Hometown Herald February 2017

HOMETOWN HERALD News from the Hamilton Mill Community Association

February 2017

Welcome

COMMUNITY NEWS

2 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

The Board of

DIRECTORS

Get to Know Your Board Members

Karen Taylor, President Kyle Shields, Vice President Chris Singleton, Secretary Megan Kaderli, Treasurer TBD, Member at Large TBD, Member at Large TBD, 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 Grounds & Facilities

Residential Information & Helpful Numbers

16

Social Committee

4

7

Pantry Organization

11

Hello

13

February 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.

4 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

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

SWIM TEAM NEWS

HAMILTON MILL SWIM TEAM Registration Now Open for the 2017 Season!

Calling all swimmers ages 4-18 years old who live in Hamilton Mill! Registration is now open for the 2017 season of the Hamilton Mill Hammerheads. Our neighborhood swim team is a great way to improve swimming abilities, enjoy competitive swimming and get to know other families in our area.

Our season will begin with after-school practices in May, and our meets will be held in late May through mid-July most often on Thursday evenings. Registration is open and ongoing until each age group is full. Our team usually fills up quickly, so register soon if you’re ready to join the fun!

Registration fees will remain the same as last year: $165 for the 1st swimmer, $115 for the 2nd swimmer, $80 for the 3rd swimmer, and additional swimmers from the same family are free. Like last year, swimmers in the 15-18 age group will have the choice of FREE tuition or NO required adult volunteer shifts!

To learn more or register, visit our team’s website at hamiltonmill.swimtopia.com Hope to see you at the pool this summer!

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

GROUNDS AND FACILITIES C ommittee Update TREES AND SHRUBS This past year we experienced a severe drought. No matter how much irrigation was done it was not enough. Trees and shrubs were hit hard all across the neighborhood. Later this winter G&F will go around the neighborhood and be placing ribbons on trees that need to be removed. Many of the evergreens that are in front of the stone monuments may not be replaced. While this will save replacement costs, it is more of an aesthetic decision to let the beautiful stone structures shine.

Now, let’s talk trees that have outlived or outgrown their space: the Bradford Pears and Leylands. Some people love them, others not so much. Bradford Pears are now considered an invasive tree in many municipalities. We will never plant a Bradford Pear. The Bradfords will be replaced as they die with other hardier selections.

Leylands have been over planted all across the Atlanta area. Many of our Leylands are huge and some are declining. Leylands are susceptible to all kinds of cankers and other diseases, and cannot be cut back nicely. Leylands are another type of tree that we will look for other solutions.

Russell Landscaping will soon begin hard pruning many of the overgrown evergreen shrubs. We get calls of alarm every season when this is done. It really is OK and they really do grow back. If your evergreen shrubs need to be cut back, now would be a great time.

Just Google your type of shrub for further information, since some cultivars cannot be hard pruned.

As always, if you see something that needs attention please let us know. Go to hmill.com, Grounds and Facilities Committee tab and there is an area to send your concerns. Property Management, BOD President and the Grounds and Facilities Chair all receive this.

Trust Renewed Eagle Ranch’s nationally recognized Christian program helps boys and girls gain trust in relationships and confidence in their own abilities. While living at the Ranch, children receive counseling, education, spiritual guidance and support that nurtures talents and builds resiliency. Because we are debt free and privately funded, you can trust that your support is helping make life better for children and their families.

E a g l E R a n c h . o R g 6 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

Your Children’s Dentist Visit Dr. Dave to help your child with a healthy smile!

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Give us a call today!

770-744-4581 2119 Hamilton Creek Pkwy.

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

MEMBER

www.childrenandteendental.com

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 7

KIDS & COOK’S CORNER PIECE OF MY HEART VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT

Supplies needed: Puzzle Pieces (puzzles that are missing pieces are great!) Craft paint in choice of color, Hot glue & glue gun, Paint brush plus Ribbon or twine for hanging.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, here is a fun and easy craft that the kids (and adults) can do.

This is a super frugal Valentine’s Day craft that will look adorable on the fridge or hung around the home!

Directions: 1. Begin by assembling your heart first. Before adding any glue, arrange the puzzle pieces into a heart shape. This is a great way to get an idea of the size heart you want as well as perfect the shape.

2. Now, start adding the glue. Glue one piece at a time and reassemble into the heart shape.

3. Once your glue is dry and your heart is complete, you can apply the paint. It is easiest to paint the plain cardboard side. It takes the paint nicely.

4. Apply two coats and allow to dry. Finish by attaching a ribbon or twine for hanging.

Source: www.awortheyread.com

PENNINGTON FENCE Quality Built Since 1972

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

HAMILTON MILL Recipes

RED VELVET CUPCAKES

From: pinkspoonula of allrecipes.com Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or a special birthday or anniversary, red velvet cake is always a favorite… and even better when made from scratch! These little versions of the classic cake are easy to eat and transport to the school or office.

Prep Details Prep 30 min, Cook 20 min. Serves 20 with 160 calories each.

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup butter • 1 1/2 cups white sugar • 2 eggs • 1 cup buttermilk • 1 fl oz red food coloring • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups.

2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring and vanilla. Stir in the baking soda and vinegar. Combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt; stir into the batter just until blended.

Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack.

When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter and frost with desired frosting.

To make the cream cheese frosting, you will need: • 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 cups powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer.

2. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy then beat in the vanilla extract.

8 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS HEART CHECK

WE HEART YOU

LUV UR HEART

Fall in love with heart health.

While we’ve always been known for care and compassion, today, we’ve become one of the best cardiovascular programs in Georgia. From disease prevention to comprehensive care, Gwinnett Medical Center’s expert team is your partner for all things heart.

THANK YOU

Learn more at gmcheart.com.

This is Gwinnett Medical Center. This is now.

HEALTH 4 EVER

HEART BEAT

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 9

10 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

26

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm Social Committee Meeting 6:30pm

Mill Creek Cluster Holiday

Board Meeting 6:45 – 9pm

27

President’s Day

21

20

19

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm

28

Valentine’s Day

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm Grounds and Facilities Meeting 7-9pm

14

13

12

Mardi Gras

7

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm

TUESDAY

6

MONDAY

5

SUNDAY

Meetings Tennis

Social Events

FYI

Fitness/Class

22

15

Ash Wednesday

8

1

WEDNESDAY

2

9

FRIDAY

24

17

10

3

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

Notes ____________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm

23

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm Social Sign-Up Fair 10am-3pm & 7-9pm

16

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm Lowe’s Home Improvement Remodel Presentation 7pm

GroundhogDay

Sun Kichun Yoga 9-10am Chung Sun Do 6-7pm

THURSDAY

4

25

18

11

Calendar Sponsored by:

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY2017 HAMILTON MILL CALENDAR

COMMUNITY NEWS

PANTRY ORGANIZING CHECKLIST This time of year, you might start thinking about spring cleaning and getting things organized! A well-organized pantry means you’ll always know what materials you have on hand and can save you money. Check out these tips below to get you on the right track.

1. ASSESS THE CONTENTS. Start by taking stock of what you’ve got. Past its prime? Throw it out.

Never going to use it? Donate it.

2. STORE FOODS SYSTEMATICALLY. Canisters of flour, bottles of cooking oil, and common canned foods should be at waist level for easiest access. Less frequently used canned goods should be stacked on lower shelves with labels facing you. Lightweight items, such as cereals and pasta, are perfect for high shelves.

3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTAINERS. Glass is convenient because it can be microwaved, refrigerated, and cleaned in a dishwasher, but, of course, it’s breakable. Choose glass containers with rubber seals to lock in freshness. If you opt for plastic, buy containers free of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in many polycarbonate plastics that may migrate from containers to food (types 3 and 7 plastics may contain BPA).

4. TUCK AWAY DELICATE GLASSWARE. Place it on a high shelf and arrange pieces by size—small in front, taller in back. They’ll be easier to reach and less likely to break.

5. LEVERAGE LEFTOVER SPACE. Consider delegating an area at the rear of the pantry to little-used pans and appliances.

6. STOW SPICES. Keep spices in carefully labeled, airtight tins or jars. (You can buy spice kits or devise your own system using recycled containers.)

Place tins in a lidded box on a pantry shelf and jars in a spice rack on a pantry wall or door.

7. DECLUTTER CLEANING SUPPLIES. If you keep cleaning products in the pantry, gather them in bins, buckets, or baskets. Install hooks and pegs on every available inch of the pantry door to hold brooms, mops, aprons, etc.

8. STASH A STEP STOOL. If retrieving items from high shelves is difficult, invest in a collapsible step stool that you can fold and hang on the back of the door or tuck into a recessed space.

Source: www.realsimple.com and www.theidearoom.net

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HOLE-IN-ONE! Kenny Flowers of Fairway Bend aced the par three 4th hole of the Hamilton Mill golf course back in November of 2016. He used a nine iron from 120 yards. Way to go Kenny!

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

12 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

SOCIAL NEWS

SOCIAL COMMITTEE NEWS

LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT REMODELING PRESENTATION Have you been thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom?

Is it time to take the plunge and finish that room in the basement? If you have been thinking about making some home improvements, but don’t know where to start, be sure to attend this event!

Kristie Archambault, a Project Specialist and Certified Interior Designer from Lowe’s, will be doing a presentation, showing some before and after photos, and will talk about the process of working with a designer on a budget. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.

Thursday, Feb 9, 2017 at 7PM at Lakeview Clubhouse Snacks & drinks provided plus Lowe’s gift card raffles!

FREE TO ATTEND!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS IN HAMILTON MILL! Spring Carnival: Saturday, April 8 Community Yard Sale: April 21-22

LET’S FILL THE 2017 SOCIAL CALENDAR! Now that the holidays are behind us and and we are getting caught back up with life, let’s enjoy our neighbors and amenities by getting groups together that share special interests! Do you want to start a regularly scheduled craft or game night? Do you want to join a book club? Is there a group of people interested in starting a Kickball or Softball league? Or, maybe you would like to head-up a Bunco or Poker group–let me help you get it organized!

Swing by the Lakeview Clubhouse on Thursday, Feb 16 from 10am-3pm and check out the sign-up sheets in the Lakeview Conference room for various groups and activities!

The Hamilton Mill Activities Director will be available to chat with Hamilton Mill HOA members.

Can’t make it during the day?

Come by after hours from 7-9pm for light snacks and refreshments.

Email hmillevents@ gmail.com for the full list of activity sign-ups (there are many more than what is listed above!).

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 13

Part of Georgia’s #1 Heart Hospital

Dr. Mark A. Matthews received his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine and completed his residency at Emory University School of Medicine.

He's on-staff at Georgia's #1 Heart Hospital for 12 years in a row, Northeast Georgia Medical Center – with locations in Braselton and Gainesville.

3575 Braselton Highway | Dacula, GA 30019

Call or Schedule Your Appointment Online Online: heartngmc.org/hamilton-mill | 770-848-7160 14 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

TENNIS TIPS IN BUSINESS FOR

26

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 Pick Re 2014 since

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

770-831-0155

pthcleaning@aol.com • www.personaltouchcleaning.com

Senioarnd Livinrgy Care Memoyou’ve like r seen neve ore. bef 770.573.9096

3177 Gravel Springs Road • Buford, GA 30519 ivyspringsmanor.com/info@ivyspringsmanor.com

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?

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 15

TENNIS NEWS

TENNIS NEWS from Jeff Dudacek, Director of Tennis Winter tennis can be a challenge. February has never been a great tennis month. Alta winter mix-doubles is finishing up. Of course at this time most players are over winter tennis. Usually the match days are tolerable but the make ups during the week, on a cold winter night, can be a match of survival. February is the month to get yourself ready for spring tennis. Lessons, new racket or strings, and the ball machine all will help. Once we get rolling in nice weather, tennis doesn’t stop until December. Actually, tennis never stops in Atlanta, but we just have few more breaks with the weather in the winter. You can always email me for any advice, photos and match strategy at Jeff.milltennis@gmail.com.

PRO-SHOP NEWS There have been some changes made in the tennis shop merchandise. Many of you asked for it, and now we have it– Hamilton Mill Logo Merchandise. We have sweatshirts, hats, visors, ¼ zip fleece and t- shirts. As the year progresses, the pro-shop will carry more Hamilton Mill logo accessories. February and early March is a good time to demo a new racket before you get real busy in the league seasons. All the new frames come out during the winter months. The Hamilton Mill pro-shop will have all the latest Wilson, Prince and Babolat frames. Sometimes you do not realize you need a new racket until you demo a frame with the new technology. Remember demoing a racket is FREE to Hamilton Mill residents for 3 days. Where you can find a tennis pro that can fit you for your racket, the best pricing, professional 24 hour stringing and the newest tennis accessories right in your back yard? The Hamilton Mill pro-shop! Email the shop at milltennis@bellsouth.net with any questions about tennis.

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.

9:30-12:00 Thursday, March 2nd 9:30-12:00 Friday, March 3rd 9:30-12:00 Saturday, March 4th *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!

TOYS FOR TOTS AND THE SOUTH EAST GWINNETT CO-OP ROUNDROBIN AND FOOD DRIVE The ladies braved the below 30 degree temperatures back in December to participate in the toys for tots tennis round-robin.

Players showed up through the week and that morning bringing in food and toy donations. I want to thank Hamilton Mill for showing what the real meaning of the Christmas season is.

LADIES DOUBLES TENNIS TOURNAMENT Friday, February 17, 2017 Ladies find your partner! Get ready for a one day tennis tournament.

If you can’t find a partner we will help you find one for the event.

Who: Open to all levels. The tournament will be divided into two levels high and low. Will only have room for 32 players.

Format: 8 teams per division. A compass draw (win or lose you will always advance) will be used for the draw.

Lunch: Lunch will be served after the event. (BYOB) Time: Play will start at 9:15. We will play four rounds, break for lunch, and end around 1:30.

Cost: 40.00 per team *Rain date February 24th Deadline February 1st at noon.

Reserve your spot by sending an email to milltennis@bellsouth.net or call 770-945-6452 for more information.

16 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

TENNIS TIPS

TENNIS TIPS 8 steps to improve your backhand The two-handed backhand has become a staple of the modern tennis game. No, the backhand is not just hit on the add court side (backhand side), it is a key set up shot for your forehand. Here are eight key components players should use whether they’re trying out the stroke for the first time or simply want to perfect their existing twohanded backhand.

1. BEND YOUR KNEES I know what you are thinking… Bend my knees!! Jeff I hope you can come up with a better tip then this. Seriously one of the most common mistakes players make is that they are too stiff in their legs. This makes it really difficult to keep the ball at waist level when you swing and virtually impossible to use the ground to help you generate any power. It’s one of the main reasons many players feel they have no power in their backhand.

2. APPROACH WITH SMALL STEPS This is the famous foot work of tennis. It is the elephant in the room (or tennis court) that nobody wants to work on or even take a lesson on just foot work. But it so, so important. Approach the ball with a quick succession of small steps (baby steps) rather than the all too common couple of large steps. This allows you to keep balance when hitting your shot.

3. COIL THE UPPER BODY Getting a good shoulder and hip turn in that allows the arms and the racquet to go back (and up) is crucial and needs to be performed in advance of the ball landing on your side of the court. This is the time to finally use your hips for something other than hold your pants up. Make sure you firmly plant your weight onto your rear foot to set you up for the drive forwards into the ball. The key here is not to overrotate and not to perform it so early that you’re waiting too long.

6. ADVANCE TOWARDS THE BALL AND INTO THE COURT Towards the end of the preparation phase you should have transferred your weight onto the rear foot. It’s now time to transfer your weight forward into the ball and into the court. The success of your shot will largely come down to how well you transition from the small approach steps to setting up for the ball and finally into the motion of stepping forward and hitting through the shot.

7. NEVER DROP YOUR SHOULDER All good players are able to uncoil, rotate, separate the upper body from the lower body, the trunk from the shoulders, extend the racquet right through the ball into the follow through and still keep the shoulders in a straight line and the head still. Doing this well keeps the racquet on course to swing right through the ball.

Failure to do this will cause the racquet to vary its path and will lead to mishits and errors.

8. DEVELOP THE WINNING POSE The final component is to maintain proper balance throughout the entire shot. If you’re playing a shot and are not balanced that’s an indication something is wrong Even if you’re under pressure and at full stretch, the more balanced you are the better your shot will be.

You should be able to play your backhand and finish as though you were posing for a picture in the Hometown Herald.

When played well it’s a shot that can be a real weapon in your game so have a good look at how well you execute each one of the eight and see how quickly you can improve. You might not win your match but you will look good.

See ya on the courts!

4. KEEP YOUR ARMS RELAXED Now that you’re in a good loaded position, it’s crucial that you keep the arms relaxed. If you have a death grip on your racket then your arms can not relaxed. Just like having stiff legs is a problem, stiff arms will make moving the racquet quickly difficult. Without racquet head speed, you won’t be able to generate power. Yes I am telling you to relax. How can I relax playing with my captain? Once you hit that backhand winner, you will feel the tension melt away.

5. SET UP FOR TOPSPIN Now it’s time to bring the racquet head down below the ball in order to drive it upwards and through the ball to impart some topspin for control and some zip through the court on the other side. Remember a ball with some kind of rotation is hard to volley. The best part is you can show off to your team mates your TOPSPIN.

February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 17

KID’S CORNER

Because calling isn’t convenient Schedule your doctor’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.

18 | HOMETOWN HERALD | February 2017

EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Community News

HAPPENINGS IN & AROUND ATLANTA KIDSIGNMENTS SALE

Tuesday, February 14-18, 2017

Various times February 1-12, 2017 | The Aurora Theatre

Kidsignments is a semi-annual consignment sale held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville, Georgia. As one of the nation’s largest consignment events with over 1,500 sellers, Kidsignments is proud to offer high-quality, gently used items for infants, children, and teens. Many of Gwinnett’s smartest parents have discovered the secret of buying and selling with us! Shoppers line up hours before this great event toting laundry baskets, wagons, and even wheeled garbage cans (new of course...) to shop the endless bargains! For most of our shoppers it is a tradition… why not bring your friends and make a day of it? You will not want to miss out! Come see why this event was voted twice “Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothing” by Gwinnett Magazine and listed as one of the “101 Things to do in Georgia!” www.kidsignments.com

THE FLY FISHING SHOW

RINGLING BROTHERS BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS PRESENTS CIRCUS XTREME

THE MOUNTAINTOP After delivering his memorable I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. retires to his room at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis and orders a cup of coffee. When Camae, the mysterious maid with a much greater mission in mind arrives, THE MOUNTAINTOP re-imagines Dr. King’s last night on earth. This magical encounter filled with humor and history informs his destiny and legacy. www.auroratheatre.com

Friday and Saturday February 3-4

The Fly Fishing Show produces the world’s largest consumer events for fly fishing. The show is for all levels and all ages, from the “Learning Center” for beginners to advanced demonstrations for the most experienced.

You can see the latest in rods, reels, lines, leaders and accessories.

There is huge lineup of the world’s greatest fly tiers demonstrating their skills non-stop just a foot or two in front of you. The legends of the casting game are demonstrating – not on a video – but close enough to touch. Attend dozens of seminars or book your next dream vacation.

Purchase your tickets at www.flyfishingshow.com or at the door.

20TH ANNUAL NORTH ATLANTA HOME SHOW

Friday, February 10-12, 2017

Presented by SEMCO Productions.

Could your home use a little TLC? Remodel, Repair, Refresh at the 20th Annual North Atlanta Home Show! More than 150 companies will be displaying the latest in home improvement products and services. Many of these companies will be offering special show pricing! Foundation to roofing and everything in between. Save time, save money and get inspired! For more show information visit www.AtlantaHomeShow.com Tickets available at the door.

Thursday, February 23 - Sunday, March 5 | Infinite Energy Center

Family’s imaginations will go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals.

Times vary by date. Visit: www.ringling.com/out-of-this-world SKATE ATLANTIC STATION 2016

Now through February 14, 2017

Show off your ice skills this season at Skate Atlantic Station, Atlanta’s largest outdoor ice skating rink! The ice officially opens Saturday, November 19 at 12:00PM and sticks around through Valentine’s Day! Visit: www.skateatlanticstation.com ATLANTA HAWKS VS. MIAMI HEAT

February 24, 2017

Watch the Atlanta Hawks take on the Miami Heat in this NBA match up at Philips Arena. www.nba.com/hawks/schedule

4TH ANNUAL GWINNETT’S GOT TALENT

Friday, February 10 | 6pm

Hi-Hope Service Center is a 56-year-old nonprofit that supports adults with developmental disabilities. This event features Gwinnett’s youth caring, sharing and showcasing their talents to benefit adults with developmental disabilities for the FOURTH annual Talent Show! All proceeds go directly to supporting Hi-Hope’s mission.

We have awesome prizes for the top performers: 1st Prize - $1,000 • 2nd Prize - $500 • 3rd Prize - $250 So come out for a night of talent, fun, and philanthropy. Get your tickets today and spread the word - family, friends, coworkers, everyone is invited. This is Gwinnett at its best!

Doors open at 5:00pm.

February February 2017 | HOMETOWN HERALD | 19