under his belt, David Walker spent the summer in Washington, DC, interning for Senator and Watergate Committee member, Herman Talmadge. Arriving one week before impeachment hearings were to begin, David was directed to write a memo to all staff members detailing the investigation. He credits an article in the Washington Post with helping him accomplish the task, and lists Herman Talmadge among the men who most inspired him. “He was very logical, conservative, and plain spoken,” David explains, revealing his own similar characteristics. After obtaining a law degree from the University of Georgia, David worked as a criminal defense attorney for ten years. The amount of time and attention required for each case was just part of the reason he later chose to focus on civil and family law. Helping people is very important to David, which is why Gwinnett Magazine honored him with the title “Best of Gwinnett.” “We can’t always make something go away, but we can make it manageable. I like the idea of somebody walking out of the office with something better than they had before,” he says. David Walker has practiced law in and around Gwinnett County for over thirty years. He has argued in over 140 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials and hearings, and is owner of Walker Law Firm with offices in Duluth and Snellville. He is quick to point out, though, that in this age of digital communication, a trip to the office isn’t always necessary. Clients who call Walker Law Firm for the first time discuss their issue with a paralegal right away. Follow-up appointments and referrals are scheduled as quickly as possible. Experience selling real estate before law school, as well as extensive experience as a closing attorney early in his career, serves David and his clients well. Many real estate cases come about as part of a divorce settlement. As a certified mediator for civil and family law cases, David recommends mediation to clients seeking a divorce. He cites “the big 3” reasons: less stress, less expense, and less time. “Courts are unpredictable,” David says. “With mediation there are no ugly surprises.” According to David, the biggest challenge presented by divorce cases is unrealistic expectations. A prenuptial agreement can prevent problems for property owners. Another option is a postnuptial agreement wherein both parties agree on what would happen in case of a divorce. These are especially common in second marriages, and help provide for children from a previous relationship. The Walker Law Firm can assist with asset protection by establishing a trust or partnership and, according to Walker, LLCs are not just for businesses anymore. Family assets can be dealt with in much the same manner, resulting in ease of transfer when necessary. Many personal injury cases end up in an attorney’s office because the client feels the insurance companies aren’t being helpful. Property damage settlements, in particular, can be difficult. “In the case of an injury, my advice is not to hurry a settlement, because the full extent of the injury may not be apparent immediately,” David says. Estate planning is another service offered by Walker Law Firm. Clients are encouraged to complete the checklist on the firm’s website before their first appointment. When asked what clients most need to know about estate planning, David answers, “What happens if they don’t do anything.” David Sinclair Walker, Jr. is owner of Walker Law Firm. More information at http://www. walker-law-firm.com/
Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation: Promotes Spiritual Awareness By Sarah Dickens Two years after her daughter, Ashley, died of liver cancer in 2008, God directed Melanie to form a nonprofit in her honor: the Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation. The foundation was formed to provide financial support for high school and college students to go on mission trips since Ashley had a passion for missions. “One day, God revealed to me that because [Ashley’s] heart was for missions [and] because she was very mature in her faith, that I should help raise money to help students go on mission trips,” Melanie said. “I was just driving down the road and God made it clear to keep this going.” Because of the foundation, high school and college students have been sent to twenty-three countries outside the United States, including Peru, Guatemala, Israel, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Kenya. They have also been on mission trips within the United States, visiting such states Continued on page 14
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Our Town
Reach Your Full Potential
Realty Reality: Do I Need a Home Warranty? By Mike Harper, Realtor Many homebuyers know that a home warranty can be a helpful tool to protect against the unexpected. However, a large number of homebuyers don’t understand exactly why they might need to spend the $400 or so for a home warranty, or what it covers. Home warranties are excellent tools that can cover the repair and replacement of certain systems and appliance failures that occur due to normal wear and tear. Each year, there’s a 68% chance that a major system or appliance within a home will fail, making a home warranty a smart choice when it comes to protecting one of your most important investments. A common misconception, however, is that home warranty and homeowner insurance policies are similar. They are really quite different. A home insurance policy kicks in after a theft, a large storm that causes damage to the home, a fire, and certain other natural disasters. These policies are typically mandatory by the lender issuing the homeowner’s mortgage. A home warranty, on the other hand, is not required, but may be purchased independently, or is offered as an option when purchasing a home. Home warranties are especially helpful when the full maintenance history and condition of a home are unknown. The warranty covers important systems, like the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, or major appliances like the refrigerator or oven. If one of the covered systems or appliances stops working, the homeowner can use the home warranty to have an authorized, independent contractor come and diagnosis the failure. However, it’s important to understand what your particular home warranty covers as policies may differ among warranty companies. Homeowners may avoid misunderstandings about coverage with a few simple steps: Thoroughly read through the home warranty documents. The documentation will explain exactly which repairs and replacements are covered, and understanding the benefits and limitations can save plenty of headaches later. Familiarize yourself with how to place a service claim should an issue arise and what is charged for the service call. You also should have an idea of what to expect from the process. Mike Harper is a Realtor with Virtual Properties Realty. More information at soldbyharper.com
Continued from page 8
muscle weakness that may be contributing to your symptoms. Identifying and treating these symptoms can help to restore normal movement patterns that will reduce the odds of developing chronic conditions. If you already suffer from chronic pain, it is even more important to evaluate your movements to prevent the pain from progressing as your activity level increases. Our therapists combine individualized exercise programs with manual therapy interventions to achieve the best outcome. From there we can help develop a fitness plan that will allow you to capitalize on your individual goals. Let our staff at Benchmark Physical Therapy help you with your pain, so that you can achieve the goals you set for the New Year. Make this year different and better by committing to your health so you can reach your full potential! Benchmark Physical Therapy has a location in Grayson GA, visit www.benchmarkpt.com or call 678-376-0213 for more information.
Vecoma: A Hidden Paradise
Continued from page 7 anniversary this year. Of course, when planning a wedding, cost is always the key item in question. Tucker said Vecoma is available every day of the week, but the best price a couple will receive will be on a weekday. “Some people don’t realize they can get married on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon,” Tucker said. “Why, we hosted a wedding in July on a Tuesday in the middle of the afternoon and it went beautifully. If couples are looking for a great deal on a wedding, I would recommend going against tradition of a Saturday night wedding and opting for a Friday, Sunday, or weekday instead.” While Tucker is proud to serve all types of brides and grooms and welcomes their different and unique tastes and themes, she is most proud of the awards the venue has won. In its first year presenting awards, The Knot, a popular wedding website, presented Vecoma with one of five “Best of Weddings” awards. Two years ago, The Knot created The “Hall of Fame” award and Vecoma was the first and only venue in Georgia to win that year. The esteemed establishment has also won more awards and five-star reviews than any other venue in Georgia. Atlanta has changed quite a bit since the 1920s, and so has Vecoma; but the peace and tranquility of the Mather family’s land and cabin have not been forgotten and will be treasured by many others in the years to come. Whether you’re planning an event for 50 or 300 guests, Vecoma ensures your event will be the best it can be with a personal family touch. More information at http://vecoma1.com/.
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Pet Perch: Is Microchipping Your Pet Worth It? By Terie Hansen Considering that pets that ARE microchipped are more than twice likely to be returned to their owners when lost than pets that are not, then, yes, microchipping is worth it. 1. What is a microchip? A microchip is a small identifying circuit device that is just a bit larger than a grain of rice. It carries a unique identifier, which when scanned can help the pet recovery service (such as Home Again or Avid) contact the owner that the chip is registered to. That being said you must keep your registration up to date with your current address, phone number, etc., which can be done easily and quickly online. 2. How does my pet get microchipped? The microchip is injected under the skin of a pet, just between the shoulder blades. This procedure is simple, takes only a few seconds, and is usually done by your veterinarian or rescue shelter. No anesthetic is required. 3. What is the cost of microchipping? Depending on where you get it done, the cost ranges anywhere from $25-$50, which is well worth the price. The peace of mind it will give you, knowing that your pet will have a much better chance of being returned to you, is priceless. 4. Remember if you adopt a pet that has been previously microchipped, you need to have your vet or the shelter scan your pet to determine what the pet recovery service is so you can contact them with updated ownership information. 5. Lastly, technology sometimes breaks down. Have your chip scanned during regular checkups with your vet to make sure it still works correctly. Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
Cannon Church: A Natural Resource for Gwin Oaks Elementary By Kim Hill
When our country experienced an economic downturn in 2008, American households and communities everywhere felt the pinch. For many years Gwin Oaks Elementary School (GOES) had enjoyed a quality reading program that was supported by parent volunteers. But as long-time Gwin Oaks teacher Claire Collins recalls, “During that one particular year when the economy was so bad, a lot of parents had to go back to work or had to take second jobs. We had only a few reading volunteers.” Around the same time, Ms. Collins’ pastor stood up one Sunday and talked about a vision for the community through service. She approached him afterward to share the many different ways * OUR ALL-NEW BOXING CLASS IS HERE. church volunteers could help her school. A wonderful partnership between Cannon Church and GOES started that day. It began with a reading program and has evolved into so much more. Volunteers come during preplanning week to cut, paste, and laminate – whatever needs to be done. Boxing combines cardio, balance + strength They are smiling faces on Registration Day to help Kindergarteners acclimate to their first two to-ALL give you big benefits just 30 minutes. weeks of school. Most Kindergarten volunteers come back one day a week. Church volunteers also -NEW -BOXING OUROUR ALL NEW OUR ALL BOXING NEW CLASS BOXING CLASS ISCLASS HERE. CLASS ISinHERE. * IS HERE. -NEW ALL BOXING IS HERE. -NEW work in the media center, book room, and copy room, and assist during lunches. Cannon Church -NEWCLASS OUR ALLOUR BOXING IS HERE. OUR ALL BOXING CLASS ** IS HERE. -NEW OUR ALL BOXING HERE. your core even runs shuttle buses back and forth to the school from the Nam Dae Mun parking lot when Tone your entire body Engage multiple musclesCLASS at once * IS Strengthen OUR ALL NEW BOXING CLASS IS HERE. Boxing Boxing combines Boxing combines cardio, combines cardio, balance cardio, balance + strength balance + strength + strength evening programs present a parking challenge. 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That’s approximately 2,200 books. “It’s means there’s always a program that works you.body Engage multiple muscles at once Strengthen your core Tone your entire body Engage multiple muscles at once Strengthen your core like Christmas,” says Ms. Collins. “It is so much fun – that’s my very favorite day of the year.” OurNEW classes Our classes range Our from range classes low from to high range low intensity,which to from high low intensity,which to high intensity,which CLASS A church fundraising drive provided funds to start new programs in the community that aligned means there’s always a program that works for you. means there’s means always there’s a program always a that program works that for you. works for you. Our classes range from low to high intensity,which Our classes range from low to high intensity,which Boxing means there’s a program that works you. 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These items make learning fun, encourage family Body Balance Try 3 classes Boxing Body Balance Try 3 classes FREE. † participation, and are tools that the teachers do not have in the classroom. A church volunteer comes Body Balance Arms-Core-Legs Try 3 classes FREE. † Arms-Core-Legs Arms-Core-Legs Arms-Core-Legs 2144 Fountain Square Body Balance 2144 Fountain 2144 Fountain 2144 Square Fountain Square Square almost every day to help students find what they need. The saying, “Give a man a fish and feed him Arms-Core-Legs Try 3 classes FREE. 2144 Fountain Body Balance Snellville, Snellville, GASquare 30078 Snellville, GA 30078 GA GA 30078 Snellville, 30078 Arms-Core-Legs for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime,” was chosen as the Center’s theme, an 2144 Fountain Square Snellville, GA 30078 Arms-Core-Legs 678.344.0200 678.344.0200 678.344.0200 Dance and Tone Dance and Dance Tone and Tone 678.344.0200 2144 Fountain Square Dance Tone Snellville, GA 30078 678.344.0200 Dance and andArms-Core-Legs Tone idea that is instilled in each child as the materials are checked out. 2144 Fountain Square Snellville, GA 30078 Arms-Core-Legs 678.344.0200 Dance and Tone 2144 Fountain Square Snellville, GA 30078 678.344.0200 “What started out as one little seed, one idea, has blossomed into something that I never dreamed Dance and Tone CurvesCurves Circuit Circuit with Curves Jillian with Circuit Michaels Jillian with Michaels Jillian Michaels Curves Curves .com Curves .com .com Snellville, GA 30078 678.344.0200 Curves Circuit withand Jillian Michaels Dance Tone Curves .com it would be,” says Ms. Collins. “The Cannon volunteers come in and support everything we do here, Curves Circuit with Jillian Michaels 678.344.0200 Curves .com Dance and Tone Curves Circuit with Jillian Michaels Curves .com and make this the place where it’s ‘highest level of learning for all.’ That’s our motto, but it really is Curves Circuit with Jillian Michaels Curves .com Curves Circuit with Jillian Michaels Curves.com true. When the Cannon volunteers come in, they help us to do that.” *At participating locations only. Curves Circuit with Jillian Michaels Curves.com For more information contact Ms. Collins at Claire_Collins@gwinnett.k12.ga.us † Limit three free classes per person at participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value and new members only. First visit discount may be offered in *
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exchange for the three free classes. Free classes must be completed within International, 7 days of initialInc. consultation. Call for our class schedule. Offer expires 12/31/16. ©*At 2016 Curves participating locations † Limit three free classes per person at participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer. only. No cash value and new members only. First visit discount may be offered in © Curves International, Inc. © 2016 Curves Inc. exchange for the three freeat classes. Free classes must be2016 completed within 7other days offer. of initial consultation. Call formembers our class schedule. expires 12/31/16. † Limit three free classes per person participating locations only. Not valid with anyInternational, No cash value and new only. FirstOffer visit discount may be offered in exchange for the three free classes. Free classes must be completed within International, 7 days of initialInc. consultation. Call for our class schedule. Offer expires 12/31/16. © 2016 Curves © 2016 Curves International, Inc.
Our Town
F OA RL Y GA WA SU R K PA
The Path Project: Nonprofit Impacts Students’ Lives
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By Sarah Dickens
By Jane Bishop, Life Coach/Speaker “This is ridiculous,” I thought as I deleted email from the account I use for special offer sign ups, etc. As I was pressing delete, it occurred to me, “Why don’t I unsubscribe from those that offer no value to me?” So I did! What a sense of uncluttering I felt. Today’s technology provides quick access to a plethora of information. If care is not taken to prioritize, we will find ourselves expending energy on nonessential activities. In Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown writes, “Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless. The basic value of essentialism: only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contributions towards the things that really matter.” Those special offer emails did not really matter. By unsubscribing, I removed myself from investing energy in unnecessary information, experiencing what Dieter Rams describes as “less but better.” Unsubscribing has led to unplugging. At times, I turn off phone alerts and remove myself from any online connection. It creates space for my brain to recharge. Karen Burton writes, “UNPLUG. BECAUSE you cannot survive without rest from the noise, pace, and over-stimulation of our technical world. UNPLUG. BECAUSE you need to reconnect with yourself, your dreams, your quiet whispers of intuition.” Take the ten-minute “UN” Zone challenge! Designate ten minutes each day to UN_____. In that zone, play, read, nap, reflect. Build on that challenge by adding additional minutes each day to create the “UN” Zone that works for you! What distracts you from creating your “UN” Zone may be draining you from living4ward with energy and passion! Jane Bishop is Owner/CEO of Take The Next Step. More information at www.takethenextstepcct.com
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It began in the backyard of the Gwinnett Estates Mobile Home Park in 2009. The Path Project, formed by Executive Director Jim Hollandsworth and co-founder Melinda Hollandsworth, was established as an outreach ministry of Graystone Church. “We are a local nonprofit that serves at-risk students, who live in low income mobile home parks here in Gwinnett, Walton County, and Newton County,” Jim said. The Path Project, which operates in four mobile home parks in Georgia and one in Tennessee, targets Latino-American elementary, middle, and high school students. “We get a plan from the time that they are in kindergarten,” Jim stated, “and we walk them all the way through, and everything is geared towards that one goal: helping them graduate from high school with a plan for the future.” The mission for them is simple: to partner with families, schools, churches, and businesses to help these students find the right path spiritually, academically, and socially. “A good education is important to getting a good job,” Jim declared. “Good social skills are important to learning about the social things of that society, and spiritual development with learning the importance of having another’s focus and not being selfish.” The spiritual component is that every child would know and follow God’s plan for his or her life. Students memorize Scripture from the Bible. “We are seeing kids who are responding well to learning about what the Bible teaches about life,” Jim went on. “It has transformed students into leaders.” The academic component is that students would graduate from high school with a plan for their future. “We are seeing really good results,” Jim said. “Their reading levels are improving.” Even the social component has allowed students to become productive members of society. Jim stated, “Kids who grew up in that neighborhood, who are now in high school, are now giving back to the younger kids in that neighborhood.” The Path Project has several plans for the future. “We’re open to expanding out to more communities here in Gwinnett and around Atlanta, specifically mobile home communities,” said Jim. “We have a heart for these kids,” he went on. “As Christians, we believe that God instructs us to love our neighbors. As somebody living in Gwinnett, these kids are our neighbors. I think it is our responsibility to love them, care for them and help them to grow up to be the best people that they can be.”
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THRIVE (ing) in Middle School By Daidra Annis Back in 2003, Daniel Rainwater was a student at Five Forks Middle School and a member of Grace Snellville Church. He and his friends wanted a club on school grounds that would foster faith and hope, while providing leadership opportunities for his classmates. From that humble beginning, Campus Thrive was born. Twelve years later, Thrive is now a 501c3 that exists separately from Grace Snellville Church, and provides a place for students to grow together as a community. Daniel Pruitt, the current Campus Thrive Director, oversees all of the area’s middle school programs. These five schools in the Southern Gwinnett area include Brookwood Cluster all the way over to Archer, one school in Walton County, and a hybrid program at Providence Christian School. In addition, resources and student-led leadership models are shared with other private schools. Thrive meetings are 100% student-led and typically meet on a weekly schedule before the school day begins. Club leaders meet away from their home school on Tuesdays for leadership and planning in preparation for the hosted meeting on Thursday or Friday. Attendance at the leadership meetings is vital. Leaders also participate in various service projects that serve both the staff at the host school, and the community as a whole. There is no fee to join Thrive, and even with no attendance requirement, an estimated 1,000 students participate each week. Some of the largest meetings boast 200-250 students. Benton Cranford, one of Thrive’s pastors, said that their main focus is to “empower students to lead,” a testament to their core belief that “Middle School students can impact Middle School students.” Curriculum teachings are themed around Life with God, and Why We Pray. In addition, Thrive encourages students to pursue their passions, and they provide an uplifting and motivational community for those sometimes tumultuous middle school years. Community support for Campus Thrive comes in many forms. Area pastors and churches serve students by leading them in curriculum and leadership. At present, more than five churches provide space for leadership meetings, and their pastors are involved in discipling students. Donations and adult/pastor volunteers are helpful in expanding the Thrive community in current schools and into new schools that want to host a club. More information at www.campusthrive.com
Nonprofit Promotes Spiritual Awareness Continued from page 10 as New Mexico and Utah. “For students who are young and are called to go on mission trips, usually finances are the biggest hindrance,” Melanie said. “And [the foundation] wants to help minimize the differences so that we can provide support. We can fund up to 25 percent of the costs of the trip.” The Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation puts on several events, such as a recent golf tournament with Chick-Fil-A this past October, and Music for Missions. “We’ve done several Music for Missions concerts and talent shows where students can come and display their talent,” Melanie said. The mission of the Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation is to help the lost be found. It is based off of Ashley’s vision and desire for the lost to be assured of eternal life, and Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet that bring the good news.” “[Ashley] did not want to be associated with cancer,” Melanie said. “She wanted to be associated with God’s kingdom.” On January 23, 2008, the day of Ashley’s death, she said to a missionary friend, “I’m glad you are going (on missions) so other people can go where I am going today.” Melanie viewed Ashley as a brave person and an inspiration. “On the day that she died, she went from an attitude of survival to an attitude of surrender,” Melanie said. “She was the most peaceful child with no fear. She embraced her Eternal home as friends and family said, ‘goodbye.’” The Ashley Nicole Averill Foundation has several plans for the future. They include developing more relationships with both private and corporate entities, and promoting awareness of the nonprofit. “Every dollar that is donated goes to students,” Melanie said. “Every dime goes toward the cause. It’s a year-by-year process. It’s amazing with the support we have gotten.” More information at www.AshleyNicoleAverill.com.
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TENNIS • GOLF • SWIMMING • DINING • SOCIAL OUR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP JUST GOT BIGGER AND BETTER! Be one big happy family at Summit Chase! Add your grandchildren for free! Year round golf, tennis, and swimming programs for the entire family. Family, Corporate and Individual Memberships
NO INITIATION FEE Give the gift of membership and start building your legacy today!
YOUR FAMILY BELONGS HERE! For monthly membership special, additional information or to schedule a facility tour, contact Carol Sapp or Charlene Adams.
3197 Classic Drive Snellville, GA 30078
770-979-9000
summitchasecc.com info@summitchasecc.com