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HOMETOWN HERALD News from the Hamilton Mill Community Association

April 2017

Welcome

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Welcome to Our Newest Residents Anna T. Chapman Grayson and Sarah E. Dent James and Janice Pringle Preston B. and Patricia M. Dasher Shmetrice and Susan Mootry Temple Privett Wanda G. Spain

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 Leah Nelson at The Times - 770.535.6330 - lnelson@gainesvilletimes.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 6

Residential Information & Helpful Numbers

Hammerheads

Spring Carnival

Do’s & Don’ts for Decks

Hello

April 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 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

Email: hmillevents@gmail.com

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

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: Group Banner(s)*: Your group must submit a request via email to Property Management for sign placement and Property Management will work with Grounds and Facilities and Russel Landscaping to designate a specific spot for your sign(s)banner* at the entrance of your neighborhood. PLACEMENT MUST BE IN AN APPROVED LOCATION. Only one Banner per entrance will be approved* 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. *We understand that neighborhoods in Hamilton Mill have varying numbers of graduates residing in them. Please group as many graduates together as possible on one banner. If more than one banner is needed please email property management and someone will contact you to discuss options for an additional banner (ie, multiple entrances to your neighborhood.

GROUNDS AND FACILITIES Update This winter…… Was there a winter? As I am writing this it is the first week of March and the spring tulips are already blooming. The Okame cherries have already bloomed and what flowers were left were blown away by the hail storm. With the major projects winding down we are getting already getting ready for the summer. The Millview pool project is nearing completion. By the time this is published the landscaping will have been complete for 3 weeks. The deck came out great. The paver accent which was added to mask previous pipe installations is a nice touch. The tile around the pool was changed to a mottled blue. Russell did a fantastic job with the landscaping. The trees that were planted are Nellie Stevens hollies, Little Gem Magnolias and Loropetalums pruned into a tree form. The shrubs are kaleidoscope abelias, knockout roses, dwarf gardenias as well as grasses. We hope you are as pleased with the results as we are. Maintenance will be the focus for the remainder of the year. The trees at the Lakeview tennis center have raised the concrete and caused tripping hazards. The concrete will be removed and replaced with slate chips, and the trees will remain. Various other projects will be scattered throughout the year. As always it takes a village to maintain our facilities. Please report any issues through hmill.com. Go to the committees tab, Grounds and Facilities and there will be a form to fill out. This goes to property management, the BOD and G&F. Reporting any issues through this site helps the volunteers of the community keep track of issues. Thanks for your assistance.

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 5

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 5. This is a hard deadline since May newsletter materials are due that week. Please stay tuned for further details and email communications about this special edition!

! n o i it d E l a i c e p S

Dyed Easter Eggs? Festive. Dyed Easter Teeth? Not Festive. Call Dr. Dave to schedule your child’s cleaning appointment and bring out those summer whites.

MeMber

6 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

IT’S TIME to get back in the zone! I’m sure you’ve had one of those amazing days recently. You know, the kind of day when you wake up feeling energized, your hair seems to take to the right style, and that cup of coffee was on point. This is the start to a day where your presentation goes perfectly, sales calls are strong, advice to your friend going through a tough time is wiser than Solomon, and on it goes. It’s called being in the zone. Your body, soul, and spirit have aligned in such a way that it seems everything around you is moving smoothly in slow motion while you have the ability to function at full speed and stay three steps ahead of it all. Take a moment and think about the last time you had one of those days… Ahhh… Feels good doesn’t it? The billion dollar question (blame inflation) is how do I get into that zone more often. This was the biggest question I used to ask during my days as a professional baseball player.

I remember the night of July 6, 1999. It was a warm summer evening on the south side of Chicago at Comiskey Park. I had three hits off Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeff Suppan in my first three plate appearances. The hits were a triple, single, and double respectively. I was “feeling it” that night and needed just a home run to join a relatively elite group of major league hitters by hitting for the cycle. As I stood waiting in the on deck circle waiting to make my fourth plate appearance, I fully felt the 5th dimension euphoria as I could see in my mind what was going to happen during my next at bat. The first pitch from Suppan was going to be a tailing fastball running away from me that I would take for ball one. The second pitch was going to be a fastball on the inside corner and I was going to turn on the pitch for a home run into the right field seats. There was no hype or over excitement in my mind and emotions as I waited for my turn to hit, just a real calm and serene feeling.

8 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

I stepped into the batter’s box and things went exactly as I had envisioned while standing in the on deck circle. I jogged around the bases to the standing ovation of about 30,000 White Sox fans. I had never been that deep into “the zone” prior to that night nor have I since. I have had many more “normal” zone experiences over the years and I have found each one to be unique to the season of life I was in. Now, let’s get back to you. How can we help get you into the zone more often throughout your daily life? Well, let me first say I’m no psychologist nor did I stay at a particular hotel last night. I will share with you some keys that I believe were helpful for me during my playing career and continue to help me today. 1) BE CONSISTENT IN A GOOD ROUTINE. We had a sign in the locker room that read “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” I learned then that you must put in the focused effort daily no matter how you feel or what kind of short term results you are experiencing. Don’t stop doing what is right even if you aren’t seeing the benefits just yet. You might get tempted to go back to the old way of doing things because at least you knew what to expect. You’ll never get to the next level of where you desire to go if you are inconsistent in your routine. 2) PLAY THROUGH PAIN. I didn’t mention that I severely sprained my ankle during that first at bat of that historic night in my career. No one would have faulted me for coming out of the game immediately but somehow I opted to stay in the game (I’m no gladiator). I think I was just curious to see if I could get another hit. The adrenaline that flowed through my body with each hit that night overpowered the pain of my swelling ankle. Don’t let disappointment, rejection, or a sense of failure lead you take a seat on the bench. A quick timeout is allowed and often necessary but… STAY IN THE GAME. Different forms of pain can humble us and you’ll be surprised at the true strength you can experience when your ego is minimized. 3) LET THE GAME COME TO YOU. This was one of the most important reminders for me. Think of this… most times when you here a manager or coach talk about a struggling player he says, “He’s (she's) trying to do too much right now. He (she) needs to let the game come to him (her).” Sometimes we can work harder, worry more, and sleep less in an effort to make things happen. Rarely have I found that strategy to bring sustainable success. Give your best daily and try not to neglect any important areas of life. I have found that when I do this, the good things in life I am in pursuit of actually come looking for me! When that happens, they become blessings added to us rather than a burden we struggle to carry.

-Chris Singleton

COMMUNITY NEWS

You may not have planned for an illness or injury, but we did. Gwinnett Medical Center, in partnership with Choice One, has opened two urgent care centers in Hamilton Mill and Sugar Hill. No appointment is needed. Learn more at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/urgentcare or 678-312-5000.

Accepting most insurance plans, including Kaiser. Low cost cash pricing also available!

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 9

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Easter

Calendar Sponsored by:

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Board Meeting 6:45 – 9pm

Passover begins

Spring Break

Passover ends

Tax Day Social Committee Meeting 6:30pm

Grounds and Facilities Meeting 7-9pm Adult Tennis Drills 7:30-8:30pm

Spring Break Adult Tennis Drills 7:30-8:30pm

Community Blood Drive 2-7pm

Spring Break

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

Notes _______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

MONDAY

Community Yard Sale

Good Friday

TGIF Tennis Drills 9:30-10:30am

Spring Break TGIF Tennis Drills 9:30-10:30am

Meetings Tennis

Social Events

Swim Team

Fitness/Class

FRIDAY

APRIL2017 8

Earth Day

Community Yard Sale

Spring Carnival 1-4pm

April Fool’s Day

SATURDAY

HAMILTON MILL CALENDAR

COMMUNITY NEWS TWO THINGS YOU CAN DO BESIDES PLANTING A TREE THIS EARTH DAY (APRIL 22)

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2. Think Green When You Clean Cleaning products that contain chlorine or petroleum distillates expose your family to toxins and then end up in the ecosystem. Choose nontoxic, naturally derived cleaning products, which are proven effective but won’t cause long term damage to the Earth.

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April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 11

RECIPES

EASTER BRUNCH Adorable eats the whole family will love! Most families have their traditional dinner or lunch they spend days preparing for Easter weekend. Throwing this fun little recipe in the mix might change it up a little, and will delight all ages! It’s easier than you’d think to make adorable bunnies out of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough. But I had to suffer through many sad bunny fails until I finally cracked the code. Now that I’ve figured out how to do it, these happy hoppers are going to figure large on my Easter brunch table. (Or how about big and little bunnies for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? Baby shower?)

THESE CUTE CINNAMON ROLL BUNNIES WILL WIN EASTER FOREVER

Here’s the secret to cinna-bunny success: Use a refrigerated cinnamon dough that actually unrolls! Yield: Small bunny = 1 cinnamon roll Directions: 1. Unroll an unbaked cinnamon roll and cut in half. 2. Roll up one half to form the body. Rotate the roll so the outer end of the roll is facing downward. This will form the bunny’s front legs. 3. Cut off one third of the remaining dough, and roll it up to form the tail. Roll up the last 2/3 dough to about the halfway point to form the head. Slice through the remaining unrolled portion and fan out the pieces to form the ears. To attach the tail and head to the body, rub away any cinnamon coating, wet the dough, and press the pieces together. Spread out the ears and pinch them at the tips to shape. 4. Lift carefully with a spatula or scraper, and transfer the bunny to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Yield: Big bunny = 2 cinnamon rolls Directions: 1. Use one whole roll for the body. Rotate the roll so the end of the roll is facing downward. This will turn into the bunny’s front legs. 2. Unroll a second cinnamon roll. Cut off one quarter and roll it back up to form the tail. Roll up the remaining dough to about the halfway point to form the head. Slice through the remaining unrolled portion and fan out the two halves to form the ears. To attach the tail and head to the body, rub away any cinnamon coating, wet the dough, and press the pieces together. 3. Lift carefully with a spatula or scraper, and transfer the bunny to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350° F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Finishing Touches Glaze: Use the glaze that comes with the cinnamon rolls, or make your own. For smooth results, apply glaze while the bunnies are still a bit warm from the oven. Try to follow the swirls in the head, body, and tail, so the bunny form really comes through. Apply sprinkles, if you wish, while the glaze is still wet. Eyes: For the big bunny, I shaped a raisin into an oval, dipped it into a bit of glaze and put it in the middle of the swirl that forms the head. For the little bunnies, I cut a raisin in half width-wise, dipped the halves in glaze, and applied them in the swirls. You can also use mini chocolate chips or other small candy if you wish.

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SWIM TEAM NEWS

HAMMMERHEADS Getting ready for Summer Swim Team! What are your kids doing this summer? If youâ€™d like to give them a fun way to get some exercise while getting to know others in the neighborhood, consider joining the Hamilton Mill Hammerheads swim team! We still have some spots open on our 2017 team. Practices begin after school on May 8 and then shift to morning slots when the school year ends. Most of our swim meets are held on Thursday evenings. We have six dual meets plus a championship meet on July 8 and 9 at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center for swimmers who qualify. Swimmers ages 4-18 years old who live in Hamilton Mill and can swim at least one lap of the pool unassisted are welcome. Please see our team website for more information: hamiltonmill.swimtopia.com. To find out if your swimmerâ€™s age group still has open slots, please email the gender and age of your swimmers to HMSTHammerheads@ gmail.com.

Go Hammerheads!

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

16 DO’S AND DON’TS FOR DECK AND PATIO MAINTENANCE DO seal your wooden deck every few years. Save yourself some hassle and choose a one-step product that combines stain and sealer. Mitch Kalamian, owner of Solena Landscape Co., recommends Behr’s All-in-One Wood Finish for a good-looking, durable final product.

DON’T sand your wooden deck before sealing unless it’s really necessary. This step is only a good idea if your deck’s surface has become too rough for comfort, because it adds several steps to your finishing process. “Sanding strips off that top layer of stain, so to do things the right way, you’ll need to put on three coats of stain and sealer afterward rather than just one,” Kalamian says. DON’T paint your deck if you can help it. “Priming and painting is always a two-step process, and any moisture trapped underneath will come through at some point,” Kalamian says. “Painting wood creates maintenance that you absolutely must do no matter what.” Where a stain simply fades — and can be replaced as needed with one coat of the right product — paint will chip and flake and is a pain to redo. DON’T feel obligated to seal your patio. “If you want a wet look all the time, then seal your hardscape,” Kalamian says. “But you’re creating maintenance, because you’ll have to reseal your patio every two years like clockwork.” Natural materials like slate and bluestone actually tend to self-seal under foot traffic and don’t need the extra layer of protection unless you simply like the glossy aesthetic. DON’T go overboard washing your deck. “You want to wash regularly, but not too regularly,” Kalamian says. Normal wear and tear plus constant pounding by the sun’s UV rays takes its toll on the wood’s surface, and if you scrub or power wash too forcefully — or even just wash with water too often — you can actually cause further damage. Plus, if you live in a damp climate, introducing too much moisture into the wood can lead to warping and splitting. Wash only when there’s visible grime, stick to plain water from a hose when possible, and save power washing for every few years during the sealing process. DON’T overdo washing a stone patio, either. Natural stone tends to flake, and overzealous washing can actually wear the surface away. It’s best to wash as needed rather than on a regular schedule. Use a mild household detergent occasionally if you see heavy grime or stains; stubborn stains and mildew can be removed with a very dilute mix of muriatic acid and water. (Muriatic acid is available at hardware, big-box or pool-supply stores; be sure to wear protective gear as you work with it.) DO be careful with power washing. Too much pressure can damage wood and stone surfaces. “Pressure washing should be done by an experienced hand,” Kalamian says. “If you’re savvy, you can do it yourself, but you might make some mistakes the first time. A guy that does it every single day knows how much pressure is too much.” To be safe, Kalamian recommends hiring a licensed, bonded, insured pro to do your power washing— and be sure to seal your wooden deck right afterward. DON’T use a wire brush to scrub stains off wood, concrete or stone. It’s overkill and can damage surfaces.

DO rearrange furniture at least once a year. This is especially important in mildew-prone areas of the country, because furnishings and rugs tend to trap moisture underneath.

DON’T use chlorine bleach to clean your deck or patio. It can alter the color of your deck material. Again, start with the mildest options first — even plain water — and work your way up to products designed specifically for the job. DON’T get harsh cleaners on nearby plants. When you’re absorbed in getting your deck in tip-top shape, it’s easy to forget that your garden plants are in the line of fire. “Don’t hose muriatic acid off into plantings unless your solution is very dilute,” Kalamian says. If you have a lush landscape near your deck, drape plantings with a sheet as you work and choose the mildest cleaning solution first — say, dish soap or baking soda — before you try harsher chemicals. (Remember that plants’ roots are sensitive as well as the leaves, so anything you hose off onto the ground can affect their health.) DO fix nail pops, split wood and missing boards promptly. “If your deck was installed properly, you shouldn’t have a whole lot of that going on,” Kalamian says. “But wood expands and contracts as it ages, so anywhere there’s a span of wood, like a handrail or floorboard, you might get some creaking or something coming loose.” Screw everything down properly and sand any sharp splinters as soon as you find them, as small problems have a way of becoming bigger problems over time.

DON’T ignore stress points like railings and stairs. A periodic check for signs of rot, excessive movement and structural problems is always a good idea. Wood can warp and split along its natural grain and cause a safety issue before you realize anything has gone wrong. DON’T worry about concrete imperfections. “Hairline cracks are an acceptable industry standard,” Kalamian says. There’s no need to fix them — and trying to mend them with additional cement or grout usually looks worse than the crack itself. Same goes for the whitish film that often collects on the surface of concrete, known as efflorescence. It’s the natural migration of salts and moisture to the surface, and can be considered a harmless color variation rather than something you need to clean. But if yours is extreme or you just don’t like the look, power washing will remove it temporarily. Sealing is necessary if you want to stop it permanently, and will require a strict maintenance schedule. DO install irrigation for potted plants. A container garden is a wonderful thing for ambiance, but it can wreak havoc on your deck or patio’s surface. Overwatering leads to puddling, which leads to mold and stains caused by mineral buildup as the water evaporates. “Anytime we install a deck, we always use saucers for potted plants, connect the pots to an irrigation system, and install a drain tied into the below-ground drainage system whenever possible,” Kalamian says. “That way no water pools around the bottom or leaks across the deck.” Stains caused by pots often can’t be removed, so prevention is your best option. Article courtesy of HGTV.com Photo credentials: iStockphoto.com/NinaMalyna

DO sweep away debris regularly. Trapped dirt and leaves lead to mold, rot and stains — prevention is always better than the cure.

14 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

SOCIAL NEWS

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 15

CREATIVE CORNER

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16 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

SOCIAL NEWS

Friday, April 21 & Saturday, April 22 If you have any items that you would like to have picked up on Saturday, April 22 after our community yard sale, please contact Carry On Youth (501(c)(3)). They will be able to provide a tax receipt for your donations. Pickups can be scheduled through email to carryonyouth@gmail.com or text 770-540-3170. For a full list of the items accepted, visit www.carryonyouth.org.

Motherâ€™s Day Card Making Activity Join us on Saturday, May 13 from 10-11:30am in the Lakeview Conference Room and make a Motherâ€™s Day card for mom. Stay tuned for more details via the Weekly Hometown Update!

RSVP to hmillevents@gmail.com.

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 17

SOCIAL NEWS

SPRING CARNIVAL

at Lakeview Saturday, April 8 from 1-4pm 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 toysâ€Ś 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. Eat funnel cakes, shaved ice, frozen bananas, fried Oreos and smashed lemonade from the Fruit Smashers Food Truck (everything priced $3-5!) Get your face painted and balloon animals with Bubba Talk and shop with our vendors, like DoTerra, Serendipity Doos, Matilda Jane, and more! Visit with our sponsor Dacula Dojo and learn about martial arts for all ages! Enjoy FREE cotton candy and popcorn!

Our charity for Spring Carnival is Carry-on Youth, Inc. As you are doing your spring cleaning, please consider donating any gently used clothing and shoes to the collection bins at the carnival. RSVP to hmillevents@gmail.com

18 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

SOCIAL NEWS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! www.rmachampionsandheroes.com

Hamilton Mill Blood Drive Lakeview Clubhouse

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY • JUNE 2, 3 & 4, 2017

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

1ST ANNUAL RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY CHAMPIONS AND HEROES

2pm – 7pm

Three days of enthusiasts, collectors and racers celebrating the varied interests of our hobby, offering something for each member of the family.

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.

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

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 19

TENNIS NEWS

TENNIS NEWS from Jeff Dudacek, Director of Tennis Yes it is April!!! The seven week Spring Alta season in down to the end. The very intense playoffs follow through to the end of April. After spring break, it is time to start thinking about summer tennis. The USTA and mix-doubles season kick-off in May and June but the deadline to sign up are in April. The Kemp junior program is in full swing from 10 and under to advance tournament kids. In April, with all the flex leagues, social play and league matches, there is a match going on every day on the courts. We have close to 500 people a week play on the courts during the spring season. Tennis is very popular at Hamilton Mill and it shows it with all the players using the courts. If you want to be part of the tennis community at Hamilton Mill, your first step is contact me Jeff.milltennis@gmail.com or the tennis shop milltennis@bellsouth.net . We are here to answer all of your tennis questions. PROSHOP NEWS We have rackets, Hamilton Mill logo clothing, tennis accessories, 24 hour stringing and even tennis balls. The pro-shop is available for all your needs on the court. If we don’t have it we can order it with a guarantee. The pros can fit you with a racket for your game. With our 3 day FREE demo program for residents, we can fit you with the right racket and strings preventing tennis injury down the road. Not all discount rackets that you see in stores are good for your game. There is a reason they are discounted. Besides the latest new adult rackets, we have junior models available for 15.00. Pricing for the merchandise is the same as online. The big difference–it is located in your back yard and 100% percent of the proceeds is returned back to the neighborhood for improvements to the tennis program. Where are the sales going from the other stores? This is another win, win for Hamilton Mill. COURT NEWS With the amount of play the courts get during the warmer months, remember to hang the roll drys back on the net. If the court trash if full, empty it in the big containers outside the court. Don’t forget we have big blue recycling cans located at Millview and Lakeview. The trash containers with the round hose is for used balls for the junior program. Call the shop if you need to reserve the courts longer for your match or any other problems with the courts.

SUMMER LEAGUES Summer leagues is right around the corner, so be aware of the deadlines. These are league deadlines not Hamilton Mill deadlines. Sign the online book to get a chance to get on a team. USTA Adult 18 & over: Weekday Women – Thursdays at 9am – 2:00 singles/3 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 4/27/17 Play Begins 5/18/17 at 9am *no play 5/25/17 or 7/6/17 Business Women – Sundays at 12 noon – 2:00 singles/3 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 5/5/17 Play Begins 6/4/17 at 12 noon *no play 7/2/17 or 8/13/17 Men – Sundays at 4pm – 2 singles/3 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 5/5/17 Play Begins 6/4/17 at 4pm *no play 7/2/17 or 8/13/17 USTA Adult 40+: Tuesday Women – 9am – 1 singles/4 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 5/9/17 Play Begins 6/6/17 at 9am *no play 7/4/17 Business Women – Tuesday 6:45pm – 1 singles/2 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 5/9/17 Play Begins 6/6/17 at 6:45pm *no play 7/4/17 Men – Saturday 9am – 1 singles/4 doubles lines Registration opens 3/1/17 Registration closes 5/9/17 Play Begins 7/22/17 at 9am *no play 9/2/17

DRILLS, DRILLS, DRILLS

Alta Mix-Doubles Deadline: April 10 5 doubles lines Play begins Saturday June 3rd at 9:00am, ends July 15th

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.

Alta Women Senior Doubles Deadline April 10 4 doubles lines Play begins Thursday June 1st at 6:30pm, ends July 13th

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.

Alta Men Senior Doubles Deadline April 10 4 doubles lines Play begins Friday June 2nd at 6:30pm ends, July 14th

20 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

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TENNIS TIPS

TENNIS TIPS Winning Your Service Game in Doubles ‘I can’t win my serve because of my partner’. ‘We can’t win the serve game because my partners serve isn’t very good’. I hear several versions of this from teams when they come off the court. Since this is a family tennis tip, I will stick to those two versions. This is the oldest question in doubles. Who’s fault? It is really easy to blame your partner but you both must take responsibility. To keep the disagreements down, here are the responsibilities during a service game for the server and the partner. SERVER RESPONSIBILITY • You don’t have to be a hard server but it needs to land deep in the service box. • Serving wide all the time can cause your partner to hang in the alley. • Serving down the “T” or the middle keeps your partner in the court ready to poach. • Serving into the body can force a block shot easy to pick off. • Getting your first serve in the keeps your team with advantage. • Aces are fun but you will wear yourself out trying. • Pay attention what serve they do not like to return. • Are you serving to the weaker side of the returner? • A server in doubles is like a baseball pitcher who mixes it up. SERVER PARTNERS RESPONSIBILITY • Position yourself in the middle of the service box, not to close to the net. • When poaching lead with your racket and angle toward the net strap. • Always be ready to volley after your partner serves. • Be active, if your opponent is not hitting down the line on you then you’re not active. • Attitude always puts pressure on the returner. • Keep the returner guessing on whether you are going to poach or stay? • Only guard the alley when your partner serves it out wide. • Read how the returner reacts on the serve, make a move when the returner struggles not after the ball leaves the racket. • After you volley the return, follow your shot the direction you hit the ball for another volley. • Did you tell your partner (loud enough for everyone to hear) great serve or way to set me up after you put the volley away and everyone clapped for you? Before serving, consider what your partner expects you to do. Before you take the net, tell your partner where you like to volley the shot. Communicate with your partner. Although you don’t see a lot of this in club play, it can be a huge factor in the game. Let your partner know where you plan to serve, it doesn’t matter if you are just aiming for the box, so they can position themselves appropriately. In the end, adapt to who you are playing against and who you have as a partner. Remember the match can take a long time and your responsibilities might not happen at the same time. Keep trying because they will eventually gel together. The match is not over until the last point is played.

See ya on the courts!

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 21

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Community News

April

HAPPENINGS IN & AROUND ATLANTA

PETE THE CAT AUTHOR ERIC LITWIN - PRESENTED BY GWINNETT LIBRARY

Saturday, April 15 | 10am STONE MOUNTAIN PARK’S SPRING FUN BREAK

Saturday, April 1 - Sunday, April 9 at 10:00am to 10:00pm

Celebrate the beauty of spring with a memorable day at Atlanta’s favorite natural wonderland. Enjoy exciting attractions including, SkyHike®, one of the nation’s largest adventure ropes courses, Geyser Towers®, a one-ofa-kind water adventure, Summit Skyride, where you can soar to the top of the mountain for unprecedented views of the city, Ride The Ducks™, where you can tour the Park in a splashy way, and much more! www.stonemountainpark.com/Events/Spring-FUN-Break ROB STAPLETON

Thursday, April 6, Saturday, April 8, Sunday, April 9

Rob Stapleton’s comedy career has taken him to many national and international stages around the world. Rob Stapleton is well known for appearing on Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment, BET’s Comic View, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, and Def Comedy Jam. www.atlcomedytheater.com DULUTH ROTARY ANNUAL CAR SHOW

Saturday, April 8 | 10am

Antique Classics, Foreign Sports, Hot Rods, Muscles-1972 & Older, Muscles- After 1972, Pickups. Professional Judging of 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place in Each Category + People’s Choice Winner Goodie Bags for All Exhibitors + Entry in Special Drawing for Prizes, 50-50 Raffle (Tickets $1 Each) on Day of Show – Winner Splits Pot with Duluth Rotary! Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips & Drinks for Sale by Duluth Rotary, Commemorative T-shirts for Sale, Downtown Merchants Open for Business PROCEEDS BENEFIT OPERATION ONE VOICE - A Duluth-based nonprofit that aids children and families of fallen Special Operations Forces. www.duluthrotaryevents.org ALEGRE FARM WEDDING OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, April 9 | 12pm

You’ve been dreaming about your wedding for a long time. It’s time to really visualize it! Tucked into a quiet corner of Gwinnett County just moments from Highway 316, Alegre Farm provides a unique and memorable setting that fits the rustic, yet elegant, wedding venue of your dreams. RSVP: gather@ranchoalegrefarm.com UNDERWATER EGG HUNT & BUNNY BONANZA

Saturday, April 15 | 9am

Hunt for eggs under the water and then dry off and head to the community recreation center. Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, enjoy a snack and make a craft. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. Spots are limited, register now! All ages; $15/person, must pre-register by 4/12 with online code BOP11402 or call 678.277.0850 or 678.277.0853.

22 | HOMETOWN HERALD | April 2017

Eric Litwin is the original author of the Pete the Cat series, The Nuts, and Groovy Joe. “Mr. Eric is a guitar-strumming, book-writing, harmonicablowing, banjo-picking, song-singing, five-time national award-winning, folksy, fun type guy.” Join Gwinnett County Public Library for a delightful morning with Eric Litwin at the Aurora Theatre, 153 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 on Saturday, April 15 at 10:00am and 11:30am. All ages are welcome. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Book for Less. Tickets are $7.00 each for ages two and over. Tickets available at www.auroratheatre.com. GLOW IN THE PARK

Saturday, April 15 | 5pm

NGAA is excited to announce our newest event: Glow in the Park! Come join us for a family-friendly party the beautiful Suwanee Town Center Park in Suwanee, GA. Watch as the sun goes down and we make our beloved park glow in the dark! We’ll have plenty of food, games, and activities for all ages. You won’t want to miss our spectacular lantern parade at 7:30 pm followed by a rocking concert featuring Electric Avenue. 5:00PM - Food & Fun 7:30PM - Lantern Parade 8:30PM - Concert featuring Electric Avenue Prizes will be awarded for the best glow looks and costumes. Don’t forget to make your own lantern! ngaa4arts.com/events/glow-in-the-park THE ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL NIGHT MARKET

Friday, April 21 – Sunday April 23 | 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Join us at The Atlanta International Night Market. With a projected attendance of over 50,000 people from Atlanta and neighboring states, this family-friendly 3-day event celebrates diversity, culture, cuisine, and community. Kicking off on April 21st in Duluth, GA the AINM is a large, family-friendly, open-air night market featuring 200+ independent vendors selling art, food, and drink, and featuring music and cultural performances on multiple stages, all celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Atlanta. atlnightmarket.org GWINNETT MARCH FOR BABIES

Saturday, April 29 | 9am

We’re getting ready to walk in March for Babies! Every year, thousands of babies are born in Gwinnett prematurely or with birth defects. Help us give every baby a fighting chance. This promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends - it’s a great feeling knowing we’re all helping real families. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community! For more information: Email shaj-hussein@marchofdimes.org

SWIM TEAM NEWS 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

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

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• 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

April 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 23