OUR TOWN DEKALB (March 2022)

4 Tucker’s “Tow-tally Peachy” Tiny House 10 Food for Thought: PREP Food Junction 16 Tucker Arts Alliance Schedules First Meeting in March

OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 1

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Don Crochet Cindy E. Farrar Doug Reynics Lois Ricci Karl Schwartz Art Wood

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 Tucker’s “Tow-tally Peachy” Tiny House 7 Wellness In-Sight: What’s New? 8 Age Friendly Tucker: Tucker Walks – Coming Soon!

9 Common Sen$e: It’s Time to Audit Your Credit Cards (Part 2) 10 Food for Thought: PREP Food Junction 11 The Post-Pandemic Comeback 13 Rotary Club of Tucker Annual Golf Classic: FOREducation 13 Tucker Arts Alliance Schedules First Meeting in March 14 Back Talk: Spring Safely Back into Outdoor Sports and Hobbies 16 Tucker Parks and Rec Launches Esports Club

ON THE COVER: Michael and Lauren Meeks, with “Harvey,” the “Tow-tally Peachy” Tiny House.

OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 3

COVER STORY

Tucker’s

“Tow-tally Peachy” Tiny House L.A. DISON

I

n mid-2020, when much of the world was shielding from coronavirus in lockdown, many people took the opportunity to use digital connectivity and resources to learn new skills, everything from web design to raising backyard poultry. One Tucker couple decided to turn a longtime hobby into a new business venture.

Lauren and Michael Meeks have lived in Tucker for about four years; he grew up in Lilburn, and she was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Americus. The couple has been fascinated with the Tiny House Movement for years.

During the course of their marriage, they have stayed in Pre-renovation Harvey. multiple tiny homes, visited even more, and even attended a Tiny House Convention in Atlanta in 2020. Their dream to buy and rent out their own tiny house stalled once they started shopping in earnest to purchase one, and realized that most of them were out of their price range.

4 OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022

“During the COVID lockdown, we began to spend a lot of time online exploring pretty much every iteration of tiny houses,” explained Lauren. “Container homes, buying a tiny house shell and finishing it ourselves, ‘schoolies’ (renovated school buses) – we considered them all.” And then in the middle of their research phase, Lauren saw a camper for sale in their price range on Facebook. It had been a longterm residence for the owners while they were renovating their primary residence, and they had already done some of the interior renovations themselves.

“It was nice not to have to start from scratch with regards to renovations,” said Lauren. “Finding the camper at such a great price just sealed the deal for us!”

While Michael works as an engineering manager at SalesForce, Lauren owns her own business, Bnb Made Simple, providing high-touch property management

that make the stay uniquely special, with custom stickers inside, a Polaroid camera for recording memories, and even a mini scavenger hunt inside the trailer itself.

The Meekses recently partnered with Tucker’s Sneaky Bee Backyard Honey to host luxe honey-tasting events in the winter off-season, when bee-keeping tours aren’t an option.

Lauren reports that the camper is booked about 90% of the available time.

“Honestly, it pretty much books out as often as I want. Sometimes I block off days because I need a break!”

While Lauren has enjoyed creating this unique space, Harvey combined with her other business gives her no opportunity right now to contemplate expansion.

“My goal is to grow my business to a point where I can be a little more hands-off. Then, I'll start making more unique spaces!”

Lauren and Michael Meeks’s "Tow-tally Peachy" Atlanta-Themed Tiny House is located at 6759 Angels Lane in Tucker, and is available for rent on Airbnb.

ure pro t u f re re of u t e a b fu

be

dy

services for owners of shortterm rentals in the Atlanta area.

Lauren’s business experience and resources made purchasing the camper a natural next step in their tiny house plans, especially with Michael’s willingness to help out as consultant in this new business venture. The couple bought the camper in July 2020, and the previous owners agreed to keep it on their property in Hoschton while Michael and Lauren worked on preparing the site. The sellers then drove it down to Tucker as part of the purchase agreement.

“They were super gracious people,” said Lauren. “It was great, because my husband and I Post-renovation, the interior is roomy and welcoming. don't even own a vehicle that can move that camper!”

There remained a lot of work to get the camper – now nicknamed “Harvey the RV,” or just “Harvey” for short – ready for paying guests. While the Meekses hired contractors to do some of the site preparation, including tree removal and installation of the parking pad, most of it was done by Michael and Lauren themselves, including building retaining walls and installing a sewage pump. Lauren’s father also helped with the technical aspects of the renovation, using his decades of residential construction experience.

Lauren designed the camper’s exterior mural, highlighting some of Atlanta’s famous landmarks, and hired awardwinning artist Kyla Resnick to paint it. The Atlanta theme continued into the interior of the camper with Lauren’s decorating skills emphasizing a peach and Michael digging for the sewage pump; Lauren trenching grey color scheme. for utility lines.

The renovations took longer than anticipated, running into the winter months and a lot of weather-related delays. Finally, after over a year of work, in May 2021, Harvey hosted its first guests – a birthday party for a local family whose eight-year-old son was crazy about all things Atlanta. Since then, the camper has booked steadily for guests looking for everything from a quiet get-away to a place for special celebrations. The space offers details

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Wellness In-Sight: What’s New? CINDY E. FARRAR

T

his year is a state license renewal year for massage therapists in the State of Georgia. State law requires massage therapists must take a minimum of twenty-four hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal cycle. For me, after twenty-five years in practice, it can be difficult to keep it interesting, not to let taking classes simply be perfunctory. Early on in my career, I made a commitment that I would vary the classes taken so I would be challenged in my knowledge, perspectives, and overall proficiencies.

In the approximately 900 hours of continuing education classes taken thus far, there have been many classes that enhanced what I was already doing. On rare occasions, there have been classes that introduced different approaches though didn’t quite resonate with me beyond the class itself. Some classes have set my way of practicing on end and revolutionized my entire approach to working with my clients. And other classes have led me to obtain further credentials in additional bodywork modalities like Foot Reflexology as well as non-bodywork areas such as Life Coaching and teaching Tai Chi Qi Gong.

The pervasive attitude to strive to remain curious, seeking opportunities to learn something new, is also my intention for life in general. Some years ago, when my oldest granddaughter, Bria, was around 11 years old, she asked me about how something worked. I shared with her what I knew about it.

She paused and then asked me, “Nana, how do you know everything?” I smiled greatly at her misguided innocence and replied, “Oh sweetie, Nana does not know everything.” She looked disbelievingly. I continued, “It may seem I know about a lot of different things. That is because I make a point to learn something new in every situation I am in and with everyone I meet.”

She seemed to accept my explanation, at least at the time. Though she has revisited the subject over the years.

In life, it can be too easy to allow it to become mundane. We frequently get stuck in the routine of living: the day-to-day activities, performing our obligatory tasks, often seeking only the information needed for our jobs or careers, personal needs, or interests. Our challenge is to prevent life from becoming stale and make the effort to keep it fresh.

One of the positive things to come out of the 2020 shutdown was all the new things people were trying that they wouldn’t have otherwise. And as the first signs of Spring begin to be visible, this time of year serves as a reminder for us that growth takes breaking out of our shell and stretching ourselves.

In addition, we are called to seek the unexpected and find something new in our daily interactions. At the end of the day, when checking in with our family, friends, children, and ourselves, rather than asking “How was your day,” say instead, “Tell me something new you learned today.”

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.

OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 7

Age Friendly Tucker: Tucker Walks – Coming Soon!

LOIS RICCI

W

alking is the most underrated, fat-burning, brain-boosting, healthy exercise available for free. Among other benefits, walking at least two and a half hours a week can

• Lessen the risk of dementia • Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer • Improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels • Increase energy and stamina • Boost bone strength and reduce risk of osteoporosis • Prevent weight gain

A group of residents who are walkers, runners, bikers, and hikers heard that Tucker is now a designated “America Walks” city, and wanted to start a “Tucker Walks” program. As one of the leaders of the group, I enrolled in the six-month “Walking College” course that offered classes on walking and health and wellness.

America Walks provides technical support on a variety of walking topics, including starting community groups, getting a crosswalk installed, passing a Vision Zero policy, and more. As part of the course, I studied available research on walking, complete streets, and creating safe, accessible communities to walk in, as well as the historical underpinnings of the car-centric transportation landscape and the basics of design and policy of non-motorized transportation. Once I completed my course work, I shared the information with the other members and we began planning the launch of the Tucker Walks program.

Several focus areas will be used to launch the Tucker Walks program. The goal is to get residents of Tucker walking by providing a program that will introduce

Tucker to walking routes, gauging distances and levels of difficulty, design walking events, provide access to educational materials relating to walking, create a data base for logging time and distance, and develop innovative tactics that will encourage Tucker to keep moving.

The Tucker Walks Program will promote walking both on defined routes and selfdirected routes as well as providing scheduled events and promoting self-scheduled walks. All walks can be done as individuals or with a group. The walking routes will include sidewalks, paved paths and trails as well as indoor walking options. The team will create a Tucker Walks logo for branding and promotions and a web page as part of the TCA (Tucker Civic Association) website where information on routes, scheduled events, links to other sites, and supporting information can be accessed.

Tucker, as an officially designated Lifelong Community, will add Tucker Walks to its long list of programs for residents. Whether you walk, run, bike or hike, or need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, get out and walk! You’ll think better, feel better and sleep better, and improve your overall outlook on life.

Watch for more information and become part of Tucker Walks!

DR. LOIS RICCI is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association Lifelong Community Committee. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class. Ricci also serves as an official representative for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), co-facilitator for the Rosalyn Carter CareNet, and on the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging. Contact Dr. Ricci at loisricci@ bellsouth.net.

8 OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022

Common Sen$e: It’s Time to Audit Your Credit Cards (Part 2) ART WOOD

I

n last month’s column, I discussed doing a credit card audit, and what to consider when choosing which credit card is right for you.

In that article, I focused more on people who don’t typically carry a balance and are looking for rewards. I am not sure what percentage of folks that covers, but from what I see as a mortgage professional, it seems as though the majority of folks do carry balances, so let’s examine those people in this article.

Let’s start with the most important part of this discussion: interest rate.

We all get credit card offers in the mail: 0% APR, or 1.99% for the life of the balance, or something similar. They all look awesome, but the devil is in the details and there is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to credit card interest rates. If you are someone with a recent high balance and have the means to pay it off within the year, then the 0% cards may make a world of difference. The problem with those cards is that the 0% only lasts for a limited time, and when the rate goes up (usually quite considerably), then you are in the same spot you were in before you transferred the balance to the zero-rate card. But if you can commit to a payment plan that will pay the balance off in the specified time, then the 0% offers are a great option.

Are you someone who has substantial balances that will take a much longer term to pay off? You need to look for the lowest fixed interest rate you can find, determine a payment plan that will work for you, and set goals for getting the balance paid off. If you have the time and energy to play the credit card balance transfer game, where you keep transferring the balances of your cards to lower rates, more power to you, but make sure you keep an eye out for which balances you can actually transfer and any fees associated with the transfer. The fees alone may negate any real benefits.

For each of these scenarios, never, I repeat, NEVER be late on a payment. In the small print, the credit card companies tell you that those 0%, or low, interest rates, will change if you are late or miss a payment, and then you have to start the entire process all over again, not to mention the effect it can have on your credit history.

Speaking of credit history, if you have a great payment history, but your balances are high as compared to your limits, inquire about getting a credit line increase. Believe it or not, if your balance stays the same and your limit increases, it will improve your credit score.

As we close out this topic of doing a credit card audit, I’ll state it again: credit cards, like mortgages, are not a ‘one size fits all.’ Whatever your situation is, there is a perfect card out there for you that will meet most, if not all, of your needs. Do your research first before you apply, as you don’t want needless credit pulls, but once you get that perfect card, commit to the strategy that led you to choose that card in the first place.

ART WOOD (NMLS #118234) is the branch manager of The Art Wood Mortgage Team of Goldwater Bank, located at 2341 Main Street in downtown Tucker. “Tucker’s Mortgage Guy” for sixteen 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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OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 9

Food for Thought: PREP Food Junction DOUG REYNICS

I

’ve been frequenting for some time a strip of awesome food establishments on Presidential Parkway called PREP Food Junction. It recently occurred to me that many don’t know about this epicurean mecca. I want to share all the restaurants here and encourage you to try one or more. I promise it will be well worth the trip.

PREP Food Junction (foodjunctionatl.com) opened its doors in 2014 with one goal in mind – to help build and support small and growing food businesses in Atlanta.

PREP has helped local food entrepreneurs organically scale their businesses by providing cost-effective shared and private commercial kitchen facilities. Many of the current restaurants or food trucks in the PREP spaces got their start in a PREP kitchen.

Please note the hours of operations as some aren’t open Mondays and have alternate hours other days.

Little Farmhouse Café (littlefarmhousecafe.com) is perhaps the most well-known of the restaurants. Chef Chris Morrison specializes in innovative, New American, farm-to-table cuisine with Southern roots and European flair. I am a fan of their brunch menu. Slow and Low BBQ is a new offering from the Little Farmhouse Café, offering grab and go in-house made BBQ. This sounds like a great concept and one I will be trying very soon.

Hot Chickpeas Mediterranean (hotchick-peas.com) is one of my new favorite places. Chef Saeed offers his signature homemade, heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine. I love the lamb and beef shawarma, the falafel platter and all of the sides. We will frequently order all of Kufta Angus Beef Kebab and eggplant with charred tomatoes from Hot Chickpeas Mediterranean. (Photo by Doug Reynics) their appetizers.

They offer starters, fried sandwiches, all day breakfasts and, of course, coffee, tea Raul’s Latin Café & Catering (raulslatinkitchen.com) is a newer brick and mortar and smoothies. store from a company that has had a longtime successful food truck business. This is In 2020, fast-food chain Fazoli’s (fazolis.com) opened its first ghost kitchen at a place I have not tried but will soon. The sandwiches, salads, apps and family meals PREP, preparing its pasta and sauces, breadsticks and salads fresh throughout the all sound worthy of a try! day but only as carry-out and delivery.

Meatballerz (meatballerzatl.com) is another food truck business that added this Eat Clean Bro (eatcleanbro.com) is another take-away only meal place, offering PREP space as a dedicated restaurant. One of their newer features is a grab and go a diverse menu of healthy options from dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, ketocase right inside the store. I have never had as good a meatball sandwich as I have friendly, low-fat, paleo-friendly, and vegan menus. had here. The one I always get is The Pompeii, which is a spicy meatball with hot There are some non-restaurant options in the PREP complex I would recommend.

Italian sausage, ground chuck and roasted seasonal peppers. It’s incredible.

Georgia Sourdough (georgiasourdoughco.com) offers a variation on a market Let’s Taco ‘Bout It (letstacoboutitatl.com) is right next door. They, too, are both stand, with sourdough crackers and starters, local cheeses, charcuterie, jams, a food truck and dedicated restaurant space. I loved the Korean BBQ and the Jerk mustards, pickles and chow-chow, baking needs and other rotating specials. First Chicken.

Batch Artisan Foods (firstbatchartisan.com) offers fresh baked cookies, dairy-free Southern Kitchen and Grill (southernkitchengrill.com) is a family-owned ice cream, brownies, and other products. establishment, offering curbside delivery, carryout, delivery, or catered BBQ. This is my next try of all the restaurants.

Sealed Meals (sealedmeals.com) offers a unique meal concept - prepackaged DOUG REYNICS is a longtime Tucker resident and self-described meals that stay fresh in your fridge for up to forty-five days, microwaveable and “foodie.” Many know him as “Doug the Driver,” who provides rides to ready to eat in only three minutes. and from both the domestic and international airport terminals. (To Nonna’s Family Kitchen (nonnasfamilykitchen.com) is a family-owned and date, his service has provided almost 2,300 airport rides!) If you have operated traditional Neapolitan kitchen. They feature freshly made pastas and a food story or question you would like to see him write about (or if pizzas as well as frozen, oven-ready Italian meals. you need a ride!), email him at dougthedriver1@gmail.com or call him at Java Saga (javasagacoffee.com) sounds like it’s just coffee but it’s so much more.

770.842.4261.

10 OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022

The Post-Pandemic Comeback DONALD CROCHET, RPT

W

“

hen life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Sound familiar?

It’s a fitting ‘call to arms’ of sorts during stressful times. We grow personally and gain strength from overcoming adversity. It takes a deep understanding of life and its unique challenges to fully appreciate that ofttimes unforeseen circumstances can create opportunity whereby there are hidden benefits - a ‘silver lining’ so to speak.

For the past two years, we have experienced a worldwide threat from a pandemic of unprecedented proportions. We have been forced to substantially change our familiar American way of life. There have been profound changes in our routines, our basic institutions, our comfortable lifestyles. Even if you have not been affected personally by illness or hospitalization, most likely you have known persons who were seriously ill with COVID-19, or even have died from it. Media sources are constantly bombarding us with concerning messages. There seems an ever-present discussion about this virus and what should be done about it. Not just the virus itself but its constant demands on our attention are distracting and negatively impacting our culture and even our national security.

While faithfully we have relied on our public health leaders for guidance, there have been no simple solutions to this pandemic. Thankfully, with the advent of Omicron, the more serious threat appears to be subsiding. Perhaps the worst impact of the pandemic is over with milder strains remaining.

One positive outcome of the COVID pandemic has been an increased focus on promoting and maintaining healthy habits. Health is largely a product of what we eat, what we do and mentally what we choose to focus on. Especially now, we need to adjust our lifestyle for positive health benefits.

Shore up your immune system. Stay simple. Start with things you can control, such as diet, exercise and rest.

Diet. Eat a daily breakfast of balanced nutrition (or take a multivitamin supplement) to boost immunity: B complex, a source of vitamin D3 (including direct sunlight), Vitamin C and zinc, all which will fortify a healthy immune system. Eat plenty of fruit, especially fresh oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, and strawberries. This will also help reduce body weight, another factor in promoting a healthy immune system.

Exercise. Engage in a regular, age-appropriate level of exercise, three to four times a week, each session twenty to thirty minutes at a moderate level of intensity. Try a brisk walk, hike, cycle or even a light jog if able, or thirty minutes of yard work.

Home exercise activities can include yoga, incline push-ups or light overhead lifts.

Rest. Make sure that you do some post-exercise stretching and recovery. Make sure you get the proper amount of rest and sleep, eight to ten hours a night.

Reduce screen time. Most experts agree that adults should limit screen time to less than two hours per day outside of work-related activities, Spend some time

outdoors, or in nature. Catch up with a friend. Do some “expressive writing,” as in a journal or diary, to relieve stress.

Setback as set-up for a comeback Now is the time to recover socially, psychologically and physically from two years of “setbacks.” Control the quality of life by your choices.

Through strong faith, we can overcome this worldwide disease that has undermined and staggered our American way of life. Initially, we can move forward setting goals and committing to a specific plan to become the best version of ourselves possible.

We need to believe that it is within our control to succeed. Through sincere hope, faith and free will, we can and will emerge from this setback stronger than we have ever been.

DON CROCHET, RPT is the founder and director of Crochet Physical Therapy (1382 Scott Boulevard in Decatur), an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy facility. The clinic has offered quality patient-centered service since 1984, providing thorough care for soft tissue injuries, post-operative recovery and postural related disorders. Contact Don at 404.377.1223 or info@crochetpt.com.

Missing Beauty Byline with Sanah?

While Sanah Sayani is on sabbatical from her column, “Beauty Byline with Sanah,” Our Town DeKalb welcomes monthly guest columnists in her absence. Sanah will return in July with new health and beauty advice!

OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 11

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Rotary Club of Tucker Annual Golf Classic: FOREducation Monday, April 25, 2022 Smoke Rise Country Club Tucker, Georgia

The Rotary Club of Tucker will hold its 2022 Golf Classic: FOREducation on Monday, April 25 at Smoke Rise Country Club. The annual event will benefit the club’s education initiatives both in Tucker, including REACH Georgia Scholarships for Tucker Middle School and Tucker High School and the DeKalb Rotary Council Teacher of the Year, and globally, including the Tutu Desk Campaign and the Senegal Teacher Project.

The event begins at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is served on the course during the game, with award ceremony and presentations after in the clubhouse. Details, including sponsorship and registration information, is available online at tuckerrotary.org/golf.

GOT A STORY IDEA?

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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.

Tucker Arts Alliance Schedules First Meeting in March

A

small group of Tucker’s visual and performing artists, teachers, and art lovers has united to establish the Tucker Arts Alliance. Co-founders Tonya Veal, Claire Hayes and Lois Shingler hope the group will explore ways to communicate with each other, promote current arts programming, and secure support for local arts programs from city government and civic organizations.

“Music, drama, visual arts, and Tucker Arts Alliance co-founder Tonya Veal with an creativity are alive and flourishing untitled work by late Tucker artist Quill Griffith. (photo in Tucker,” said Veal, who is a realtor Sara Epstein @sararephoto) with Keller Knapp Realty. “The time is right for the Tucker arts scene to grow and thrive in new, expansive ways.”

“We believe strongly that arts and culture are a vital part of every community,” said John Gresens, who teaches pottery at Tucker Rec Center. “We wish to provide support for all those who enrich our lives in this way.”

The group will hold its first public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 21 at the office of Keller Knapp Realty, 2344 Main Street. Initial agenda items include identifying local artists and a discussion on how the group can foster the arts, in and for Tucker. All interested people are invited to attend; face masks are required for all attendees.

For more information, contact Claire Hayes, 770.361.1052, whithayes@mindspring.com or Lois Shingler, 404.593.9001, lshinglerpc@gmail.com.

OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022 13

Back Talk: Spring Safely Back into Outdoor Sports and Hobbies KARL SCHWARTZ, D.C.

S

pring is in the air and possibilities abound.

There is nothing like the optimism I feel when spring is coming. If you have been reading this column, you know that I am an avid tennis player - and there is no better time of the year than the spring for competitive tennis. This spring, there is also renewed hope for all outdoor events - concerts, travel, vacations, and even more sports.

Because of COVID restrictions over the past year, most of us have been dormant, separated, quarantined, and inactive for far longer than we ever thought we would be. Let's remember that as we return to our pre-COVID life, our bodies need to be re-educated and retrained so that we don’t suffer needless injuries. In sports, the worst-case scenario for any player is to suffer an injury. For us average folks, injuries are more of a frustration but they can negatively impact our ability to participate and our quality of life. Let’s do what we can to avoid them.

Here are a couple of easy steps to avoid injury this spring.

First, for all sports and hobbies, pliable muscles are mandatory for optimal performance. Stretching is a vital part of keeping the muscles and ligaments relaxed and supple, thereby reducing the chance of injury.

Years ago, we used to hear trainers constantly reiterating the words, “stretch before you play.” However, we now know that mild calisthenics are best prior to exercise and stretching is best to do after exercise. Start stretching one to two weeks ahead of your first outing. Stretch one to two times per day for ten to fifteen minutes.

Second, before you begin any activity, but most importantly before your first outing of the season, start first by warming up! A small amount of calisthenics will get the heart pumping and sending blood to all your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Remember with all calisthenics, aerobics, and sports, to start slowly and build up gradually in both time and intensity. For example, if it is gardening that you love, start your first day out by warming up with mild calisthenics and moderate your activity by digging, planting, trimming, or edging for small fifteen- to thirtyminute increments, then work your way up to longer times in the garden, then move to harder tasks over successive days or weeks. If your preferred activity is golf or tennis, start stretching daily two weeks ahead of your planned start date, and then begin walking, then jogging, then running up until your actual event.

If you have been exercising virtually over the winter, good for you! If you have been doing yoga regularly, you can move right to the gradual intensity build-up of exercise with less regard for injury. Yoga keeps the spine moving gently and correctly.

A healthy spine is directly related to greater motion, flexibility, and decreased risk of injury.

So, before you jump back into spring and your hobbies, remember to start stretching several weeks before your first outing, do calisthenics before each outing or practice, and then start back gradually with increased time and intensity. Stay healthy while staying active!

14 OUR TOWN DEKALB | March 2022

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.

Money Available When You Need It

March 2022

With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), you can use the equity you’ve built in your home for major purchases, repairs and renovations, debt consolidation or other unexpected expenses.

Whatever your needs may be, we are here to help you take the next step forward.

This is banking at its best.

This is Banking Forward.

Tucker 4280 Lavista Rd, Suite C-115, Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 270-5695 NothingBundtCakes.com 03/31/22

March 2022

Tucker 4280 Lavista Rd, Suite C-115, Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 270-5695 NothingBundtCakes.com 03/31/22

Brian C. Moon

AVP, Branch Manager • NMLS# 1934368 9353 Lavista Road • Tucker, GA • O: 404.297.2238

SouthStateBank.com/HELOC All loans are subject to credit approval.

Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 403455. Member FDIC.

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Tucker Parks and Rec Launches Esports Club OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF

C

ity Of Tucker Parks and Recreation has partnered with GGLeagues to launch an esports club. Club members can take part in moderated Rocket League, Fortnite, Madden NFL, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart games against competitors across the state of Georgia. Players of all ages and gaming backgrounds are welcome; age-based leagues are available for players eight and up. Club members will have access to safe and fun esports competitions, educational opportunities for parents and gamers, and will be the first to know about new leagues and upcoming events. GGLeagues has trained support administrators and referees who will be present to enforce the rules, ensure the safety of all players, and ensure everyone is having a great time.

Registration is also now open for youth and adult baseball and softball.

Details and registration are available at tuckerga.gov/departments/parks_and_recreation.

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Latawsha Little-Hill Steven R Ashby 4500 Hugh Howell Road Suite 600 Heritage Place Tucker, GA 30084 770.493.4924 www.gwaplaw.com

Call for free consultation

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