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HOMETOWN HERALD News from the Hamilton Mill Community Association

March 2017

Welcome

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Welcome to Our Newest Residents Colin and Claire McCall Dongquan Ge James and Theresa Harris Kathleen Ferrara Michelle Ennis and Andrea Loveridge Preston and Shonda Fleming Sean and Amanda Connolly

The Board of

DIRECTORS

Get to Know Your Board Members

Chris Singleton, President Kyle Shields, Vice President Anne Dotter, Secretary Megan Kaderli, Treasurer Karen Taylor, Member at Large Jeff Timler, Member at Large Steve Smith, Member at Large

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Do you enjoy receiving the monthly Hometown Herald? If so, please help promote the newsletter by inviting businesses you support to advertise to our community. Our newsletter is supported by advertisers, so please help spread the word. Interested parties can contact Cindy Wellborn at 770.718.3443 for more details on advertising opportunities.

To advertise in the Hometown Herald, contact Cindy Wellborn at The Times - 770.718.3443 - cwellborn@poultrytimes.com The Hometown Herald is a publication of The Times. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of The Times. The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members of the Hamilton Mill Homeowners Association as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood or such opinions, information, goods or services.

Hamilton Mill HOMETOWN HERALD

inside this

ISSUE 5

Residential Information & Helpful Numbers

Hammerheads

Masterpiece Mixers

Karaoke Madness!

Hello

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 3

HELPFUL INFORMATION

SHABEN & ASSOCIATES ON-SITE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Ph: 678.546.3737 1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Dacula, GA 30019 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Email: PropertyManager@Hmill.com Property Manager: Gaye Cantrell CORPORATE OFFICE (for after-hours common area maintenance emergencies)

Shaben Main Office: 770-271-2252 After Hours Emergency: 770-271-2252 P.O. Box 3189 Suwanee, GA 30024-0989

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Emergency ......................................................... 911 Police Headquarters............................770.513.5000 Non Emergency...................................770.513.5700 Gwinnett Sheriff/Jail..............................770.619.6500 County Courthouse..............................770.822.8000 Dacula City Hall...................................770.963.7451 Dacula Post Office...............................770.962.4390 Poison Control......................................404.616.9000 Fire Headquarters.................................678.518.5018 Station 18.............................................678.518.5018 Tag Office............................................770.822.8801 Drivers License Services........................770.995.6855 Property Tax..........................................770.822.8800 Voter Registration.................................770.226.7210 Animal Control.....................................770.339.3200 Gwinnett Senior Services......................770.822.8850 UTILITIES

BFI Waste Management......................678.963.2800 Water Resources..................................770.376.6800 Email: hmillevents@gmail.com Buford Gas...........................................770.945.6761 You are welcome to contact the Activities Office via Jackson EMC/Street Light Outage........770.963.6166 email at hmillevents@gmail.com for information on Charter Communications....................678.410.9362 planned events or to RSVP for an event. AT&T.....................................................800.436.8638 Direct Satellite/Dish Network.................678.714.1495 ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT

TENNIS SHOP

Ph: 770.945.6452 Jeff Dudacek: On-Site Tennis Pro GWINNETT POLICE NON-EMERGENCY

Ph: 770.513.5700 STREET MAINTENANCE

Contact Gwinnett County at 770.822.7474 to report a problem with street, curb or sidewalk. MAILBOX REPLACEMENT/REPAIR

All mailboxes must be the same as a Community-Wide Standard: STYLE 311K • Addresses of Distinction: Ph: 770.436.6198 www.aodmailboxes.com • Imperial Mailbox Systems: Ph: 800.647.0777 These are resources only, no recommendations or assurances are made by the Association. AMENITY CARD REPLACEMENT

Hamilton Mill Amenity Cards are available to goodstanding residents. Please call 678.546.3737 or 678.546.1597 to set up an appointment. Replacement cards/tenant cards are $25 each. Check or money order ONLY. No cash or credit cards accepted. LOST DOG/CATS/ANIMAL DISTURBANCES

If you have lost your pet, please email the On-Site Property Management and they will be happy to email the community. Please also contact the Gwinnett County Animal Control at 770-513-5100 to report your lost pet or a dangerous pet is running loose.

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For a complete listing of Gwinnett County Departments, please visit www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Puckett’s Mill Elementary School.................. 678.765.5110 www.pmseonline.org

Osborne Middle School....................... 770.904.5400 www.gwinnett.k12/ha.us/OsborneMS.home.org

Millcreek High School........................... 678.714.5850 www.millcreekhighschool.org

Dacula High School............................. 770.963.6664 www.daculahs.org

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Hebron Christian Academy..................770.962.5423 Dacula Classical Academy.................678.377.0080 Oak Hill Classical School............................. 770-338-7945 Sugar Hill Christian Academy...............678-745-4121 Greater Atlanta Christian......................770-243-2258 HOSPITALS/URGENT CARE

Gwinnett Medical Center.....................678-312-1000 ChoiceOne Urgent Care - Hamilton Mill...... 470-326-7300 Northeast Georgia Medical Center.....770.219.9000 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta........... 404.150.KIDS Northeast Georgia Urgent Care...........770.848.6195 RECREATION

Community After Hours emergency....404.835.9100 Millcreek Athletic Association............ millcreekaa.net Dacula Soccer............................. dscrevolution.com Bogan Park (for reservations at any park).......678.227.0850 Gwinnett County Public Library.............770.978.5154 Gwinnett County Cultural Center.........770.813.7500 Lake Lanier Islands................................800.840.LAKE Road Atlanta....................................... 800.849.RACE

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS SINGLETON President of the Board of Directors Dear Neighbors, It is my pleasure to serve a second year on the board of directors in the role of president. Last year as secretary, I was able to get more familiar with the role and responsibility the board has in maintaining our beautiful community. I was also humbled to learn how much commitment it takes to faithfully serve the association and therefore I am greatly appreciative to all the board members that have served in the past… (applause)... “thank you.” One of my goals is to improve communication between the HOA Board and the HOA members. I believe it is critical to the harmony of our community. As a board, our goal is to inform and/or update you as early as possible on projects and changes that are taking place around the community. We also need you to contact us directly with questions or concerns so that we can give you the most accurate information. It is our pleasure to speak directly with you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email any of us. Also, I would like to formally welcome our new property manager Gaye Cantrell of Shaben & Associates! I’m certain you will find her to be a delightful person to speak and work with. I believe this is going to be a good year for Hamilton Mill and with increased participation from the members, it will be one of the best yet.

Sincerely, Chris Singleton

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Spring Break is right around the corner! Call Dr. Dave to schedule your child’s check-up and cleaning appointment!

2119 Hamilton Creek Pkwy. Ste 200, Dacula, GA Next to Moe’s, across from Home Depot in Hamilton Mill

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MeMber

COMMUNITY NEWS

SIGNS AND BANNERS UPDATE Dear Hamilton Mill Residents, It’s almost graduation time and posting graduation banners at the entrance of the neighborhoods has been a long held practice. The HOA recognizes this and celebrates these accomplishments with the families. However, year in and year out there is damage done to our irrigation systems and flowers that results in a direct cost to the association in the thousands of dollars. Therefore, the Board has approved the following guidelines for Graduation Banners:

Graduation Banners can be displayed on homeowner lots or at your neighborhood entrance from May 1 – May 31st and must adhere to one of the following options: Option 1: If you are doing a group banner, your group must submit a request to property management for sign placement and the HOA will designate a specific spot for your sign at the entrance of your neighborhood. (Russell Landscaping will mark off an approved location away from flowers and irrigation). PLACEMENT MUST BE IN AN APPROVED HOA LOCATION. Option 2: If you have an individual banner, you may display your Graduation Banner on your property. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact property management. Thank you.

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Call to schedule a tour today and find out what we mean when we say All Inclusive Pricing. Isn’t it time to add luxury to your living?

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

A MESSAGE FROM SHABEN & ASSOCIATES Property Management Shaben and Associates is excited to return as your Community Association Management Company. This year we will celebrate 20 years in the Homeowner Association Management business and are committed to exceeding your expectations and provide quality management services. For most of us, our home is our largest investment, and we use the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Hamilton Mill as our guide for managing your Association. This document sets forth rules and regulations designed to protect and enhance property values. We are working with your Board of Directors to carry out the responsibilities of the Association as described in the Bylaws for Hamilton Mill Community Association. All of these governing documents are recorded in the Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court land records and are also available on the Hmill.com website.

DESIGN GUIDELINES:

Spring is almost here and we want to provide important reminders regarding Homeowner Responsibilities as it relates to maintaining your property. In accordance with the Declaration and the Design Guidelines, a process for review of proposed construction and modification of properties has been established to ensure that all home sites within Hamilton Mill will be developed with the consistency and quality that continues to attract people to this community. Please review the design guidelines prior to making any changes to the exterior of your home or to your property. Approval must be granted by submitting a completed Request for Modification Review Form on-site property manager for processing. This form can be found on the Hmill.com website.

Landscaping With the exception of natural or undisturbed areas, front and side yards must be sodded with Bermuda grass, while the rear yard may be seeded fescue or zoysia (golf course/lake lots are required to be sodded with Bermuda on all 4 sides), unless otherwise approved by the Modification Committee. Any grasses other than that approved are weeds and must be treated, removed and prevented from recurring.

One of the roles of the management company is to enforce the covenants by conducting regular property inspections and notifying owners of non-compliance. The more common violations that have been identified are mailboxes that need to be repaired/painted or replaced, trash cans that are visible from the street, and landscape beds that need to be refreshed with pine straw or mulch. Also, because of the early spring temperatures, weeds are beginning to emerge. If you have not already done so, please treat your lawns to prevent weeds or to kill weeds in your lawn.

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Mailbox/Mailbox Post Mailboxes, street numbers, and posts must be the same standard size, color and design as those installed by the developer, and shall be kept in good, neat repair. House numbers should be on both sides of mailbox post and should be in keeping with those originally installed. To replace missing or damaged parts, please call the property manager who can direct you to where the original box was purchased. Garbage Cans Garbage cans/recycle bins must be screened from view from all adjacent properties and streets.

Mulching All landscape beds must be covered with suitable mulch such as pine-straw, chopped pine bark mulch, wood mulch, etc. Rock, stone or pebbles are not considered suitable mulch and are not permitted. We encourage owners to contact the management office by email at propertymanager@hmill.com or by phone at 678-5463737. We look forward to getting to know you and working with the residents of Hamilton Mill Community Association as your property management company. Best Regards,

Gaye Cantrell-On Site Manager Mike Shaffer-President/CEO

COMMUNITY NEWS

Because calling isnâ€™t convenient Schedule your doctorâ€™s appointment online. Covenant Family Medicine and Dacula Family Medicine now offers convenient 24-hour online scheduling so you can make an appointment with your doctor anytime or anywhere. Visit gwinnettmedicalgroup.com/scheduling and make your appointment with just a simple click.

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MONDAY

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Board Meeting 6:45 – 9pm

Spring Forward! Daylight Savings Time Begins!

Join us for any of the listed events RSVP to Hmillevents@gmail.com!

Calendar Sponsored by:

TUESDAY

Social Committee Meeting 6:30pm

Grounds and Facilities Meeting 7-9pm

Notes ____________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

SUNDAY

International Women’s Day

WEDNESDAY

2017 Alta Camp 9:30am -12pm

THURSDAY

Hammerheads Back to the Pool Party 6-8pm

St.. Patrick’s Day

2017 Alta Camp 9:30am -12pm

FRIDAY

Social Events

Swim Team Meetings Tennis

Fitness/Class

Masterpiece Mixers Paint Party 7-9pm

2017 Alta Camp 9:30am -12pm Spring Junior Tennis Festival 1-2:30pm

SATURDAY

MARCH2017 HAMILTON MILL CALENDAR

COMMUNITY NEWS

MASTERPIECE MIXERS PAINT AND PARTY EVENT Are you looking for something fun and creative to do? Do you have an artsy side that loves to paint, or maybe you have never tried it before and have always wanted to… Masterpiece Mixers is coming to Hamilton Mill!

Saturday, March 25 from 7-9pm at the Lakeview Clubhouse $25 per person LIMITED SPACE! Here is what you get:

• Canvas • Paint • Brushes and supplies • An instructor that will take you step-by-step through the process • A fun time • A painting you get to take home and enjoy All you need to do is bring your friends for a GNO, your mom for a mother/daughter date, or your better half for a date night out, beverages and snacks of your choice, and your creative juices! We will be painting the Abstract Funky Flower! Please RSVP to hmillevents@gmail.com and turn in your checks to the Activities Director by March 9. Turning in your check gets you on the list… first come, first serve. Make checks payable to HMCA and write in the memo “MPM”.

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SOCIAL NEWS

SPRING CARNIVAL

SAVE THE DAT E!

Save the Date for April the 8th!

Spring Carnival at Lakeview Saturday, April 8 from 1-4pm

Community Yard Sale: April 21-22

THERE WILL BE SO MUCH TO DO! • Hang out, play games and dance along with DJ Dan Jason • Take a selfie with the Easter Bunny in the photo booth • Hunt Easter eggs filled with candy and toys… find the golden • • • •

eggs for a special prize! Bounce, slide and race in 2 huge inflatable obstacles Visit with all kinds of farm animals in the Petting Zoo Get your face painted and balloon animals with Bubba Enjoy FREE cotton candy and popcorn!

Be on the lookout for more information via email, and RSVP by April 1 to hmillevents@gmail.com

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12 | HOMETOWN HERALD | March 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION PARENTS OF CLASS OF 2017 GRADUATES This May, we will be doing a...

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE HOMETOWN HERALD FEATURING ALL OF THE 2017 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES! We plan on having 1-2 spreads “yearbook style” in the newsletter as a keepsake for families with children graduating this year.

If you would like for your child to be featured in the Hometown Herald, please send a photo of your child, the school they are graduating from and short message (200 characters or less) to hmillevents@gmail.com by April 1. This is a hard deadline since May newsletter materials are due that week.

We would also like to try and get everyone together for a group photo in front of the Wagon Wheel for the cover image. We know it is hard to find a date where everyone can participate, but if you are interested in getting into this image, please notify April Williams at

hmillevents@gmail.com by Friday, March 17. The photo will be taken Saturday morning, March 25, at 9:30am.

! n o i it d E l a i c e Sp Please stay tuned for further details and email communications about this special edition!

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RECIPES

MARCH MADNESS Delicious eats for the Big Games! SUPER QUICK CHILI

PLAN A GAME-DAY PARTY MENU THAT’S SURE TO

Serve fellow fans a meal-on-the-go that’s perfect for the power party- HAVE YOUR GUESTS HOPING FOR OVERTIME! goer. Served in a hollowed out dinner roll, this main dish is portable and perfectly portioned. As a bonus, it takes less than 30 minutes to make—that’s shorter than the pre-game shows. BLUE CHEESE “HOT WING” DIP Spare your guests the finger lickin’ and serve this mouth-watering Yield: Makes 8 servings dip in lieu of traditional wings. All your favorite hot wing ingredients are present, including blue cheese and hot sauce. Serve with celery Ingredients: sticks or boneless chicken tenders for easy dipping. • 2 pounds lean ground beef • 2 tablespoons chili powder Yield: Makes about 3 cups • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Ingredients: • 2 (16-oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion • 1 (8-oz.) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, • 2 (16-oz.) cans small red beans softened and cut into pieces • 2 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves • 1/4 cup chopped green onions Toppings: • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise • Shredded Cheddar cheese • 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream • Sliced green onions • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar • Diced tomatoes • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 teaspoon hot sauce • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Directions: • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1. Brown beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often, • 1 (4-oz.) package crumbled blue cheese 6 to 8 minutes or until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain • 1 to 2 Tbsp. milk (optional) well. Return beef to Dutch oven; sprinkle with chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, and sauté 1 minute. Garnishes: 2. Stir in diced tomatoes and next 2 ingredients, and bring to a boil • Crumbled blue cheese over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat • Chopped green onions to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. • Freshly cracked pepper 3. Slice tops from 16 (1-oz.) hearty round dinner rolls, and then let guests hollow out centers and spoon chili into them and add the toppings. Directions: 1. Pulse first 10 ingredients in a food processor 4 times or just until blended. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl, and gently stir in blue cheese. If desired, stir in 1 to 2 Tbsp. milk, 1 tsp. at a time, for desired consistency. 2. Cover and chill 1 to 2 hours before serving. 3. Garnish, if desired. Serve with chicken tenders, celery sticks, radishes, and hot wing sauce. 4. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 7 days. Try this spicy dip on burgers or tomatoes. We do not recommend fat-free products in this recipe. Recipes courtesy of www.southernliving.com

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SOCIAL NEWS

WHO KNEW HAMILTON MILL HAD SO MUCH TALENT?! Friday night, January 27 neighbors and friends took the stage and sang their hearts out. (There were a few spectators too!) DJ William Kitchens hosted us at the Lakeview Clubhouse with a full sound system, karaoke machine, and lights! We sang everything from old school country to Top 40 hits! Chris Beck from State Farm Insurance joined the party with koozie giveaways and restaurant gift cards raffles. Congratulations to Kelly Sherwood and Katie Leverett on winning the $25 gift card raffles… we hope you can have a nice night out to eat soon! We had 3 secret judges in the room that deliberated after seeing all of the talent. Instead of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, we had a grab bag with three gift cards: $25, $50 and $100. AND THE CATEGORIES AND WINNERS WERE… (drum roll, please…..) Best male vocalist: Jeff Bradley (He grabbed the $50 card) Best female vocalist: Lisa Lackey (She grabbed the $25 card) And finally, Karaoke First Timer: Danielle Vadala (She grabbed the $100 card) Thank you to all that came out for Karaoke night, it was a blast! Thank you so much to Chris Beck and his team members for coming out and sponsoring this event!

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TENNIS NEWS

TENNIS NEWS from Jeff Dudacek, Director of Tennis Spring is here!!! Can you believe it is March? This is where tennis really picks up for the season and doesn’t quit until December. This winter was not as bad as they predicted. Of course that means it will be in for an abnormal spring. In the spring, we have the teams playing but everyone is practicing through-out the week. That is why spring is so busy. Let’s not forget the juniors. March also brings out the kids to the FREE tennis festival. This is the kick-off to the 10 and under Kemp Tennis Academy. Are you ready to try tennis? We have classes for beginner kids to beginner adults 101 and private lesson packages. Come play the sport of a life time and what over half the Hamilton Mill residents are doing, playing tennis. WEEKLY TENNIS NEWS Have you received the weekly tennis update from the tennis shop? Besides our Hamilton Mill Tennis webpage, Facebook and monthly newsletter, we have started communicating weekly. This email will report what is going on with Hamilton Mill Tennis that week. No more guessing or running a search through your old email. It will come out on Monday mornings. The news will be posted at both Millview and Lakeview courts. Take a picture of the news if are not getting the email. Along with Pro Shop news, we will report on teams playing at home, and on junior and adult activities. Don’t be left out of any Hamilton Mill Tennis events. Email the tennis shop at milltennis@bellsouth.net or call 770-945-6472 to receive the newsletter. SPRING LEAGUE TEAMS Our 23 Spring Alta League starts the on Saturday, March 11th with the juniors. It will run for 7 weeks and playoffs will follow. Courts will be at a premium, make sure you cancel if you are not going to use your court. If the weekend gets rained out, a notice will be sent out to cancel practice courts. Tuesday, March 14th: Senior Women’s team, 9:00-2:00pm Thursday, March 16th: Women’s team, 9:00-2:00pm Saturday, March 18th: Men’s teams, 9:00-2:00pm Sunday, March 19th: Women’s teams, 1:00-6:00pm Saturday, March 11th: Junior teams: Girls from 1:30-3:30pm and Boys from 3:30-5:30pm HAMILTON MILL SPRING ADULT ALTA CAMP It’s time to get ready for Spring 2017 Alta! Come join us for 1 ½ hours of live ball drills followed by an hour of round robin play to help you get back into top form! Groups will be set by ability and teams will stay together!

JUNIOR EVENT / JUNIOR SPRING TENNIS FESTIVAL Please join us for our annual spring tennis 10 and under event. This FREE event will kick off the junior spring tennis season at Hamilton Mill. All the pros will be there to help with the kids. We will have games, short tennis courts, drills and lots of fun. Open to all levels. We had over 50 kids last year attend the festival. Send us an email before Friday, March 2nd at noon, at milltennis@bellsouth.net and let us know your child’s age. The spring Kemp Tennis 10 and under academy will start the following week on Mondays and Wednesday 4:30-5:30pm. When: Saturday, March 4th, 1-2:30pm Where: Millview Courts Who: Kids ages 5-10 year olds ADULT BEGINNER 101/102 CLASSES STARTS IN MARCH Calling all adult beginner players/rusty players!!!! Have you never played? Has it been a while since you picked up your racket? Did you play a league season and your still lost with your strokes? Beginner 101/102 is for you. Tennis 101 is new players and 102 is players who have played before. It is five one-hour group lessons once a week for $65.00. The class will break for spring break in April. When you get done with this class, tennis will not be stranger to you anymore. If you do not have a racket or it is over 5 years old, we will let you use a demo with the new technology until you are ready for a racket. The classes will get you ready for summer league play. New classes start in March. Email the tennis shop at milltennis@bellsouth.net or call 770-945-6472 for class times and days. We fill up quickly on the classes, so do not wait until the deadline. DRILLS, DRILLS, DRILLS TUESDAY NIGHT ADULT DRILLS - 7:30-8:30pm; Cost $10.00 Join us Tuesday evenings for an hour of fast paced, high energy drills to help you improve your game. RSVP by 5pm Monday – you must have a reserved spot to attend. FRIDAY ADULT DRILLS - Friday 9:30am-10:30am; Cost $10.00 TGIF Drills! Did you have a bad match during the week? Come to drills to get work out your bad play. Work on your tennis skills to be ready for that next match. RSVP by 5pm Thursday - you must have a reserved spot to attend.

Thursday, March 2nd from 9:30am-12:00pm Friday, March 3rd from 9:30am-12:00pm Saturday, March 4th from 9:30am-12:00pm *rain dates 3/9, 3/10, 3/11 Cost is $20 per session Discount for multiple sessions: 2-10% Reserve your spot through the shop at milltennis@bellsouth.net or (770)945-6452. No walk-ins. The team with the most players who attend Alta camp will win a free clinic!

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TENNIS TIPS

TENNIS TIPS Shots you need and don’t need in doubles

If your only objective is to play winning doubles, then here is the do’s and don’ts on doubles shots.

YOU DON’T NEED A SMASH You get used to coming to the net and up goes the lob. You smash the overhead and they block it back over your head or you miss the next overhead. You should realize the player who is lobbing can handle the smash. It’s the same principle as not needing a hard, flat serve. The returners of the smash often don’t move much and use the pace you give them to give you an even higher, deeper ball to smash again.

YOU DON’T NEED A BIG FIRST SERVE The biggest problem with the big fast serve is this: It reduces the time you and your partner have to get ready for the return and it never goes in. Usually your big serve doesn’t go in half the time. Giving the opponents a second serve always puts your team on the defense. If you like to serve and volley then you will have less time to approach the net.

YOU DO NEED A VARIABLE OVERHEAD I make the distinction between the two for the following reason: The smash is a shot that says it all. An overhead implies that you hit the ball over your head. Place your overhead to the weak player or the player that is out of position. Go for the gaps between the players. If you need more time to place the overhead, let it bounce.

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons that people fail in their quest to play great doubles is that they have the wrong shots. There are certain shots I often see people trying to hit when they play doubles that are just not the best shots they could play. Sometimes the shot is good for you but is gets the team in trouble.

YOU DO NEED A GOOD PLACED SERVE A good placed serve does everything a hard flat serve can’t. It gives you more time to get in to the net or ready for the next shot. It can be placed to the weak side of the returner. It doesn’t give the returner much pace to work with. You and your partner can strategize better on the ‘poach’ because you both know where it is going.

See ya on the courts!

YOU DON’T NEED TOPSPIN GROUNDSTROKES This is a funny one because this is a shot I always talk about trying to get better. But for doubles, the concept of hitting high looping shots from the back of the court can be picked off by the net players. If you possess a sharply dipping topspin shot that you can angle or put at the feet of the opposition, then you are OK. YOU DO NEED A CHIP BACKHAND AND FOREHAND ‘Chip shot is a must shot. It can be done on the return and when you are approaching the net. It will get you to the net much quicker and it is harder to poach against. The chip shot can also be used against hard serves and low spin shots.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Parenting Renewed Eagle Ranch partners with families to help children work through lifeâ€™s struggles.While boys and girls participate in our residential program, families are closely connected. We provide counseling, support groups and education to help families learn how to effectively parent their children, resolve conflict and increase resiliency. We also offer training to professionals in education and mental health to broaden our reach within our community and beyond.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Hamilton Mill Blood Drive Lakeview Clubhouse

Wednesday, April 12, 2017 2pm â€“ 7pm To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: HAMMILL. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800- RedCross today to schedule an appointment. Individuals who are 17 year of age (16 with parental permission in most states), meet height and weight requirements (110 lbs. or more depending on their height), and are in generally good health may be able to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

HAMILTON MILL & TRADITIONS OF BRASELTON

PLAY AT TWO GREAT GOLF CLUBS FOR ONLY $99 A MONTH.*

Our Weekday Golf Members have access to play at both clubs Monday through Friday. Under 40? Our YEX Membership gives you access to play during the week and weekends after 12 p.m.

TEE OFF WITH THIS LOW PRICE TODAY. SEE THE MEMBERSHIP OFFICE FOR DETAILS. 770.880.0788 | steve.stonecypher@clubcorp.com *Offer valid through 12/31/17. Membership is contingent on successful completion of the Club’s enrollment process. Weekday Golf and Young Executive Golf Memberships require an Initiation Fee due at enrollment with a loyalty agreement. Cart fees, range fee and food minimum apply. Participating clubs subject to change. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact the Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 33183 1116 EA

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 21

COMMUNITY NEWS FEATURED PROPERTY FOR SALE Luxurious Craftsman Style Townhome in nearby Sterling on the Lake. 4 bedrooms/3.5 baths, 4100 sq.ft. on a full basement! Featured Listing by Your Trusted Neighborhood Realtor, Polly Byrnes 770-377-2683 www.pollybyrnes.com PalmerHouse Properties 404-876-4901

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Re-Stretching & Repairs Water Removal 770-236-1255 • www.carpettransformers.com

PENNINGTON FENCE Quality Built Since 1972

770-963-9961 We Look Forward To Building Your New Fence Ask Us About Wood Fence Staining IN BUSINESS FOR

YEARS

We’ll Do The Dirty Job For You! Privately owned and operated since 1989! Personal Touch has continued to grow due to it’s reputation and excellent service. The name was chosen because our goal is to provide a “personal touch” for all of our customers.

Best d in the Feature ports book e Pick R 014 since 2

Readers Choice for the Gwinnett Daily Post for the years 2014, 2015 & 2016

770-831-0155

pthcleaning@aol.com • www.personaltouchcleaning.com

22 | HOMETOWN HERALD | March 2017

4530 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Ste A • Sugar Hill/Buford 2695 Old Winder Hwy, Ste 100 • Braselton

770.965.2340 StartLifeSmiling.com

Discover what is different about us! /northgeorgiapediatricdentistry

SWIM TEAM NEWS

HAMMMERHEADS Getting ready for the water! Registration is underway for the Hamilton Mill Hammerhead’s 2017 season, and there is still space left in some age groups. If you’re interested in swimming with our neighborhood team this summer, please email the names and ages of your swimmers to HMSTHammerheads@gmail.com, and we’ll let you know if there is space in their age groups. All swimmers who have registered for the 2017 season are invited to our Back to the Pool Party at Bogan Pool on Friday, March 24, 6-8 p.m. Join us for a fun time of reconnecting with old friends and meeting our new swimmers. Anyone who is new to the team must swim one lap without assistance in order to join the team. Coaches will be on deck to evaluate swimmers and answer questions. If you’ve registered for the team, payment is due at this time, and new swimmers must have turned in a copy of their birth certificate so the county swim board can verify each swimmer’s age. In addition, each swimmer must have signed and returned the Gwinnett County liability waiver and concussion awareness form. Please drop off any outstanding items at Jenny Peeples’ home located at 1601 Woodbow Crossing. We’re looking forward to a great season! Go Hammerheads!

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! www.rmachampionsandheroes.com

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY • JUNE 2, 3 & 4, 2017 1ST ANNUAL RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY CHAMPIONS AND HEROES Three days of enthusiasts, collectors and racers celebrating the varied interests of our hobby, offering something for each member of the family. Time Trials, Concours d’Elegance and Rally

Located on the expansive Riverside Military Academy campus 404.237.2633 • info@rmachampionsandheroes.com

www.rmachampionsandheroes.com From the founders of Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours On The Avenue

Join Reunion Country Club... Become a Member Today! Weekday Membership - $195 per month Young Executive (Full 7 Day, under age 35) - $195 Full Membership - $249 All memberships include green fee, cart fee, & range balls. Plus members receive a discount in our restaurant & pro shop.

Not a Member? Come try us out! We are open to the public. Looking for a new dining experience? We serve dinner four nights a week. 5609 Grand Reunion Drive Hoschton, GA 30548

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www.reuniongolfclub.com

770-967-8300

KID’S CORNER

We Are

Hebron CHristiAn ACAdemy

HCA is the

School of Choice

for 114 students from 75 Hamilton Mill families. NOW ENROLLING 2017/2018 School Academic Year Please visit hebronlions.org or contact the Admissions Department at info@hebronlions.org to discover why HCA is the right choice for your family!

Preparing students spiritually, academically, physically and socially to become diciples of Jesus Christ.

775 Dacula Road • Dacula, GA 30019

770.963.9250

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 25

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Community News HAPPENINGS IN & AROUND ATLANTA SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET

Saturday, March 11 at 9:00am to 11:00am

Attention, localvores: Fresh produce, lovely flowers, and yummy baked goods can now be found year-round in Suwanee! In addition to our famed summer Farmers Market season, the City of Suwanee is excited to announce a limited-run winter Farmers Market 1ST SATURDAY AVIATION PROGRAM AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday, March 4 | 8am

The 1st Saturday Aviation Program and Pancake Breakfast is open to the public. An all you care to eat pancake, eggs, sausage, biscuits, milk, juice and coffee breakfast is available beginning at 8:00 AM with the program beginning at 10:00 AM in the EAA Sport Aviation Center, 690 Airport Road, at Gwinnett County’s Briscoe Field. The price of breakfast for adults is $6, children under 10, $3. The majority of the aviation program are broad interest and suitable for all ages. Ample aircraft and auto parking is available. For additional information contact Randy Epstein, randy.epstein@windstream.net.

12 ANGRY JURORS

March 17-25 | P layers Guild at Sugar Hill

A 19-year-old has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others’ eyes to the facts. They try not to make it a personal thing. But personal it does become, with each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder reenacted, and a new murder threat is born before their eyes. Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and they become 12 angry jurors. Their final verdict and how they reach it add up to a fine, piece of dramatic literature. www.pgatsh.com

PARK’NERSHIP

Saturday, March 4 | 9am

Join the Gwinnett Parks Foundation in beautifying Gwinnett’s parks in an rewarding opportunity to serve with other volunteers in this rain or shine event. Families, service organizations, and scout groups welcome. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes and a water bottle. Register at www. volunteergwinnett.net or call 678.277.0900 for more information on how to register your group. 2ND ANNUAL SIP & SWINE BBQ FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 4 at 11:00am to 6:00pm at C oolray Field

Competition BBQ in a fun-filled festival environment while supporting our community by donating all proceeds to Gwinnett Children’s Shelter! COFFEE WITH A COP

Friday, March 10 | 9am at Einstein Bros. Bagels

Coffee with a Cop’s mission is to break down barriers between police officers and the residents they serve by removing agendas and allowing the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your community. For more information, call 678-442-5005 or email wilbert.rundles@gwinnettcounty.com. SWAN LAKE

Saturday & Sunday March 11-12 presented by Northeast Atlanta Ballet

Tchaikovsky’s exquisite score (played by the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra at all performances) make this an absolutely breathtaking production. Swan Lake blends the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky with sumptuous costumes and lavish scenery making the imaginary world come to life on stage. Filled with swans, a nasty sorcerer, a fairytale princess and her handsome prince, Swan Lake is a magical story of love conquering all. Perfect for audiences of all ages. www.northeastatlantaballet.org

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March

KID’S CORNER

• Custom Window Treatments • Custom Bedding & Headboards • Shutters, Blinds & Shades • Wallpaper • Upholstery • Design Services

“From windows to walls, we’ve got you covered!” Serving North Georgia for 30 plus years COLLECTION

900 McEVER ROAD • GAINESVILLE, GA 30504 770-531-0430 • greatcoverup.com

March 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 27

Jose Ayala Colon cancer patient

“GMC was with me every step of the way, and I’ll appreciate it for the rest of my life.” When Jose Ayala found out he had advanced colon cancer, there was never a question of giving in. That’s why he chose Gwinnett Medical Center, with some of the area’s top oncologists, radiologists and advanced treatment options, as well as a full range of cancer support services. Today, Jose is cancer free. Colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable, and if found early, most treatable forms of cancer. For your free colorectal cancer screening kit, go to gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/kit.

This is Gwinnett Medical Center. This is now.