OUR TOWN DEKALB (SEPTEMBER 2020)

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9 Common Sen$e: Is Forbearance for Me? 13 Back Talk: Can Chiropractic Care Benefit Pregnant Moms? You Bet! 16 Embry Village Kroger Celebrates Grand Opening

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OurTown NE DeKalb Community and Family Magazine

A Shiny Inc Publication Editor Lizbeth A. Dison Shinycomm.com ldison@shinycomm.com Our Town DeKalb is published and direct mailed to Creative Director Jay Adcock jaywadcock@gmail.com Writers Lizbeth A. Dison Cindy E. Farrar Lois Ricci Sanah Sayani Karl Schwartz Art Wood

Entire contents copyright 2020 by Our Town DeKalb and Shiny Inc LLC. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Distribution Coordinator Emma Dison Brantley

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select homes in the Tucker / Northeast DeKalb area.

Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town DeKalb reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town DeKalb is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

4426 Hugh Howell Road, Suite 307B Tucker, Georgia 30084 770.621.9041 info@ourtowndekalb.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

4 A 2,000-Year-Old Beauty Secret Comes to Tucker 6 The Bits in Between: Happy Anniversary to Us! 7 Wellness In-Sight: Thriving in Uncertain Times, Part 3 Cultivating your ACREAGE 8 Age Friendly Tucker: Reviving the Lost Art of Communication 9 Common Sen$e: Is Forbearance for Me? 10 Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Cancels Live Fall Productions 11 FODAC 24th Annual Charity Golf Classic Scheduled for October 5 at Stone Mountain 12 Rotary Club of Tucker Inducts New Officers and Board for 2020-2021 13 Back Talk: Can Chiropractic Care Benefit Pregnant Moms? You Bet! 14 Beauty Byline with Sanah: Heal the Heels 15 Main Street Theatre Sponsors Virtual Talent Show 16 Embry Village Kroger Celebrates Grand Opening 18 Tucker Movie Tavern Reopens in August with Enhanced COVID Protocols ON THE COVER: Partners Mary Ellen Sheehan and Htwe Htwe show off the first product from their Royal Thanaka beauty line. Photo by Myo Naing.

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On The Cover: A 2,000-Year-Old Beauty Secret Comes to Tucker L.A. Dison An ancient beauty secret long known by the Burmese has now been revealed to the world – thanks to the work of two longtime friends.

Tucker residents Mary Ellen Sheehan and Htwe Htwe met in 2004 at the International Community School in Decatur. Sheehan had been hired as a teacher there when the school had opened in 2002; Htwe joined the staff as an assistant in 2004 when her children enrolled at ICS. Despite their differing backgrounds (as children, Sheehan lived in Ireland and Htwe in Myanmar, formerly Burma), the two women became fast friends, sharing a love of teaching, gardening, travel, cooking, and healthy food.

The deep friendship between the two women grew to include their husbands as well.

Sheehan and Htwe also shared a passion for environmental and social causes, and were constantly developing ideas and projects that would positively influence their community and the world. In 2011, the two women created an urban farming business, EllenHtwe Farms. They farmed on several parcels of land in Tucker and Decatur (including their own backyards and that of Tucker’s Massage Associates of Atlanta.) They sold their produce weekly at the Tucker Farmers Market but it was hard to sustain the business when they both were still working full-time at ICS. They were still looking for a business venture that would allow them to fulfill their personal enrichment goals when Sheehan’s retirement from teaching opened up an opportunity. While Htwe remained in her job at ICS, Sheehan now had the time to pursue full-time management of a new venture. What would that business be?

When Htwe talked about her childhood in Burma, she often recalled her mother putting thanaka paste on her skin every day. The wearing of thanaka has been a regular part of the culture of Burma for over 2,000 years; it is used by all, from babies to elders, men and women.

Htwe had shared her love of thanaka to everyone in her social circle, including Sheehan. Realizing that there were no companies in the U.S. offering thanaka-based products, and that there was a growing need for more organic and environmentally-responsible beauty products, Sheehan and Htwe were inspired to create Royal Thanaka, a women-managed skincare company that “is ethical and healthy for people and the planet.” Its stated mission is to “reintroduce your skin to the ancient protective wisdom of trees, energizing people to live intentionally.”

Royal Thanaka is committed to safe ingredients and environmental care.

The jars for the products are made from recycled glass and plastic with biodegradable inserts. The lids are recycled plastic, but there are future plans for bamboo lids. In addition, the harvesting of the bark does not harm the

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Royal Thanaka’s first product. thanaka tree; it continues to grow after harvesting, making it a renewable resource.

In Myanmar, locals grind the bark with water on a stone slab; the creamy paste is A native thanaka tree in Myanmar then applied to the skin and lasts all day until rinsed off. This processing technique is not feasible for large scale production, and Sheehan’s first idea was to import the bark in bulk to the U.S. for processing into powder here. But since the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that it be imported as a powder, the bark must be ground and dried before it’s shipped. Htwe’s husband, Myo Naing, used his connections in Myanmar to arrange for purchase and

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processing of thanaka; the tree branches are dried and ground and shipped.

“I have 400 pounds of it in my basement right now,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan and Htwe became part of the START:ME program conducted by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Through its accelerator program, they found a laboratory in North Carolina associated with the University of North Carolina and worked with it to develop the first product, the Ultra Rich Moisturizing Cream infused with the protective and nourishing properties of thanaka. “The A Burmese worker grinds thanaka lightweight smooth texture bark any for export to America. melts into your skin to nourish and protect while soothing irritation that may be present,” said Htwe. Next on the product schedule is a reef-safe and skin-safe sunscreen using thanaka.

Sheehan says that there are plans to open a brick-and-mortar store in Tucker, along with a manufacturing facility. “Htwe and I have always been committed to empowering the local community,” said Sheehan. “We plan for our business to eventually become employee-owned.”

Until they open a store-front location, marketing is done via internet and social media. The company posts regularly on Instagram and Facebook, and is developing a YouTube channel Sheehan and Htwe from their to educate people on the benefits of International Community School days. thanaka. Currently, the product is available for purchase from the website. Future plans for marketing use a direct selling model based on Avon to distribute the products, which enable a broader reach to customers across the U.S. This direct sales model also fits in with Royal Thanaka’s mission of empowering people, since it will allow sales representatives to make an income while selling the products. Once the company has established a viable base in the U.S., it plans to expand internationally.

Learn more about Royal Thanaka and place your orders at royalthanaka.com.

Mention “Our Town DeKalb” and receive a 10% discount on your order!

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Tom Edmondson

The Bits in Between: Happy Anniversary to Us!

OurTown NE DeKalb Community and Family Magazine

Got a story idea?

Our Town DeKalb is always looking for talented writers!

Send story suggestions to info@ourtowndekalb.com. Submissions become the property of Our Town DeKalb; all submitted material is subject to review and editing. Acceptance of submitted material does not guarantee publication.

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Our September issue celebrates a very special occasion – Our Town DeKalb’s first anniversary! It was August of 2019 that our first issue (the bimonthly August/September) hit mailboxes and retail outlets across Tucker, Smoke Rise, Northlake and Embry Hills.

The traditional first anniversary gift is considered to be paper, while the modern gift is a clock, both good choices to commemorate OTD’s milestone event. The symbolism of paper is obvious, since the success of our magazine is proof of the durability of print. The clock commemorates the passage of time over this important first year – and reminds us of what a year this has been!

The challenges of launching a new publication can be overwhelming under the best of circumstances but they were doubled (even tripled) with the advent of a global pandemic and the negative impact on our advertisers, the lifeblood of any ad-supported publication. We celebrate our accomplishment of not only surviving our first year despite the obstacles but going from bimonthly to monthly and expanding our page count to twenty pages from sixteen – none of which we could have done if not for our loyal advertisers who stuck by us during this trying time and helped keep us in production.

We are grateful for our writers, who contribute content each month that engage, entertain and educate our readers. But most of all we thank our readers, who await with eager anticipation each month for the new issue to hit their mailbox, display at their favorite restaurant or retail location, or post on our website.

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to support a local magazine – and we can’t express enough our gratitude for all the people who have made our little publication a success. We are optimistic about our future, and we believe that for most of us, there is indeed a bright and shining light at the end of the tunnel. Take care of each other and yourselves, and let’s get to 2021!

Lizbeth A. Dison Publisher and Editor

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Wellness In-Sight: Thriving in Uncertain Times, Part 3 Cultivating your ACREAGE When I sat down to write the July column, I had a thought of what I wanted to share.

Try as I might to direct where I thought it should go, “the muses that be” had another idea. Here we are in September and our exploration of thriving in uncertain times through community continues.

The question posed at the end of last month’s article, “Where and how will you engage in creating your authentic communities?” arose from a discussion I led as a guest speaker for a couple of classes at the Kennesaw State University, Department of Social Work and Human Services. The class was discussing ‘community’ as one of our greatest commodities, and as such can also be a valuable form of capital or exchange, mutually benefitting all participants. I was invited to share with the students my experience building community, the inherent benefits, and our individual roles establishing our various communities.

Opportunities to form community, “a linking together to fortify, strengthen or defend,” present themselves regularly. The possibility is available virtually anywhere with anyone with whom we engage. This is not only one of my life principles, it is the foundation upon which I built my business, now in its twenty-first year. Despite the challenge Covid-19 has imposed, I am fortunate to work with massage therapists and wellness practitioners with whom community has been formed. We are also a reflection of the community we serve. In addition, our clients who allow us to be a part of their wellness are an extension of our community. The afore mentioned guest speaking engagements grew out of this community.

Cindy E. Farrar, LMT, BCTMB, CLC is a licensed massage therapist, certified life coach and the owner of Massage Associates of Atlanta, LLC (Lavista Road in Tucker). In addition, she is a certified Qi Gong instructor and a nationally approved continuing education provider for massage therapy and bodywork. Cindy enjoys sharing insights on wellness and personal and community development as a speaker and writer.

I have termed this intentional community building “Cultivating your ACREAGE.” Awareness - Staying alert to opportunities and emerging needs Choice - Discerning the potential benefits and deciding whether or not to act Responsibility - Acknowledging your ability to respond Engage - When all of the above align for potential positive outcome, actively participating Assessment - Following sufficient time, re-evaluating your ACRE; does the opportunity remain, are the course and benefit still aligned, are you still able to respond to the needs, and do you want to choose to continue engaging?

Gratitude - Appreciating all that is being afforded and the positive differences being made Evolve - Being open to and embracing the potential for growth and development As we continue to live in these uncertain times, the need for community remains great. Opportunities to Cultivate Your ACREAGE abound.

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Age Friendly Tucker: Reviving the Lost Art of Communication Dr. Lois Ricci Being able to communicate thoughts, opinions, and wishes has always been important for human survival. Recently, technology seems to have replaced personal interfacing. People email and text rather than talk on the phone. It took about one month of quarantine to change my mind away from technology and towards more oldfashioned modes of communication. I am amazed by how many phone and video calls I’ve made and received since the onset of the virus. What is driving this increase in phone calls and what is the impact?

The pandemic gave us something in common to talk about, which is leading to reconnections. Even if you neglected to keep in touch with someone over the years, it is almost certain that people will talk to you now with more time at home and fewer places to go. Staying connected with people, knowing about events happening, and practical information to manage life is vital to everyone.

Regardless of the multiple ways we can communicate and all the information available, we do not have a town crier shouting “Oyez, Oyez” to share important news. Information today is found in ways we could not have imagined even ten years ago. More of us know how to get the information but still there are those who don’t know how to use the sources available. Elizabeth Wurtzel, author of Prozac Nation, wrote about her “one-night stand of a life.” “Look at how we live. We communicate in text messages and emails; even those of us old enough to have lived in a world where landline was not a word because it’s all there was have fallen into this lazy substitute for human contact.”

If the phone rings after 9:00 pm, it is not the warning of doom - just someone wanting to talk. People need the connection through the human voice, and they aren’t just making one-to-one connections via a phone call.

As soon as the pandemic started forcing people to separate, video calling increased. By March 23, Facebook was already reporting a 70% weekly increase in the number of people using Facebook Messenger for group video calls. On April 7, The New York Times reported that use of the group video chat Houseparty was up 79% since early March. Zoom has become the new standard for conducting group meetings, not just in business but for social interaction as well. Increased use of video calling will be a “residual component of COVID,” according to Paul Carter, founder of Global Wireless Solutions.

One of the eight domains identified for an Age Friendly City is Communication and Information. This domain includes all forms of oral, printed, and digital mediums of communication. Lifelong Community committee members, who were used to emailing and texting, are now calling each other more often, and both monthly meetings and group meetings are handled via Zoom. Members have suggested creating neighborhood calling lists to handle everything from regular wellness checks to scheduling telephone coffees. More neighbors are regularly calling neighbors, offering grocery runs or just to say hello.

Calling and having a real conversation is satisfying, whether it’s through a virtual call or via voice. For over a hundred years a phone call was a common event; telephones had their place in every home. (How many of us remember the phone bench, a comfy seat with an attached table on which your phone proudly sat?) Today, checking web sites for information, sending a text with a quick message, emailing information are all more common ways of quick communication which have become standard in our lives. Before the

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pandemic, we may have taken our social interactions for granted and been the kind of person who said, “I’m terrible at keeping in touch.” Suddenly, people are becoming aware of how important it is to stay in contact with their fellow humans. Whether it’s by phone, virtual call, or in person, I hope this will stick with us when we come out of the pandemic.

Dr. Lois Ricci is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association’s Lifelong Community Committee.

She serves as an adjunct faculty member at both Kennesaw State University and Clayton State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class.

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Common Sen$e: Is Forbearance for Me? Art Wood In this crazy world of COVID-19, the word forbearance has been thrown around a lot. I believe most student loans have been placed into forbearance indefinitely until we resume some sort of normalcy. For this article I want to focus on mortgage forbearance.

In response to the pandemic, in March, our government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided an array of financial supports for businesses and households to help them weather the financial impacts of widespread economic shutdowns necessitated by the spread of the virus. There was a mortgage forbearance provision included in the act that allowed people to place their mortgage in forbearance for up to 180 days, and then be able to ask for another 180 days if needed. No documentation needed, no questions asked. As of May 12, 4.7 million homeowners were in forbearance.

It is important to note that forbearance is not forgiveness. “A forbearance is a temporary postponement or reduction of mortgage payments,” per the official CARES Act documentation from HUD. How you come out of forbearance depends on who your loan servicer is and personal preference. There are realistically only three ways to come out of forbearance: Pay a lump sum of the missed mortgage payments. By law, servicers or lenders cannot require you to take this option but it may be a good choice for some. For others, it may be next to impossible to pay the past due amount in one lump sum. For someone who skipped six $1500 payments, that totals up to a $9,000 check. OUCH! Agree to a higher monthly payment for a set term. Let’s say you missed the same six payments of $1500 each. You could agree to pay your lender back $200 per month for the next forty-five months. That would be in addition to your current $1500 payment. Doable, but still could be tough if you needed forbearance in the first place.

Modify your mortgage to extend the term and add the deferred interest to the back of your mortgage. This is probably the easiest and less impactful scenario. You would ultimately have to pay your missed payments back whenever you pay off your mortgage, either through a refinance or when you sell your home.

Now that you know what forbearance is, let’s look at when you should do it, and when you should not do it. I can make this simple. ONLY DO IT IF YOU MUST - due to a drop in income from job loss or a reduction in work hours.

Remember, it is not free money. It is not forgiveness. It must be repaid. I have spoken to several people that are doing just fine during this pandemic and opted for forbearance mostly because they didn’t understand what it was. In fact, lenders are being accused of putting people in forbearance without their

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knowledge.

The biggest drawback on taking forbearance when you don’t need it is that you take yourself out of contention for a future refinance, for as little as ninety days but as much as a year. Rates are awesome right now, and I have had to turn people away temporarily until they remove themselves from forbearance.

Moral of the story: forbearance is an awesome safety net for those that need it during these certain times, but it can exclude you from the future savings of a refinance if you use it and don’t need it!

Art Wood (NMLS #118234) is the branch manager of Legacy Mortgage Team of Goldwater Bank, located at 2341 Main Street in downtown Tucker. “Tucker’s Mortgage Guy” for fifteen years, he is a former Tucker Tiger (Class of ’92), and co-founder and organizer of Taste of Tucker. Family guy, community guy, and definitely not your typical mortgage guy - it’s all that he does that makes Art Wood who he is. Contact him at 678.534.5834 or art.wood@goldwaterbank.com.

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Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts Cancels Live Fall Productions Our Town DeKalb Staff Due to continuing concerns over maintaining COVID safety regulations for large groups, Smoke Rise Academy of the Arts (SRAA) has cancelled its previously announced fall productions of Annie JR. and Fiddler on the Roof. Instead, the elementary and high school classes are filming scenes with smaller groups of students and will have “filmed� versions of both productions posted online later in the year.

SRAA will proceed with its fall drama programs beginning October 5 for all school ages. Classes will meet in small groups outdoors as well as inside large rooms , observing all COVID recommendations. Staged productions are planned for late spring 2021, with a possibility of outdoor theater. Show titles will be announced later this fall. Registration is still open for private music lessons and dance classes for all ages with in-person and virtual class options available. Class details and registration are available at smokerisebaptist.org/arts or by calling Executive Director Denise Burcham at 678.533.0562.

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FODAC 24th Annual Charity Golf Classic Scheduled for October 5 at Stone Mountain Our Town DeKalb Staff The Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) Annual Charity Golf Classic is returning on October 5 to Stone Mountain Golf Club, located on the grounds of popular attraction Stone Mountain Park. Breakfast and onsite registration start at 8:00 a.m.; shotgun start is at 9:30 a.m. Funds raised from the event will help support FODAC’s mission to supply home medical equipment (HME) to people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Registration is open now, with prices ranging from $175 for an individual player to $600 for a foursome. Sponsorships are available ranging from $500 for a hole sponsor to $10,000 for a platinum sponsorship which includes registration for four foursomes and prominent corporate signage. For registration, sponsorship and more details, visit fodac.org/golf or contact Stephen Barwick at stephenbarwickl@fodac.org or 770.491.9014.

FODAC is based in Tucker but serves the Metro Atlanta community by providing recycled equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and hospital beds for children and adults during or after a health crisis. Last year, FODAC donated over $10 million in equipment at little or no cost to recipients. FODAC, as a member of National VOAD and a partner with FEMA, also provides support in the wake of disasters; the organization is currently working to distribute critical personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, surgical gloves, and gowns to essential medical workers, and medical equipment like CPAPs and ventilators for patients.

Stone Mountain Golf Club features two championship golf courses surrounded by scenic views of historic Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain Lake; the FODAC tournament will be played on the Lakemont Course.

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Rotary Club of Tucker Inducts New Officers and Board for 2020-2021 Our Town DeKalb Staff The Rotary Club of Tucker in July installed its new president and board for the 2020-2021 Rotary year. The induction ceremony was held during the club’s weekly member lunch on Thursday, July 2 in the Fellowship Hall of First Christian Church of Atlanta in Tucker; the oath of office was administered by Rotary District 6900 Past District Governor Margie Kersey, with Assistant District Governor Chris Brand attending.

Johnathan Clark, financial advisor with Edward Jones, was installed as the club’s new president, along with the club’s new board members: • Kellianne King, president-elect (public health analyst and project officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) • Marc Lisenby, secretary (president, Master Building Services) • Wayne Gresham, treasurer (agent, State Farm Insurance) • Renie Halford, sergeant-at-arms (retired, DeKalb County School District) • Renie Halford and Wayne Rush (veterinarian and owner, DeKalb Animal Hospital), senior advisors • Bob Wallace, community services chair (owner and president, Highland Park Holdings, LLC) • Joe Williams, club administration, newsletter editor and programming chair (visionary, Men in the Kingdom) • Joe Williams and Kristen Kametches, webmasters • Onuzulike “Nat” Nwizu, international services and Rotary Foundation chair (administrator, GPA Treatment) • Penny Stovall, literacy/youth services chair (retired, DeKalb Board of Education) • Johnathan Clark and Kristen Kametches, Rotary Youth Exchange chair • Johnathan Clark and Penny Stovall, Rotary Means Business Fellowship chair • Rose Arnold, membership chair (director, Positive Growth, Inc.) • Graham Stovall, fundraising chair (retired, Stovall Marine) • Tom Edmondson, Rotarian action group/addiction prevention chair (senior pastor, First Christian Church of Atlanta) “Rotary International’s theme for the year is ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities,’” said Clark. “2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have presented significant challenges to the Tucker Club, but our members have turned obstacles to opportunities – from keeping connected via Zoom meetings while we couldn’t meet in person, to re-imagining and re-scheduling fundraisers and other significant events to keep our club moving forward.”

Celebrating its 46th year of service, the Rotary Club of Tucker is one of 34,000 member clubs of Rotary International. The club meets every Thursday at noon for lunch in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church of Atlanta, where the meetings are conducted in compliance with COVID safety regulations. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about the club and its upcoming programs, visit tuckerrotary.org. You can also follow the club on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Rotary ADG Chris Brand with Tucker Rotary President Johnathan Clark, presenting complimentary masks to luncheon members.

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Back Talk: Can Chiropractic Care Benefit Pregnant Moms?

You Bet! Karl Schwartz A patient of mine recently discovered she was pregnant as a result of her and her husband’s COVID quarantining. I realized that during this pandemic time, there will likely be an uptick of pregnancies for parents who were planning for families. So I thought I would write an article on the benefits of chiropractic care for pregnant mothers. Chiropractic care affects three major areas: Mom’s nervous system (brain and spinal nerves); Mom’s musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, connective tissue); and Baby’s orchestration, control and development (all cells, tissues, organs, and systems).

First, the nervous system (brain and spinal nerves) is connected to all organs and systems in our bodies. How well the fetus develops is directly related to how well Mom’s brain and nervous system are functioning. If Mom is functioning better, her baby will be healthier.

Regardless of whether Mom has pain or not, an optimal spine and nervous system function leads directly to a healthier baby.

Second, chiropractic care can aid in reduction of musculoskeletal pain. Over the course of pregnancy, the average mother will gain anywhere from eleven to forty pounds. If you know what a ten-pound bowling ball feels like, imagine carrying up to four times that weight around your abdomen. This exerts a large force on the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the lower spine, pelvis, and the sacroiliac joints. If the spine is not properly aligned, the delicate nerves that exit the spine can be stretched or irritated, causing pain. Many mothers experience sciatica (pain in the largest nerve in the body, which runs down the back of the thigh to the calf), which can be debilitating. During pregnancy, the brain releases a hormone called relaxin, which loosens the ligaments in the body to allow for and prepare for labor and delivery. Imagine now trying to carry that bowling ball in the belly without having the stability of your ligaments. This is why it is so common for most pregnant moms to have pain during pregnancy.

Third, is the outcome of labor and delivery. You can have a perfect pregnancy, but a distressed labor can lead to forced extraction such as C-section, forceps, or suction. All three of these procedures, although necessary in the minority of cases, introduce force, which can lead to damage to the baby’s brain and nervous system. Wouldn’t it make more sense to avoid these procedures? Chiropractic care is natural and non-invasive and leads to the best chance for a healthy labor and delivery. I had a first-time mother as a patient, who was thirty weeks pregnant with a baby in a breech position. We began adjusting her, freeing up the uterine ligaments via the Webster technique, and at her last OB visit at thirty-six weeks, the baby had spontaneously flipped and was ready for a natural delivery, which lasted only six hours. What a great outcome!

So, whether you are pregnant during a pandemic or any other less stressful time, shouldn’t you consider chiropractic care for you and your baby?

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Dr Karl Schwartz is a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia; he has been practicing chiropractic in Tucker for twenty-one years and a resident here for fifteen years. His office specializes in preventing sports injuries and maximizing performance by analyzing posture, weight bearing, and gait. If you have a question you would like addressed in a future column, please email karlschwartzdc@ gmail.com. Note “Back Talk” in the subject line.

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Beauty Byline with Sanah: Heal the Heels Sanah Sayani Dry, cracked heels can be painful, irritating, and uncomfortable. For me, they were embarrassing. too. Because I love wearing flip-flops and sandals, and walking barefoot, I was constantly battling with rough and dry heels. My monthly pedicures were not fixing the problem so I had to find another solution.

A quick Google search brought up suggestions like, moisturize regularly with thick heel creams; stop using foot scrapers during pedicures; and start using a pumice stone a few times a week in the shower.

That’s how I started on my road to healing my heels.

Don’t ask why but because babies have soft skin, I thought using baby products might help speed up the process. I picked up a tube of Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel. BEST DECISION EVER! I would use a pumice stone during showers three or four times a week and apply baby oil gel on my heels after every shower. I did this for six months and sure enough my heels were clean, soft, and so so smooth.

It’s now years later and I still do this. I’ve switched from baby oil to Vaseline and I don’t use the pumice stone unless I need to. I truly believe the reason this works for me is because I oil my feet right after I shower. My skin is soft and primed to be hydrated. The petroleum jelly locks in the moisture before my foot has the chance to dry.

I’ve also struggled with corns on my feet. I thought pedicures would take

care of them, but within a week they would be back. I recently was able to get rid of them permanently. I bought corn remover pads from Amazon and in about two weeks, the corns were gone. These pads have red ointment or cream on them that basically dries out the corn and makes it easier to remove.

Once you’re able to remove the corn, moisturize and wear socks until the skin is fully healed.

And since I’m taking care of my feet, I go ahead and use my favorite lotion all over my legs and arms. I’ve noticed my skin has gotten softer and healthier as the years progress.

So that’s my secret – baby oil gel or Vaseline with pumice on my heels, and lotion immediately after every shower for soft and healthy feet. The healing timeline will be different for everyone but you should get the result you desire as long as you are consistent with it. Make it a part of your shower routine and you’ll be one step closer to healing your heels.

Sanah Sayani is a master cosmetologist and owner of Thread Beauty Spa (4426 Hugh Howell Road in the Tucker Publix Shopping center). Her monthly column seeks to answer readers’ beauty concerns; write to her at threadbeautyspa@gmail.com, or drop by the shop to ask her in person!

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Main Street Theatre Sponsors Virtual Talent Show Our Town DeKalb Staff Do you have a talent you want to show off to the world? Main Street Theatre is sponsoring its first talent show – in a safe virtual environment! Submissions are due by September 15.

1. Decide on what special talent you’d like to share with the world. It can be anything! Singing, dancing, performing a monologue, a family skit, a short comedy set, playing an instrument ... maybe you’re an amazing juggler or have a great baton twirling routine. Anything goes!

2. Have someone record your talent in a well-lit space. If you’re using a phone to record, please use landscape mode ... and remember, your clip can only be two minutes.

3. Label your file “FirstName-LastName” and upload it to MST’s DropBox. (https://www.dropbox.com/request/wDjVOuohjapDyv1JUNU7) You do not need a Dropbox account to upload your file.

4. Email carrie.harris@tuckertheatre.com with the following information: • Name • Age (if the artist is a minor or you want to share) • A brief description of your talent (for example - the song title, name of poem/play, instrument, type of dance) • Artist’s (or parent/guardian’s) email address Sit back, relax, and prepare for fame! MST will compile all clips and premiere this inaugural talent showcase in November.

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PAGE 15

Embry Village Kroger Celebrates Grand Opening Our Town DeKalb Staff

The doors have finally opened for the eagerly anticipated rebuilt Embry Hills Kroger, located in Embry Village at 3559 Chamblee Tucker Road.

The new 114,000 square-foot store represents a $25 million investment and includes an expanded assortment of natural foods and organic products, extensive prepared foods, grocery pickup and other amenities. It is adjacent to and replaces the former store that was demolished in 2019 for the rebuild.

The new store is more than twice the size of the former store, which was 55,696 square feet and had been in operation for 18 years.

“Kroger is committed to providing a unique shopping experience for our customers that represents the dynamics of the community,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We are also committed to the communities we serve and are excited to donate $500 gift cards to each of our partner schools: Henderson Mill Elementary, Henderson Middle School, and Chamblee Charter High School.

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Masks!

Thread

Start that Project now!

$5

BEAUTY SPA

WITH OUR LOW-RATE HOME EQUITY LINES!

WASHABLE ADULT&CHILD FACE SHIELDS FILTERS EAR SAVERS IN STORE&ONLINE MADE IN GEORGIA

AVAILABLE SERVICES: $10 EYEBROW THREADING $20 EYEBROW TINTING $70+ LASH EXTENSIONS

We will pay closing costs on lines up to $250,000!*

$15+ WAXING

Variable rates as low as Prime Rate, currently 3.25% plus .25% (3.50% APR)**, plus .50% (3.75% APR)***, or plus 1.00% (4.25% APR)****

Brian C. Moon, Branch Manager Northlake Branch 3953 Lavista Road Tucker, GA 30084

404.297.2238 NMLS# 1934368

(ARMS, LEGS, UNDERARMS ONLY)

$25+ HAIR TREATMENTS

MON-FRI 12-7 THREADBEAUTYSPA.COM BOOK SERVICES ONLINE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

CenterStateBank.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS | DEBT CONSOLIDATION | COLLEGE | VACATION | MAJOR PURCHASES *Total closing costs generally range from $0 - $7500. Examples of closing costs paid by the bank are fees for a credit report, flood determination, title insurance and other costs. Bank paid closing costs will include up to $200.00 toward appraisal fees. Customer is responsible for paying any additional appraisal fees over that amount.

Line must be funded by 50% or $10,000 at closing, whichever is greater. CenterState Bank will waive reimbursement of closing costs as long as your account is open for at least 2 years. Offer is available for primary residences only. Manufactured Homes/Mobile Homes are not eligible for a home equity line of credit. **Rate based on minimum beacon score of 721, ***Rate based on minimum beacon score of 700, ****Rate based on minimum beacon score of 640. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may increase after consummation. Maximum APR is 18%. Property insurance is required, and if applicable, flood insurance will be required. All loans subject to credit approval.

Rates and terms may change at any time. Other restrictions may apply. CenterState Bank N.A. NMLS #403455

4426 HUGH HOWELL RD PUBLIX SHOPPING CENTER NEXT TO UPS STORE

470-450-7676

COUPON: 20% OFF MASKS

Show in store•Online: 20percentoff Until 9/30/2020•not valid on sales

The artisan décor features a mural by worldrenowned graffiti artist Mr. Totem who grew up and still lives in Chamblee. This vibrant, colorful mural depicts the Buford Highway Corridor through a continuous sense of motion, like the road itself. The diversity of people, cultures and transit is subtly showcased against the backdrop of the Atlanta skyline and neighborhood buildings. As a multiethnic native of Buford Highway, Mr. Totem has a firsthand understanding of the neighborhood and the immigrant reality. He wants to inspire and encourage others to understand and experience the real, unique essence of Buford Highway.

In addition to Kroger’s traditional departments such as floral, produce, bakery, meat and seafood, and pharmacy, the new store includes a Starbucks with indoor seating area; a cheese counter featuring gourmet selections from New York’s award-winning Murray’s Cheese; expanded deli offerings including sushi, Grab n’ Go Chicken and Boars Head; Meals to Go; and Kitchen Place featuring a wide selection of kitchen gadgets, utensils, appliances, and cookware. The Embry Village Kroger also offers online ordering and curbside pick-up and home delivery.

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PAGE 17

Tucker Movie Tavern Reopens in August with Enhanced COVID Protocols Our Town DeKalb Staff

OurTown NE DeKalb Community and Family Magazine

Visit us online at

OurTownDeKalb.com PAGE 18

Marcus Theatres, owner of the Movie Tavern in Tucker, began a phased reopening in August of its ninety-one theatres, closed since March due to the COVID pandemic. Marcus is the fourth largest U.S. theatre chain, with locations in seventeen states.

Marcus reopened all three of its metro-Atlanta locations on August 21 – the Movie Tavern in Tucker, Roswell Cinema in Roswell, and Horizon Village Cinema in Suwanee. These locations will feature enhanced protocols in accordance with current local health and safety guidelines, including mandatory mask-wearing except while eating and drinking, reserved seating with two empty seats between guests, and increased cleaning and disinfecting. A survey at theatres that opened during an initial beta phase of the reopening found 98 percent of Magical Movie Rewards Members felt comfortable and safe watching a movie in the auditorium.

All eight of the Tucker auditoriums are furnished with DreamLounger reclining seating, with plenty of legroom and the comfort of a home theatre. A SuperScreen DLX auditorium features an oversized digital screen and Dolby Atmos multidimensional sound. Delivery-to-seat service is available throughout the theatre, with a scratch kitchen offering a diverse menu of entrees, garden picks, burgers, sandwiches, desserts and pizza, plus wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tucker Movie Tavern is located in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center, 4043 Lavista Road, Tucker. Visit marcustheatres.com/reopening on what to expect when planning a trip to Marcus Theatres and for a list of available opening dates by location.

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September 24 - 28

FREE BRACELET FREE BRACELET September 24 - 28

when you spend $125* Up to $65 value. Upgrades available.

when you spend $125* Up to $65 value. Upgrades available.

© 2020 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved

AVAILABLE AT

ROSENFELD JEWELRY © 2020 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved

770-414-1390 AVAILABLE AT

ROSENFELD JEWELRY 770-414-1390

*Offer available 9/24/2020 - 9/28/2020 at participating retailers and online at pandora.net. Spend $125 or more on Pandora jewelry and receive a free bracelet up to $65 value, no substitutions. Upgrades available in-store only. Free and/or upgraded bracelet style excludes the Disney and Harry Potter collections. Limit 3 per person. Qualifying spend must be after applicable discounts and excludes taxes, fees, and the purchase of gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid with prior purchases. Void where prohibited.

Free bracelet must be returned with qualifying purchase or original retail value of free bracelet (up to $65) will be deducted from return. Product not for resale.

Our Town DeKalb

To become an Our Town DeKalb advertising partner, email info@OurTownDeKalb.com or call 770.621.9041

*Offer available 9/24/2020 - 9/28/2020 at participating retailers and online at pandora.net. Spend $125 or more on Pandora jewelry and receive a free bracelet up to $65 value, no substitutions. Upgrades available in-store only. Free and/or upgraded bracelet style excludes the Disney and Harry Potter collections. Limit 3 per person. Qualifying spend must be after applicable discounts and excludes taxes, fees, and the purchase of gift cards. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid with prior purchases. Void where prohibited.

Free bracelet must be returned with qualifying purchase or original retail value of free bracelet (up to $65) will be deducted from return. Product not for resale.

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12822729

ELECTION

HAROLD DENNIS FOR DEKALB COUNTY SHERIFF SHERIFF

LET’S TAKE DEKALB BACK!!

www.harolddennisforsherii.com

Contact Us For Campaign Information 404.590.6269 • hdennisforsheriff@gmail.com • www.harolddennisforsheriff.com PAGE 20

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