Gwinnett Parents Magazine September/October Issue by Gwinnett Parents

Parents G W I N N E T T

MAGAZINE

RAISING A SELF SUFFICIENT TEEN HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME A GOAL -GETTER HALLOWEEN DENTAL TIPS

Bone Appetit! Eerie Edibles Desserts

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Sept/Oct 2008

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Gwinnett Parents Magazine

Disney characters and artwork © Disney, Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

table of contents 8 Inside Gwinnett Schools & Educattion: Help Your 10Learning Child Become A Goal-Getter 14Show & Tell: Baby Month & Toddlers: 6 Interesting 16Infants Activities For Your Toddler Developing Good 18Schoolage: Study Skills Talk: Raising a Self20Teen Sufficient Teen College Bound: College 22 Admission Test Scores & Admission Essays Don’t Let Kids’ Teeth 26Feature: Become A Fright Health: Vision 28Children’s Development and Learning Mom: Aging Is A 30Healthy Treatable Medical Condition the Doctor Feature: Dr. 32Meet Jason Blowe Fitness & Exercise: Keep Your 38 Muscles Guessing and They Will Keep Growing

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Law Feature: Glenn 40Family Cooper Feature: Family Time - Instant 42 Protection Against Dangerous Influences & Recreation: Why Is 46Sports Soccer So Good For Kids? Buds: Bone Appetit! Eerie 48Taste Edibles Maternity & Pregnancy: Why 52 Women Should Avoid Being Stressed During Pregnancy Do You Show Your 54Fatherhood: Love To Your Child? 56Family Finances: Education Plans Prints: Why Does My Cat Do 58Paw Things? 60Calendar of Events 66Local Business Directory

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Parents G W I N N E T T

M A G A Z I N E

Editor Terrie Carter

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Production Assistant Kayci Albritton

Photography Stephanie Pulliam

Circulation Tina Assadi BOBBY HUDSON TERESA BLAKLEY

Advertising ANDREW CARTER JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Writers Ethel Carter, Carlos Rodriquez, Mike Peterson, William Mccall, Roberto Ball, Yvonne boyd, Karen Card, Jan Z. Olsen, Thais CuFFy, Tammy Peterson, Bette Holtzman, Jim richards, regina moore, Debra Dawkins, Lesley Lyon, Amy Greenway, Anita Saulter, Dr. Sarah Ghayouri, Dr. Joe Rouw ____________________ All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Gwinnett Parents Magazine and may not be reprinted, copied, reproduced, or used without written permission of the publisher. Mailing Address 3651 Peachtree Pkwy. #325 Suwanee, GA 30024 T. 678.889.9552 F. 678.889.9553

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[ INSIDE GWINNETT SCHOOLS ] GCPS had 45 recent graduates awarded Charter Scholarships to the University of Georgia. The Charter Scholarship, funded by the University of Georgia Foundation, is named to reflect the university’s distinction as the nation’s first statechartered public university, and recognizes first-year students with stellar academic records, leadership and community involvement and a respect for and commitment toward intellectual, social, and cultural diversity. Charter Scholars are typically in the top five percent of entering first-year students. This year’s Charter Scholars had an average SAT Reading/Math combined score of 1394, and an average high school GPA above 4.0. In-state Charter Scholars receive $1,000 per year in addition to the HOPE Scholarship, renewable for up to three more years. For more information, visit www.uga.udu/news. Ricky Mayer, a student from Maxwell High School of Technology has been accepted by Mercedes to be trained at their cost and guaranteed a position within their organization upon graduation. Ricky was in the top 15% of students in the country to qualify for the Mercedes program. The following teachers have been selected to participate in the Teachers As Leaders Class of 2008-2009: Jackie Ashmore of J.A. Alford Elementary, Brian Baron of Shiloh High, Blair Binion of Trickum Middle, Carla Bland of Nesbit Elementary, Suzanne Bross of Benefield Elementary, Jennifer Burley of Duluth Middle, Christina Burns of Sycamore Elementary, Michelle Busby of Kanoheda Elementary, Tracey

Casey of Creekland Middle, Amanda Chanco of Meadowcreek High, Hyun Cho of Camp Creek Elementary, Andrea Colglazier of Walnut Grove Elementary, Chekquita Collins of J.E. Richards Middle, Debbie Cornelison of Ivey Creek Elementary, Jennifer Covington of Bethesda Elementary, Amy Crook of Harbins Elementary, Nikole Davis of Glenn C. Jones Middle, Danyel Dollard of Louise Radloff Middle, Christian Garcia of Mill Creek High, James Glenn of Norcross High, Gerin Hennebaul of Dr. M.H. Mason Jr. Elementary, Nicolle Higgins of Meadowcreek Elementary, Crystal Johnson of Norcross Elementary, Marisa Kana of Grayson Elementary, Jill Landtroop of Grayson Tech, Tori Loke of Lanier Middle, Andrea M. Fowler of J.P. McConnell Middle, Derrielle Morris of Lawrenceville Elementary, Joann Morse of R.D. Head Elementary, Tom Myers of Peachtree Ridge High, Kari Parlier of Duncan Creek Elementary, Lydia Patrick of Craig Elementary, Kerri Schmitz of Corley Elementary, Judy Stephenson of Riverside Elementary, Kara Taylor of Level Creek Elementary, Adrienne Tedesco of G.H. Hopkins Elementary, Marie Vidal of North Gwinnett High, and Heather Watkins of Mulberry Elementary. Three GCPS principals have been selected to participate in Leadership Gwinnett. Dr. Dot Schoeler, Simonton Elementary; Deborah Fusi, Duluth Middle; and Terry Watlington, Kanoheda Elementary will participate in this program. For more information, call the local school. Parkview High has been designated a Naval Honors School by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Training and Education Command in Quantico, Va. The school’s JROTC unit was selected for attaining the highest overall rating during the 2007-08 school

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year. This designation was received by only 20% of the JROTC units in the nation for exemplary performance during inspections, drill competitions, community service, marksmanship, and scholastic achievement. For more information, call 770-921-2874. G.H. Hopkins Elementary Teacher Yanira Alfonso was the recipient of the GA TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Travel Award to the Peru TESOL Convention in Trujillo, Peru, where she presented “Changing Their World at Home and at School: A sight words project, meeting the needs of struggling readers and English Language Learners, integrating Power Point and wave files.” The project was created with the help of 39 Hopkins Elementary teachers and administrators during staff development. For more information, call 770-564-2661.

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The Peachtree Ridge High Marching Band will debut the performance “Joyride” at their first home football game on August 29. In addition to performing at all Peachtree Ridge High football games, the Roaring Lions Marching Band is scheduled to appear in the Duluth Fall Festival Parade September 27, and will enter three marching competitions and an exhibition. The band will travel to Philadelphia where they have been invited to perform in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. For more information, call Joe Hale, communications officer at 678-407-0625. The next regular meeting of the Gwinnett County Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m., September 11, 2008, at the Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Rd. N.W. in Suwanee.

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[ LEARNING & EDUCATION ]

Help Your Child Become A Goal-Getter

f you want your child to have a good year in school and be successful in life, helping them learn how to set and achieve goals is key. Educator Susan V. Bosak works with schools across the country. She has some ideas to help parents and teachers start the school year right. Up to 30% of students drop out of school. Those who do graduate often find themselves aimless. Research shows it’s critical to get kids thinking early -- in elementary and middle school -- about what’s important to them and why. Dreams and goals give life purpose, direction, and meaning. 10

They help young people build toward the future, and offer a sense of control and hope. They help children make the connection between what they’re learning in the classroom and success in the real world. “Our dreams and goals shape our life choices,” says Bosak. “Helping children identify their goals, learn how to achieve them, and how to make the associated choices is the best gift a parent or teacher can give.” Setting and striving for goals helps children learn responsibility, how to break a large task into manageable

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steps, how to work with others to get what they want, how to handle stress, what’s realistic and what may not be, and to believe in who they are and what they can accomplish. There are free online Begin and End With a Dream ideas and activities parents and teachers can use at www. legacyproject.org. Here are some of Bosak’s top tips: -- Start the school year with a Goal Letter. Children should identify something they’d like to learn more about or get better at, learn how to do, or a fear they’d like to overcome. With the help of a parent or teacher, they write a Goal Letter that includes what they want to do, why they want to do it, the specific steps to get it, and a specific date to achieve the goal. -- Develop a Learning Pledge together that children sign. Include items like listening better in class, asking the teacher questions when they don’t understand material or an assignment, taking a few extra minutes to doublecheck homework before handing it in, and starting to study for a test at least three days beforehand.

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80% of what a child learns is obtained through vision

We provide in-office, one-on-one vision therapy in the North Gwinnett area. We evaluate and work with individuals who have problems with Eye focusing, Amblyopia (Lazy eye), Eye teaming skills, Reading eye movements, Strabismus (Eye turn), Eye-hand coordination, Visual perception skills, and other Learning related vision problems that affect reading, writing, and comprehension. Common near work signs & symptoms: When reading: loses place, covers one eye, uses finger to help keep place, double vision, and headaches, tilts head, and writes up- or downhill. Join Us For Our Open House Oct. 29th From 6:30-8:00 pm Please RSVP, Call Or Email At info@visiontherapy4kids.com

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-- Parents can create a Hallway of Dreams. Your children’s name and photo is featured on a large yellow star. On three smaller yellow stars hanging from the large star, each child writes a goal for the school year, a personal goal for something they would like to be or do when they get older, and a dream for our world. Hang or paste the stars in the main hallway to remind your children of their goals and inspire them for the school year. -- Use the Legacy Project’s Ladder to the Stars downloadable fill-in sheet to help children develop the skill of identifying and ordering the steps needed to achieve a goal. They write a goal in the starburst and fill in all the required steps on the ladder rungs leading up to the star. -- Help children create a “Better Me” list -- things they can do on a regular basis to improve themselves and build character. These might include reading one new book a week, writing in a daily journal or writing to a longdistance grandparent once a month, studying an extra 15 minutes a day, helping a younger brother or sister with homework. Post the list in a prominent location. -- We all have different strengths and achieve goals in different ways. Using the Dreamer Profile, help children explore whether they’re a Creative, Dynamic, or Practical Dreamer.

a Dream Chest. Children can fill the Dream Chest through the school year with anything that interests or inspires them -- newspaper and magazine articles, images, cartoons, quotations. Parents and teachers can discuss and help children discover patterns in the items in their Dream Chest. -- Encourage children to choose a Historical Hero -- an interesting historical figure who can serve as a role model. Make it a project to learn more about him or her over the school year. -- Set a Dream Time every week. Read inspiring books aloud together and discuss them. What interests kids? What inspires them? What questions does a book spark? What more can children find out? Parents and teachers can share the award-winning bestseller “Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes” written by Bosak as a way to start the school year and spark a discussion with children about their dreams and goals. Richly illustrated by 15 top children’s illustrators -- including twotime Caldecott Medal winners Leo and Diane Dillon -- “Dream” offers a poetic story about life’s hopes and dreams from childhood to adulthood, sprinkled with inspiring quotations. It has won 11 national awards including an iParenting Award, a Teachers’ Choice, and a Children’s Choice -- 10,000 children across the country read and vote on the books they like best.

-- To help them discover who they are and their dreams, children can decorate a cardboard box to create

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[ SHOW & TELL ]

Britax Boulevard CS® car seat introduces the new Click & Safe™ snug harness indicator, the latest advancement in child safety, which addresses the leading misuse with safety child seats. The Click & Safe™ feature is an audible aide to help determine when the harness is secure by clicking when the harness straps are snug. Other features include True Side Impact Protection™ with deep side walls and head support to provide advanced protection in side impact collisions. The easy-turn knob quickly adjusts the headrest and harness height without having to uninstall the seat. Higher forward-facing weight capacity allows children to remain harnessed up to 65 pounds. The tangle-free, five-point harness ensures a snug and secure fit. Unique features include the patented Versa-Tether® for energy management, and rear- and forward-facing recline for child comfort and a body pillow for positioning. The Britax Boulevard CS® fits children rear facing from five to 35 pounds and children forward facing from at least one year old and 20 pounds, up to 65 pounds. Retail Price: $329 at Babies ‘R’ Us, www. britaxusa.com

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[ INFANTS & TODDLERS ]

Interesting Activities For Your Toddler

oddlers are notorious tantrum throwers. Their high energy and new found independence often leads them to trouble. One of the best ways to handle their extra energy and urge for something new is to provide them with interesting age appropriate activities. This article presents some engaging activities that can provide learning experiences to toddlers. One of the most loved activities is playing with dough. You can get play dough from the market or create your own. Give your child a rolling pin, plastic cutters and dough. You will be amazed at the type of shapes he creates using these and it will really help improve his imagination and motor skills. On a day your toddler wants to be on his feet, you can play the shadow game. You will also be able to enjoy the outdoors in this game and your child will learn more about nature. In this game you can play goofy and act as if you are chasing his shadow or that your shadow is chasing you. You can step on his shadow and ask him to find yours and step on it. Another great game for the active days is chasing. Toddlers simply love being run after and so you can give a new twist to this game by turning into his favorite TV character or animal. 16

Jump from recliners and other furniture pieces to add adventure. You can become a roaring lion while he becomes a rabbit or you can be the big cat Tom while he is the tiny mouse Jerry. Try options like birds, fish, hen and others. And of course, remember to hug and kiss him when you finally catch him! You can make story time more fun by using hand puppets. Take a pair of socks, draw eyes and mouth on them. Put one on your hand and the other on your kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Now make any conversations using this sock puppet and watch

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your kid getting drawn into the game completely. You can teach him social skills with this game and also make the old stories more amusing.

ate a train out of them. Empty cereal boxes, take-out covers and other such throw away can be used to create the train. Make holes and use string to connect the end of one box with the front of the other.

To teach your little one color, you can make each day a color day. So if it is a red day, you and your child wears red outfits, eat red apples, jams and tomatoes, pick red flowers and cover bedroom set with red sheet. This will make him remember the colors more effectively. To help him understand shapes, you can use cardboard boxes of different shapes and sizes and crewww.gwinnettparents.com

If your toddler loves cars, use bedroom furniture to start a journey. Make pillows the car seats and bed, the car. Give him a circular plate to turn into a steering wheel and take him to distant lands! You can show him animals, fishes, people, vehicles and anything else while on the journey.

Gwinnett Parents Magazine

[ SCHOOLAGE ]

Developing Good Study Skills

eveloping good study skills is a process that very few children have mastered, mainly because they have no idea what study skills are. They often think of it as reviewing for a test (usually the day before). Because of this, may students lack the confidence and ability to become successful in school, and in life.

using what works for you: whether it is rhyming strategies, repetition strategies, visualization, abbreviations or even acronyms

In order for children to learn good study skills, a combination of teacher, parent, and student must work together combining the seven skills. When learned and put into use you will notice your child improve in and out of school.

4. Reading and Taking Notes from Textbooks: Incorporate SQRW, which is a four step reading strategy that breaks every story into The Survey: the actual reading of the passage, visuals and activating any prior knowledge about a topic.

Seven Basic Study Skills: 1. Managing Time, Habits, and Place: Realizing and understanding the meaning of time, getting organized, using a planner, and most importantly finding a study place, free of distractions and clutter. 2. Remembering Information: Realizing that everyone learns differently, and 18

3. Interpreting Graphic Aids: From pie graphs to time lines to weather maps, learning how to read, dissect and interpret all graphic aids.

The Questions: questions you created in your mind as the purpose of reading. The Reading: read the information following the question you formed in your head to find the answer. And lastly The Writing: once you have found your answer by following the steps above write your answer down. 5. Taking Notes in Class: Being pre-

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pared for the class, making sure that you have completed all assigned readings prior to entering the room. Staying attentive in class and taking notes, using the fewest amount of words as possible, use abbreviations symbols, and even graphic organizers. 6. Using Reference Sources: Know what material you have access to, like Dictionaries, Almanacs and Thesauruses. 7. Preparing for and Taking Test: Studying for a test is not a last minute job; in fact it should take place over the course of five days. Start with gathering information from notes, textbooks and other reference sources, to use remembering techniques, get a good night sleep the day before the test and eat a good breakfast that morning. Every parent wants their child to be successful, so why not equip them with the skills they need. Enter your child into a program that focuses on your child learning, and mastering the basic study skills.

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[ TEEN TALK ]

Raising a Self-Sufficient Teen

eens don’t learn responsibility overnight. If you haven’t been working with your teen on gradually giving them a sense of independence and ownership of their lives, then you’re going to have your work cut out for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late. By the time your children are in high school, they should be doing for themselves a lot of the things you’ve been doing for them all of their lives. What does your teen do when they have a problem? Run to you? Or try to solve his/her own problem, maybe coming to you for advice when they’ve exhausted their own resources? I don’t know about you, but I want my 20

daughter to be self-sufficient when she heads off to college. I want her to be able to choose her own friends, manage her own expenses, be up to the challenge of solving everyday problems in an effective and positive manner, and generally get her adult life off to a good start. Sound difficult? Not if you start out with the small things. My teen told me most of her friends don’t even know where their moms do their grocery shopping. I couldn’t believe it. My daughter is involved with planning our meals (it’s in her interest if she wants a say in what we’re having to eat), and she goes to the grocery store with me every single week and helps me mark each item off the list. She reads labels, compares prices, and tells me when she thinks I’m spending too much money on something. And why does she care how much money I spend you might ask? Because our family’s finances are

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tight, and she knows that any money we save at the grocery store our family will be able to spend somewhere else. What a great life lesson.

spend in deep discussion takes place in the car driving from one place to another. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

Because our family’s finances are tight, my daughter has also learned how to budget. She is not directly involved in our financial planning, but she sees me making our budget and deciding the way we spend our family’s money. She knows that when more money than expected has to be spent in a certain area, that something else has to give. She knows that money doesn’t grow on trees. She’s started to budget her own money--tithing, spending some, and saving some.

I’m not worried about whether or not my daughter is going to be able to take care of herself when she goes off to college. I’m certain she’ll be up to the challenge.

A lot of my daughter’s friends wear expensive designer clothes. She knows we can’t afford to buy clothes like that for her, so we frequent local thrift and clothing consignment stores, shop bargain sales, and do a lot of yard saling. Sure, I wish I could spend more money on her clothes, but she still finds much of the same designer clothing her friends wear. Other friends are jealous of the good buys she finds. When my daughter grows up part of me hopes she can afford nicer things for herself. But deep down, I’m grateful for the life lessons she’s learning. Whether she has money or not, she will never want for anything because she knows how to get by no matter what her circumstances.

Let your teens schedule their own appointments and make other phone calls you normally make for them. I think everyone has a little fear of the phone at first, but after the first few times they’ll enjoy the responsibility they’ve earned.

You might think your teen would think it a chore to go grocery shopping and shopping for second-hand clothing. My daughter doesn’t look at it that way. Partly she’s bored and wants to get out of the house, but going through these daily routines together is much of the time we spend together, hanging out and talking about other things on her mind. More than half of the time we www.gwinnettparents.com

A freshman in high school this year, she has four more years to practice before she’s on her own. She cooks dinner once a week or so, does some of the laundry, and helps clean up after our pets keep the house clean. At her age, homework is most important to us and that takes priority over other things, so we don’t overload her with chores, but my main concern is that she knows HOW to do these things. Especially with something like cooking it takes time to learn some of these skills. And if you don’t have enough patience to help them learn something like how to cook, then let them learn through trial and error. Let them cook what they want to cook and let them even go buy the groceries to make it.

And did you notice what effect these changes will have on your life? Less responsibility and demands on you! It’s a little hard to let go at first and you might have to take baby steps in handing over the reigns a little, but you’ll be so proud of your teen the first time they take initiative on their own. When they leave home you’ll worry less and know it was a job well done.

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[ COLLEGE BOUND ]

& Admission Essays

he rapid advancement in modern technology has led to stiffer competition in our lives, especially in the area of job opportunities. Many companies today are no longer satisfied with a college-degreed applicant. They also look for people who are computer literate and even holders of multiple degrees or specialized certifications. This is why college and postgraduate admissions is more competitive than ever. Getting into the school or program of your choice is itself highly challenging. Besides the routine standardized tests and GPA, you have a tool you can use to make yourself stand out from the rest of the pack. This is where an applicant’s college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, becomes important. A College Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, is an essentially prosaic version of your personality profile. Often, this is the same area of concern discussed in job application exams.

schools are admission exams (of standardized tests such as the SAT, LSAT, MCAT, MBA), equally important are is the admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay. Many applicants, particularly those with high test scores often overlook the importance of this portion of the application process. Yet, this is actually the one part that could spell the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Needless to say, a college degree in today’s employment market is imperative. However, entry to many colleges and universities today have also risen to such competitive levels that admission to such requires extensive preparation, especially in taking the entrance exams, including the writing of an Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.

So how do admission officers determine who these applicants are? Answer: By analyzing an applicant’s college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.

While a significant part of the admission process to college and graduate 22

While test scores do play a most essential role, admissions officials recognize that it does not tell the complete story of a candidate’s life. With the tight competition in the quest for higher education, schools are now looking for people who not only perform well in entrance tests or achieve high grade point average, but they look for applicants who are interesting, diverse, and articulate as well. This will usually be reflected by a well-crafted Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.

The College Admission Essay, or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay is essentially the human side of a candidate’s test scores. Many school officials do not limit their knowledge of an applicant to his/her

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admissions test performance or GPA. They are also interested to know more about his ambitions, goals, preferences, interests, and backgrounds. They already have a measure of his intelligence. The next thing they want to gain is an insight into his persona. This is where the admission essay comes in. When writing college admission essays or graduate school admission essays including MBA essays, it is important to keep in mind that what you are writing is about yourself. Focus then on giving a clear and definite description of who you are, but giving stress to your strengths rather than on your weaknesses. Also, give explicit samples of what you are like: what you prefer to do on a lazy day, how you view the world, what things annoy you most. Cite a favorite book, movie or incident that helped you become the person that you are now. This can serve as your essay introduction, which, if written effectively, can grab an admissions officer’s attention. An eye-catching introduction will inspire them to read on. Remember, an admissions official probably may read hundreds, if not thousands of college admission essays. Make yours memorable and eye-catching from the get-go.

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Write a positive and confident college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, as the case may be. Do not genwww.gwinnettparents.com

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eralize, especially when listing down your accomplishments in school. Cite specific instances in your class which show you at your best, giving extra attention to subject areas considered as one of your fields of concentration. Preferably, the sample that should be given is one wherein you obtained an excellent grade, as this will reinforce the presumption that you excel in your chosen field of interest. Additionally, your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should also include a listing of the extracurricular activities that you engaged in. Give detailed information and if possible, state a particular case where you were able to accomplish a goal or a project, either by yourself or as part of a group.

Of course, it goes without saying that the activities you will list down in your college admission essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, should be those that are directly related to the course you are presently seeking. For instance, a candidate wishing to gain access to medical school could cite his involvement as a volunteer in the relief mission for famine-torn Ethiopia in 1984. This will give more life to his resolve to acquire a medical degree. But if you have any other activities that present you in a positive personal light – emphasize those also, such as volunteering at your church every Saturday to help with special-needs children. This “humanizes” you and shows that you are not just about grades or school. Often, many applicants make the mistake of writing their college admission

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essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay, with a sweeping generalization of all their achievements in their respective fields, trusting that their excellent school records will breeze them through the admissions process. Unfortunately, such a scenario does not always come to pass. Nowadays, school administrators are more critical and scrutinizing. They want to look for something, more than just numbers. They also consider a person’s experiences, and not just general experiences, but actual and detailed accounts where an applicant was able to showcase his innate abilities in areas that are of special interest to him. This is perhaps one major reason there are instances of two candidates having similar entrance test scores as well as school grades but one of them does not get admit-

ted to the same school that the two of them are applying to. Their respective admissions essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay may have determined their fates. So if you are dreaming of entering Harvard or of getting admitted to Oxford, then make serious preparations. Check out their websites for details on their admission requirements, including possible topics for college admission essays. Get hold of your old books to review past lessons. And more importantly, take time to produce a well-written. College Admission Essay or graduate school admission essay, including MBA essay.

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[ FEATURE ] Give your kids a healthy supper before trick or treating so there’s less room for sweets Consider handing out sugarfree candy – even some healthy snacks like dried fruit include acids that harm tooth enamel Encourage kids to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating candy, to help rinse away sugars between brushings Make sure your little goblins don’t go to bed without brushing their teeth Choose softer candy – hard candy can chip teeth and has sugar that sticks to teeth If your child wears braces, forget caramels, licorice, toffee or other sticky, chewy candies and avoid bubble gum, which can break braces or wires

Don’t Let Kids’ Teeth Become A Fright Halloween Tips For Parents

ou may already be working on making a pint-sized magic wand, perfecting Frankenstein’s makeup and scoping out the safest neighborhood trick-or-treating route. With all the plans to be made for Halloween, parents shouldn’t forget that the scariest part of October might be the effect on teeth of all those sweets kids will consume. Fortunately, Halloween shares October with National Orthodontic Health Month and National Dental Hygiene Month. As Halloween nears, children – and adults with a sweet tooth – tend to snack more on sugary treats. While there is no shortage of safety tips for children around Halloween, Pickron Orthodontic Care, with 24 locations in metro Atlanta, offers these suggestions to help parents make Halloween a little less scary: 26

Put a limit on the number of treats that your child consumes “Halloween doesn’t have to be fearful for parents. By following guidance on dental hygiene and avoiding certain foods, you can enjoy treats and keep your kids on track toward a healthy, beautiful smile,’’ said Dr. Robert Pickron, founder of Pickron Orthodontic Care. “A few occasional treats are okay, but everyone should remember to brush and floss,” continues Pickron, who has been in practice for nearly 40 years. “There are better types of Halloween candy – stay away from sticky or gummy candy. As a rule, the less time a piece of candy stays in the mouth, the less harmful it is to teeth.”

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T h e D o ’s & D o n ’ t s o f C o n t a c t L e n s e s Do • Have regular checkups. • Disinfect lenses after each wearing cycle. • Wash your hands before handling lenses. Use a soap without moisturizers or deodorants so you don’t leave a film on your hands. • Keep your nails short and smooth. • Use minimal amounts of eye makeup. • Check for spectacle blur when removing lenses. • Check lenses regularly for damage or discoloration. • Wear protective eyewear when involved in a sports-related activity. • Check solution expiration dates. • Discard opened bottles of solution after two or three weeks. • Empty solution from your lens case after each use. • Keep lens case clean and replace them every six months. • Follow prescribed lens replacement schedules.

Don’t • Rub your eyes. • Use tap water or distilled water to rinse or store soft lenses. • Use any drops without eye doctor’s approval. • Wear lenses longer than the prescribed wearing time. • Wear lenses when eyes are red, irritated, painful, or when your vision is blurred. • Switch or mix solutions without checking with your doctor. • Soak in a hot tub or swim while wearing lenses. Always remember to remove your contact lenses if you experience unusual pain or redness, or if at any time you suspect that something is wrong.

Total Vision Committed to Your Total Eye Health

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[ CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEALTH ]

Vision Development and Learning by Dr. Joseph Rouw

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ye examinations are an important in part of a child’s development. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that even if no eye or vision problems are apparent, the first thorough eye examination should be at age 6 months.

As a child grows and enters school age, a comprehensive eye examination looks more closely at learning-related vision problems. A school screening and even a pediatrician vision screening is not detailed enough to determine if a vision-related learning problem is present because vision is more than just good eyesight or 20/20 acuity. Vision involves eye tracking skills (eyes staying on target), eye teaming skills (eyes working in synchronized fashion), binocular vision (blending images from both eyes together at the same time), accommodation (eye focusing), visual-motor integration (eye-hand coordination), and visual perception (visual memory, visual form perception, directionality). A visionrelated learning problem can be caused by a dysfunction of any one of these parts of the vision. The National Center for Health Statistics says 20-25% of children enter school with significant vision problems which can affect their development and progress in school. Children may experience signs or symptoms that parents, guardians, or teachers may notice: • Avoids “near” work • Frequent loss of place when reading • Omits, inserts, or rereads letters/words • Confuses similar looking words • Poor reading comprehension • Letter or number reversals • Difficulty copying from the board • Poor handwriting or misaligns numbers • Holds books too close to their eyes • Takes hours to do minutes worth of homework

• Inconsistent or poor sports performance • One eye turning in or out • Headaches when reading • Squinting, eye rubbing or excessive blinking • Blurred or double vision • Head tilting when reading • Closing or blocking one eye when reading • Short attention span • Gets tired or falls asleep when reading

Vision therapy is a field of optometry that involves working with patients who have problems with eye focusing, amblyopia (lazy eye), eye teaming skills, reading eye movements, strabismus (‘crossed eyes’), eye-hand coordination, and visual perception skills. These problems typically do not improve with glasses or contact lenses alone. Vision therapy is a progressive program of vision procedures performed under doctor supervision to help patients develop or improve these fundamental visual skills and abilities. A vision therapy program is individualized to fit the visual needs of each patient. It is generally conducted in-office, in once or twice weekly sessions of thirty minutes to an hour and is usually supplemented with procedures done at home between office visits. The procedures are prescribed to improve visual comfort, ease, and efficiency and change how a patient processes or interprets visual information. To find out more about vision and learning please visit www.covd.org. www.gwinnettparents.com

Gwinnett Parents Magazine

[ HEALTHY MOM ]

Aging Is A Treatable Medical Condition by Dr. Sarah Ghayouri

he baby boomer generation is to be congratulated for demanding a new approach to aging. The very definition of old is changing daily. New treatments and interventions of Anti-aging medicine-a combination of hormone replacement therapy, nutritional supplements, high dose antioxidants and vitamins and a custom-designed exercise/nutrition program are giving so many people added years of 30

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healthy middle age life. The future of anti-aging medicine promises the elimination of the disability, deformity, pain, disease, suffering and sorrow of old age. Anti-Aging medicine purpose is not to extend life in order to live a longer period of time as an older person , but rather to delay the onset of aging process and give everyone a greater number of those middle healthy years. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be as fit and vital at age seventy-five as he or she was at forty-five?

and testosterone levels.. Andropause can have profound effects on physical health, well being, mood and libido. Some men even experience sweating, night sweats and hot flashes at night. Testosterone Replacement Therapy helps to improve cognitive function, fatigue, libido and atherosclerosis. As we age HGH and Insulin like Growth Factor - 1 level decreases. People with previous history of head injury and fall are more prone to have adult onset growth hormone deficiency.

Health promotion and disease prevention is the most important new model for health care for this new millennium. There are many different theories on aging: Free Radical Theory: Neuroendocrine Theory:: We age because our hormones decline. Restoring the levels to a youthful range can have powerful preventive and regenerative effects.

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[ MEET THE DOCTOR ]

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rimary care eye doctor Jason Blowe has been in the optical business for eleven years. His Gwinnett practice, Now Eye See Family Eye Care, opened in May 2008 and provides comprehensive eye care for the entire family. Originally from Natchez, Mississippi, Dr. Blowe earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Southern Mississippi in 1998. He went on to study optometry at Illinois College of Optometry, earning his doctorate in 2006. Dr. Blowe’s primary focuses are his practice and his patients. Now Eye See specializes in personalized family eye care using state-of-the-art technology. His services include exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, treatment of eye disease, pediatric eye care, low vision services, glaucoma treatment and diabetic eye exams. Dr. Blowe values the customized approach he and his staff take with each client, and count on building lasting relationships. “One of our goals is to educate our patients on eye health and how the eyes relate to the rest of the body,” says Dr. Blowe. This inclusive approach leads him to be a strong proponent of preventative eye care. To avert problems that can lead to visual discomfort and even disability, Now Eye See offers family vision plans and promotions to ensure patients receive affordable eyecare. Two of the groups most affected by vision problems, according to Dr. Blowe, are children and seniors.

“One in four children has a vision problem. Since eighty percent of learning is visually obtained, this can lead to difficulties in school. This is why many experts recommend that children receive an eye exam from an eye doctor before starting school.” As for the adult population, Dr. Blowe shares this, “Baby boomers are at risk for one in three eye diseases that could blind them. Through regular eye exams, these diseases can be detected and treated early, helping to preserve vision… Everyone’s quality of life can be affected by eye health and vision problems, and we are here to help improve our patients’ quality of life.” Dr. Blowe values the citizens of Gwinnett and strives to provide quality care to the county’s growing population. As a Gwinnett resident for a year and a half, there is nothing he would change about his area. It affords him a balance of professional and social enjoyment. “I wanted to move out of the city of Atlanta, but still remain close enough to enjoy Atlanta’s amenities.” An enthusiast of outdoor activities, cooking and both playing and listening to music, Dr. Blowe is a member of Berean Christian Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Now Eye See Family Eyecare is located at 3153 Sugarloaf Parkway, Ste. 201 in Lawrenceville. Stop by or schedule an appointment today 770-682-6525.

[ FITNESS & EXERCISE ]

Keep Your Muscles Guessing and They Will Keep Growing

s we are all aware working out is a great way to build and tone muscle. When we first begin to workout we usually for the first little bit see quick results, but as a lot of us who have been working out for a good amount of time know that this quick growth slows down, and most of us have even experienced the workout plateau. The workout plateau is where your muscles get stuck at a cert a i n

size or strength and you notice that you are unable to make anymore gains. The reason you hit a workout plateau is because you muscles after a while become used to the stress that they have to endure during the workout, because of this they do not feel the need to get any bigger because they are able to effectively handle what is being thrown at them. Workout plateaus often leave people discouraged and wondering if they will ever make gains again. The good news for everybody that has come across this problem before or are currently experiencing it, is that there is a solution. The even better news is that it is a lot easier than you think it is. The key to overcoming a 34

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plateau is to surprise your muscles with den change in intensity. This is another something new. This surprise will shock great way to bust through your plateau. your muscles into growing again. In the following paragraphs I will give you a Exercise Change Up few suggestions on how to bust through As most of us are aware there are your plateau dozens of differand start seeent exercises our ing those gains there that work that your work“your muscles will be accus- out certain muscle ing hard for. groups. To get tomed to the order in which past your plateaus The whole try changing your you do your exercises” reason that workout to include your muscles new exercises have stopped for each muscle growing is begroup. This could cause they have gotten used to the cur- also include going from barbell exerrent way, or intensity of your workout. cises to dumbbell exercises. So the key here is to keep your muscles guessing. Every 4-6 weeks you should Supersetting and Dropsetting change something in your workout just Adding these lifting variations to a workto keep the element of surprise. Some out have helped many to overcome of these changes could be any one of their plateaus, as they add a great deal the following. of intensity to your workout. Supersetting for those of you who aren’t sure is Order Change Up just doing one exercise and then right After a while of working out on the same after going to another exercise that hits plan your muscles will be accustomed that same muscle group. Ex. Bench to the order in which you do your exer- press to flyes. Dropsetting is where you cises so if you take a week off and then move to a lighter weight after your firs start working out again, working out in set without any rest, so benching with a different order this will shock your 50lbs and then with 40lbs and then with muscles because they will be expecting 30lbs all without resting. something different. Everybody who works out will eventuIncrease Reps or Sets ally hit a plateau if they don’t keep their Increasing the amount of reps or sets muscles guessing as to what they are you do in a particular exercise will going to have to endure next. The next cause your muscles to experience a time you hit a plateau simply try one of change in intensity. This change in in- these tips or come up with a creative tensity will tell your muscles that they way of making changes to your workwill now have to get bigger and stronger out that is going to leave your muscles in order to be able to handle this sud- shocked and begging for mercy.

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[ FAMILY LAW ]

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lenn Cooper is in the business of helping others. A family law attorney in the Atlanta area since 1991, Mr. Cooper’s law firm focuses on divorce cases, custody cases, child support matters, family violence, and criminal defense. His desire to impact lives has led him on a journey from being a social worker to an accomplished lawyer in Gwinnett County. He is equally successful and benevolent, and has lots of meaningful advice to share. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Mr. Cooper found his calling by working in social services prior to obtaining his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1987. He decided to practice in Gwinnett County because “it was an up and coming county that has knowledgeable and caring judges that he considered the best in the State” he says. Mr. Cooper chose his profession because of his love for people. In addition to his paid services, he volunteers his time to help others through their most difficult situations. His work has been recognized in 2001, he was awarded the Pro Bono Project Award. Mr. Cooper sees divorce for his clients as a last resort. He “always” advises couples to seek counseling before filing for divorce, because of its effect on family. Cooper cautions that children should never be involved because they are innocent and the process is much more difficult for them. If the only option is divorce, he advises to “document everything and gather documentation before it disappears and always keep the children of the marriage paramount.” He also says because of the severity, seeking the services of a psychologist is a good idea for “pumping yourself up and finding self-worth as well as for custody and parenting issues.” His law firm offers the support staff and associate counsel to help both children and parents cope with such a life-altering experience. According to Mr. Cooper, the best part of his profession is helping others in their times of need. It is this compassion and desire to give that attracted him to family www.gwinnettparents.com

“Divorce is similar to the loss of a loved one, same being your spouse and the institution of marriage.” law, and that causes him to go beyond the expected both for clients and for those who simply deserve it. Mr. Cooper also has the privilege of serving many courts as a Guardian ad Litem. A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by many judges to assist the court in custody disputes by representing the best interests of children and reporting back to the judge with a recommendation of custody placement. Further, besides being a litigation/trial attorney, Mr. Cooper strongly believes in Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation and arbitration) in an effort to help resolve or limit issues.

Glenn E. Cooper of G. Cooper & Associates, PC. is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association, American Bar Association Family Law Division, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Gwinnett County Bar Association. Mr. Cooper can be reached at 770-441-5558 or geclaw1@aol.com.

Gwinnett Parents Magazine

[ FEATURE ]

Family Time: Instant Protection Against Dangerous Influences bonds breed success. Setting aside blocks allocated for family time can be very difficult for busy families. By the time everyone is home from work, school, sports, and other outside activities people are tired, playing a board game seems like the least important item on the to-do list. However, playing a board game, metaphorically, is the most important item to cross off of the list.

amily time is a necessity for those wishing to build happy and healthy families. Parents that take time out to eat as a family, play, read, and talk together, teach children that they matter, that relationships are worth nurturing, and that strong family 38

Family time is valuable time when parents can take time out to observe their children, follow their children, hug and kiss them, encourage, guide, and laugh. Family time is when children feel comfortable opening up to their parents; this is a time when the mood is relaxed and children feel supported, valued and

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loved.

Children should be included in meal preparation, setting the table, and clean-up. Although table manners must be taught and reinforced, mealtime should be a pleasant experience with a focus on togetherness. Quick behavioral reminders will reinforce good manners and then conversation can be resumed. Parents should choose to be in a good mood and not let the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issues weigh down the meal. After all, this is family time!

Eat together Studies have shown that the family activity with the greatest positive impact on children, is sitting down together to dinner each evening. Benefits for children include learning patience, (family members should wait for everyone to be served before eating and remain at the table until everyone is through), sitting quietly and calmly to eat, and listening attentively and participating in the conversation. If an evening meal is impossible to schedule, families can find a different meal to gather, a fun idea is to set the table later in the evening when everyone is home, and have dessert together.

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Creative planning can make the evening meal easier to put on the table and clean up afterwards. Simple meals, and meals prepared in advance and frozen, are good ways to ease the evening scramble and help keep the focus on family time, not on cooking

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and cleanup. Instead of spending an hour cleaning the kitchen after the meal, simple meals free up some time in the evening for togetherness. Shut off the television and the computer Shutting off the television in the evening helps to place the focus on the people in the house instead of the strangers on the screen. The evening hours spent interacting as a family instead of staring at the television will benefit everyone greatly and will help create warm and lasting memories. Shutting off the television and the computer eliminates the risk that children will be exposed to damaging levels of violence and sexual content. Experts claim that violence and sexual imagery negatively change the brain chemistry of children, resulting in permanent changes in the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wiring. Set a relaxed mood Bathe young children and put them in their pajamas. Put on some light music that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t jarring or offensive, this often cues a little impromptu dancing from children, always good for a laugh. No arguing, bickering, or crabbiness. Family time should be warm, joyful and happy. Parents should be demonstrative and giving, snuggle, hug, and kiss the kids and each other. Family time like this is ideal for modeling loving, kind behavior. Find fun games and activities The nature of children is to be fun loving and flexible and open to many ideas. Coloring, board games, guessing games, acting, playing with dolls or cars, and reading are all fun things to 40

do together. Allow children to help set the evening agenda. One idea based on the Montessori principal of learning suggests observing the child and leading by following the child. There are other opportunities during the day for family time The evening is not the only option for family time. Parents should seek out other times to be together. Take the kids on the morning and afternoon dog walk, invite them to join in on gardening, ask them to help wash the car or help with the laundry. It is probably true that activities will be completed slower with kids as helpers, but their happiness far outweighs the inconvenience. Parents who zone out each evening in front of the television or computer for hours and hours rob children of the necessary family time that they need. It is stingy of parents to choose to channel or web surf over spending time with their kids. In a blink of an eye the kids will be up and out of the house and parents will have the rest of their lives to stare blankly at a screen, alone. Making a conscious effort to spend quality family time together is vital to the health and welfare of children. Children do not thrive if parents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interact with them daily. When parents choose to have kids, they automatically choose to sacrifice their time to raise their kids. Family time is a parenting tool which helps to regulate the content that children are exposed to and introduce healthier activities. Developing strong relationships with children also will build bonds that last a lifetime.

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Heritage

ision Center of Snellville Clear Vision Begins With Healthy Eyes Jeffrey S. Hackleman, O.D. George A. Courtright, O.D.

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[ SPORTS & RECREATION ] proliferation of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and other weight related syndromes. The best way to combat childhood obesity is to encourage parents to provide good eating alternatives for the children and to get kids off of the couch and into the park. Soccer with its ease of play and lack of equipment is a perfect sport to allow kids to run, jump and keep their bodies more healthy.

Why Is Soccer So Good For Kids?

lthough baseball calls itself Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastime and football considers itself to be a uniquely American sport, when you drive across town on any Saturday morning you will see hundreds of kids without bats and without helmets, playing one game: soccer. Although it fails to make the professional scene in America, soccer for children has become a growing enterprise offering the best of athleticism to a full and healthy childhood. Why is soccer so good for kids? Fighting obesity Between videogames and families that do not eat at home anymore, children have a hard time staying fit and healthy. Junk food diets, sedentary lifestyle, and parents who work and are rarely home or involved in their lives have led Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children down a spiraling trend towards childhood obesity. Obesity doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t simply affect children as they experience their youth, but will carry into lifelong habits and lead to the 42

Social skills One of the best things about teaching soccer to children is that it is a team sport and involves many of the skills children need to succeed in their future development. To play soccer kids need to learn how to communicate with one another respectfully and responsively as they have to work together. They have to learn to share; they have to come together as a conglomerate to meet a common goal and help each other achieve the best in its pursuit. All of these attributes encourage childhood development and allow kids to make friends across cultural boundaries and neighborhood fences. For particularly shy children who were not able to translate school into a social circle a soccer team provides an instant set of companions, and a way to experiment with interaction in a safe and healthy

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environment. It’s fun Living more healthfully and learning to make friends are good goals to have for anybody entering a sport, but the other key to soccer is that its fun. Soccer offers a sense of self-esteem and well being children can develop as they see their accomplishments grow. Soccer involves both mental challenge and physical movement in a way that a videogame could never offer. Instead of sitting inside learning about enjoyment through violent games, expensive toys or isolating television, soccer allows kids to be outside developing healthy body, healthy mind and healthy esteem.

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We have spent a lot of time in our society creating technological advances so that we could work less and enjoy more. Unfortunately the reverse seems to have happened. The more technologically based we have become the more sedentary, unhealthy and distant from one another we have grown. Teaching children to play soccer and be part of the team may be one of the best antidotes for the 21st century.

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[ TASTE BUDS ]

caring up delicious Halloween treats doesn’t have to be tricky. Transform ordinary recipes into spooktacular ones with some of your favorite candies and a little creativity — it will bewitch all your guests and leave them screaming for more. For more Halloween recipes, party ideas, activities and printable templates, visit BrightIdeas.com.

Makes 16 brownies Prep time: 10 minutes Baking time: 20 minutes Decoration time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy 1 bag Milky Way® Brand Fun Size Bars 1 bag Twix® Brand Caramel Cookie Bars Fun Size® 1 bag M&M’S® Brand Chocolate Mini Baking Bits 1 box (22.5-ounce) your favorite brownie mix 12 cups chocolate cookie crumbs 1 can (16-oz) chocolate frosting 1 can (16-oz) vanilla frosting Prepare brownie mix according to box directions. Stir 2 cups chopped Milky Way® into batter before spreading into a foil-lined jelly roll pan.

Dancing Bones Brownies 44

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Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.

aside.

In the meantime, finely chop chocolate cookie crumbs with 12 caramel cookie bars in a food processor, set aside. Cover brownies with chocolate frosting and top with chocolate crumbs mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cut brownies into 16 pieces. Transfer 1 cup of vanilla frosting into resealable plastic bag with a snipped corner. Using the printable template, pipe a skeleton on each brownie. Decorate with mini baking bits.

Vampire Bites Makes 24 bites Prep time: 20 minutes Baking time: 7 to 10 minutes Decoration time: 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy 1 bag Milky Way® Brand Minis 1 1/2 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg Red food coloring 1/2 cup red decorator’s sugar 1 tube vanilla frosting

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat well. Slowly add flour mixture into dough until blended. Add enough food coloring to tint dough a bright red. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use the printable templates or cookie cutter to cut out 24 lip shapes. Otherwise, you can form the dough into 24 balls and flatten each slightly to create free-form shaped lips using your hands to pinch and shape the dough. Transfer these to prepared cookie sheets. Re-roll scraps if necessary. Sprinkle cookies with red sugar. Bake 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and immediately press an unwrapped mini into

Combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon in medium bowl; set www.gwinnettparents.com

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center of each cookie. Cool completely. Use vanilla frosting to pipe fangs over the candy. Tip: If short on time, consider using store-bought refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Begin by kneading 2/3 cup of flour into dough, then roll and cut according to the above directions. One roll of cookie dough makes approximately 18 cookies.

late Candies Pumpkin Patch Mix 1 bag M&M’S® Brand Peanut Chocolate Candies Pumpkin Patch Mix 1 18.25-oz chocolate cake mix 1 can (16-oz) vanilla frosting Yellow food coloring 1 cup dark chocolate frosting Black food coloring

Whacky Batty Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.

Makes 24 cupcakes Prep time: 10 minutes Baking time: 22 minutes Decoration time: 25 minutes Difficulty: Easy 1 bag Milky Way® Brand Fun Size® Bars 1 bag M&M’S® Brand Milk Choco-

Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and spoon the batter into the prepared pans. Place 1/2 of a Milky Way® in the center of each cupcake. Bake for approximately 19 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

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Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

food coloring. Tint chocolate frosting black with the food coloring and spoon into a resealable bag.

Tint vanilla frosting bright yellow with Spread top of cupcakes with yellow frosting. Roll edges in to the decorating sugar if desired. Place one or two black M&M’S® Milk Chocolate and M&M’S® Peanut Chocolate Candies on top of each cupcake as the bats’ bodies. Snip a small corner from the bag with the black frosting. Pipe bat wings on the either side of each M&M’S® and ears on top of each M&M’S®.

Chewy Pumpkins in Patch — For the recipe go to BrightIdeas.com/halloween.

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Gwinnett Community Parents Magazine

[ MATERNITY & PREGNANCY ]

Why Women Should Avoid Being Stressed During Pregnancy differ greatly from person to person, largely dependent on the gravity of and how we handle the stressful situation. It manifests itself in any number of physical or psychological symptoms that are often ignored until it seriously affects our health. In fact, stress is currently one of the leading causes of illness worldwide, such as depression, erectile dysfunction, hypertension and heart disease. This increasing number of stress-related illnesses has raised alarm bells throughout the worldwide medical community. Stress can stem from both positive and negative experiences in our lives. Positive stressors, or eustress, are situations that are perceived to be happy or good, such as weddings, childbirth or big family holidays. Negative stressors, or distress, are situations that are traumatizing or unhappy, such as the death of a loved one or an accident.

tress has become an inevitable consequence of modern everyday life, and as we are subjected to increasing amounts of it, we experience more and more of the effects of the great rate of wear and tear we subject our bodies to. The term was originally coined by Hans Selye in 1936, and defined by him as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.â&#x20AC;? This means that we are all subjected to stress, but its effects on our bodies

Pregnancy can be considered both a positive and negative stressor, being a time of great joy and adjustment for the expectant mother as she and her partner welcome the new addition to their family. Apart from the actual physical stress the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body is subjected to during the nine months of pregnancy, the pressures of daily life are also there to put additional stress on her. Some women have to juggle the demands of their job, chores, and families along with being pregnant. In some cases, pregnant women face unhealthy situations as the break-up of their marriage, physical or emotional abuse, open infidelity or simply disinterested and uninvolved partners who prefer staying out

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to staying home and supporting their pregnant partners, and they experience constant stress throughout the nine month period or beyond. Extreme situations can also leave the unborn baby vulnerable to the stress the mother feels, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins because of an unhealthy or unsanitary living conditions. Stress can have adverse effects on the unborn child, and can sometimes be the cause of birth defects, miscarriages, pre-term delivery, or result in the death of both mother and child. Cortisol, the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stress hormone, can be too much for the bodies of both the mother and child to handle, may possibly cause high blood pressure problems. In the mother, this may increase her risk for preeclampsia, or any number of other conditions that may complicate her pregnancy. In the unborn child, the effects can range from a lifetime of high blood pressure or other physical, mental or developmental defects. Whatever is going on in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life during her pregnancy, the most important thing she should remember is that she must take care of her body and safeguard the life of her child. Whether the situation is positive or negative, how she deals with the stress is entirely in her hands.

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[ FATHERHOOD ]

Do You Show Your Love To Your Child?

how-and-Tell in various forms is a popular feature of many preschool classrooms. When you watch children making their presentation you understand the popularity of show-and-tell. Kids love to talk about their interests and passions but they love to share those interests and passions even more.

and you need to make it a part of your every day life.

Kids are all about show. As a parent you know this. We have to demonstrate and lead our children by the hand through every lesson--both big and small.

This is why it is crucial to show your child that you love him.

So why do we so often think it is enough to simply tell our children that we love them? It isn’t enough. Love is the biggest show-and-tell of them all 50

Children do as we do, not as we say, and down the road do we really want our children simply mouthing the word: “I love you” to us as they rush out the door? Or do we want them to show us in many ways?

Hugs and kisses are good. So are tickles and games. My son and I have little bedtime rituals that allow us to show our love for each other. We snuggle for bedtime stories and talk about the day. Then we come up with ridiculous ways to count how much we love each

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other, for example 12,567 heffalumps was one recent description. Then we butterfly kiss, eskimo kiss, and finally squish and smooch (our code words for hugs and kisses).

So why do we so often think it is enough to simply tell our children that we love them? It isn’t enough. Love is the biggest show-and-tell of them all and you need to make it a part of your every day life.

However these are not the only ways that I demonstrate my love for my son. When I was growing up I never doubted that my parents loved me. They made very clear that my brother and I were a top priority for them. They sacrificed professionally and personally to give us time together as a family. My father coached; my parents chaperoned, volunteered, and chauffered; and my parents attended every school function, play, concert, and game.

that he is a priority and he trusts that love. So how can you show your child he is a priority? How can you demonstrate your love for your child? Find some way every day to show as well as tell your child of your love. Some ways we do this in our home:

More than that though my parents took an interest in us as people and would play games or ride bikes. They would simply spend time with us doing the things that we liked doing.

~ Skip me time and make a picnic together to eat at the location of the child’s choice. ~ Clicking off the TV to lay on the floor and layout a train track. Coming up with new designs can actually be pretty relaxing for the parent after a stressful day! ~ Going for a walk and just talking about whatever comes up. ~ Setting down the newspaper to read Anthony one of his books. ~ Putting off preparing yourself for the next business day to go outside and play soccer or tag.

It really isn’t just about time. After all, both my parents worked and were active in the community. My mother was the only working mother in the neighborhood when I was a child. It is a question of priorities. YOU know that your child is your top priority, but what do your actions tell your child? If repeatedly your actions put something or someone else before your child then they are going to get that message loud and clear no matter what is in your heart.

Notice what all these actions have in common? They don’t involve money, just your time and attention. That is the gift your child values above all else. Sure they’d like that latest toy and gadget they see advertised on TV, but they love you and long after that toy is abandoned in the back of their closet they will still choose to spend time with you.

Most days my wife leaves for work as our son is just waking up, but when she pick him up from daycare in the evening the first thing she does is scoop Anthony up for a tickle and hug. Sometimes Anthony even makes his mother chase him because he knows that his mother will. Anthony knows www.gwinnettparents.com

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[ FAMILY FINANCES ]

Education Plans

he third biggest financial goal for a family is saving for a college education. Buying a house and retirement are the first two goals. With the cost of higher education on the rise, parents are beginning to try and set aside money for education as soon as a child is born. There are two popular federal and state sponsored plans that make saving for college easy: the Coverdell and the 529 plan. The Coverdell Education Savings Account The Coverdell is a federally sponsored plan that helps you to set aside money for higher education expenses. These expenses include tuition, fees, books and supplies, and even room and board. The annual contributions are not tax deductible, making the withdrawals tax-free as long as they are used to pay for eligible education costs. There are limits to the amount of annual contributions that can be made each year. The Coverdell is established as a

custodial account, set up by the parent or another adult to pay for the education expenses of a designated beneficiary. The child must be under the age of 18 to establish an account. All balances must be spent within 30 days of the child’s 30th birthday. Any financial institution that handles IRAs can assist you in setting up a Coverdell, including banks, investment companies and brokerages. The Coverdell is like an IRA in that it is an account. You can put your account funds into any investment you want stocks, bonds, mutual funds and certificates of deposit are just a few options. You can establish as many Coverdell accounts as you want to for a child. For example, you could have one account at your local bank and one at a brokerage. Some plans have many fees associated with them. Make sure that the management fees for the multiple accounts don’t cancel out your overall return. If your child decides not to go to college, he or she will lose a great deal of money. When he turns 30, he must withdraw the balance of the account within 30 days. Any money withdrawn that isn’t used for educationally eligible expenses is taxed and charged a 10 % IRS penalty. If your child decides not to go to college, that doesn’t mean that his or her child won’t. The child can roll the full

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balance into another Coverdell plan for another family member, including siblings, nieces and nephews and sons and daughters. 529 College Savings Plans These state sponsored 529 plans are named after the federal tax code section that provides for their use. All 50 states and the District of Columbia offer 529 plans. The contributions to the plan are not tax deductible, but your withdrawals are tax-free when you use the money for a qualified educational expense.

If your child decides not to go to college you have three options. You can hang on to the savings plan in case your child decides to attend college at a later date. The account can be transferred to another family member for college expenses. You could also cash out the account and just take the loss. Most states will charge a penalty of 10% of the earnings for any withdrawal not used for education. On top of this, a federal penalty of 10% will be charged also. There is no penalty for withdrawals due to death or disabled status.

529 plans fall under two categories: prepaid tuition and savings/investment plans. The prepaid tuition plan allows you to purchase units of tuition for any state college or university under today’s price. You are buying a semester of attendance for a child. What you buy today will be good for any future date, no matter how tuition rates rise. With private and out-of-state colleges, the child’s prepaid tuition does not include the rise in tuition costs. For example, if you buy two years of college tuition for an out-of-state tuition, you may only receive a single semester in ten years.

The tax-free advantages of a college savings plan makes 529 plans beneficial, but they aren’t right for everyone. If you have a 529 prepaid tuition plan, applying for financial aid is affected by reducing your financial aid on a dollar per dollar basis. Low income families, who are often eligible for large amounts of financial aid, are advised not to participate in 529 plans.

Either the beneficiary or the contributor must reside in the state that the 529 is formed in.

Coverdell plans will also decrease the amount of financial aid available, but only by about 5 to 6% of the account’s value. College savings plans are great for families that will not qualify for financial aid or only qualify for loans. Many times a family doesn’t have enough money to pay for college, but has too much money to get help.

With savings plans, an account is opened and investments are chosen within the account. If you start the plan when a child is young, you can choose some aggressive investments for long term growth. As the child ages, you can move your investments into more conservative options.

The tax-free status on 529 plans will end in 2010, but many advisors expect that Congress will extend it.

The withdrawals are tax-free if they are used to pay for college expenses. www.gwinnettparents.com

These expenses can include tuition, books and room and board. An easy way to think about a 529 savings plan is as a 401(k) dedicated to educational expenses. As with a 401(k), there are many different investment choices. Many states programs are open to nonresidents, so look around for the best plans.

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[ PAW PRINTS ] reasons. Purring is interesting because no one is really sure how the cat’s body produces the sound. It might be because of blood moving through the blood vessels. It might be because of soft palate vibrations. Cat purring has been tested electromyographically, to show the electrical activity in the muscles of the cat. This could indicate that purring is caused when the muscles of the larynx, containing the vocal chords, are activated. the larynx partially closing, or glottis, could be responsible for the purring sounds. Face rubbing? Cats rub their chins, cheeks and bodies on everything. It might feel good to them but that is not the primary reason

Why Does My Cat Do Things?

ats are very interesting animals. They have certain behavioral habits which, although confusing to their owners, have explanatory reasons. One such act is purring. People wonder why their pets purr – does it just mean they are happy or is there more to it than that? Why do cats purr? Cats communication using purring. A kitten and its mother will purr as a sign of comfort and, after this, the kitten will continue the behavior through its life. Cats usually purr when something pleases them or when they feel safe and comfortable. It is known also that an anxious cat or one at death’s door might purr too, obviously for different 54

for this behavior. Cats have scent glands located on their lips, chins, mouths and foreheads. They might rub against their owner as a form of greeting or when trying to communicate something, such as a request for food. Cats in a group will rub against one another to swap their scents. Cats together have a ‘colony scent’ which is useful for detecting intruders. If you bring a cat back from the veterinarian, the other cats in the colony might growl or hiss because of the unfamiliar scents on the returned cat. Cats recognize one another largely through their heightened sense of smell. Why does my cat scratch things?

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Cats like to scratch (or ‘strop’) all sorts of things. Obviously you would prefer your cat to scratch a tree or its scratching post rather than your best sofa. A cat deprived of a tree or scratching post will strop its claws on whatever it can. Scratching gets rid of loose nail sheath parts which cover the growing claws. Cats also have scent glands located in their paws and the act of scratching will leave the cat’s scent on whatever they scratch, to mark it as part of the cat’s territory. If a cat is declawed, it will still try to scratch at things, even though they have no claws to sharpen. This could be inbuilt habit or maybe the cat wants to leave its scent on the thing it is scratching. Cat furniture gives your cat a personal item to scratch on while saving your favorite furniture.

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Why does my cat knead things? Cats often knead your lap before they will lie down. In fact, they often knead any surface they plan to lie down on. Kneading is when a cat extends the claws on its front two paws and digs them into the surface which an alternating rhythmic motion. Kneading (also known as milk tread) is first used in kittenhood. When a kitten is sucking at its mother’s teats, it extends its legs and kneads the area around the teat. This makes the milk flow out faster. Perhaps as adults, a cat continues this behavior because it feels happy and safe and associates the comfort and joy of lying on your lap with the happiness he shared with his mother. Kneading can also be a sign of good cat health.

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[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ] Sept. 19-22: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at The Arena

Gwinnett Center

SEPTEMBER 4-7:40th Annual Yellow Daisy Festival Times:Thurs-Fri 10am-6pm /Sat 10am-7:30pm/Sun 10am-6pm.www.stonemountainpark.com.Location:Stone Mountain Park.Phone:770498-5690.Admission:$10 vehicle entry to the park 5:First Fridays in Downtown Lawrenceville Times: 6:30-9:00pm.www. studiodanceandfitness.com Location:Studio in Downtown Lawrenceville.Phone:678226-2636.Admission:Free 6:Atlanta British Car Show http://www.babg.org/BritishCarFayre.htm.Location: Historic downtown Norcross Phone:770-448-2122 ext. 191 6:Georgia Bridal Show Times:8am.www.eliteevents. com.Location:Gwinnett 56

Center.Phone:770-736-1979 Admission:$10 6:Gwinnett County’s Inaugural Fundraiser Scholarship Ball Times:5pm.www.csdt.us Location:Gwinnett Center Phone:678-886-9018.Admission:$150 6:Music on Main Times:5pm-9pm.www. music-on-main.org.Location: Lilburn City Park.Phone:770717-7410.Admission:$25 per ticket (includes dinner and live music) 6:Sock Hop and Oldies Dance Party Times:6:30pm-11:00pm www.fosterchildrensfoundation.org.Location:Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center.Phone:770-623-6135 Admission:$50 per person 11-21:Gwinnett County Fair Times:Weekdays 4pm-10pm/

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Sat 12pm-11pm/Sun 1pm9pm.www.gwinnettcountyfair.com.Location:Gwinnett County Fair Grounds Phone:770-963-6522 Admission:$5 adults, 65 & older/children 6-12 $2, under 6 FREE 12:Supergigs presents The Marshall Tucker Band Concert Times:6:30pm.www.ticketalternative.com.Location:Duluth Town Green.Phone:770476-5160.Admission:$20 in advance, $25 at the gate, Ages 12 and under $5 13:Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Times:1:00pm.www.daveramsey.com.Location:The Arena at Gwinnett Center Phone:1.888.227.3223 Admission:$29 17:Probe College Fair Times:6pm.www.gaprobe. org.Location:Gwinnett Cenwww.gwinnettparents.com

19-22:Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Times: Varies each day.www. ticketmaster.com.Location: Arena at Gwinnett Center. Phone:404-249-6400.Admission:$15-$55 20:25th Annual Suwanee Day Festival Times:10am-10pm.www. suwaneeday.com.Location:Suwanee Town Center Phone:770-945-8996.Admission:Free 20:Body, Mind & Spirit Expo Times:10am.www.gwinnettcenter.com.Location: Gwinnett Center.Phone:770813-7500.Admission:$10

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ter.Phone:404-355-8586 Admission:Free

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20:City of Lilburn Community Garage Sale Times:9am-2pm.www.cityoflilburn.com Location:Downtown Lilburn Phone:770-9212210.Admission:Free 20:Family Day at Hudgens Center Arts Center Times:10am-3pm.www. artsgwinnett.org.Location: Hudgens Art Center (at Gwinnett Center).Phone:770623-6002.Admission:$5 20:Gwinnett Heart Walk Times: 9am.www.gwinnettheartwalk.kintera.org.Location:Duluth Town Green Phone:678-224-2099.Admission:Free 20:The Rhythm of Ek Shaam - Idol 2008 Times: 6:30pm.www.gwinwww.gwinnettparents.com

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[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ] nettcenter.com.Location: Gwinnett Performing Arts Center.Phone: 770-813-7500. Admission:$20 21:BAPS Charities Walk 2008 Times:9:30am.Location: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.Phone:678-478-9944 Admission:$10 (includes t-shirt) 25:Taste of Buford Times:5:30pm-7:30pm.www. visitbuford.com.Location: Bona Allen Tannery.Phone: 770-963-8694.Admission:$25 advance purchase, $30 at the door 26-28:Down the Street Bead Show Times:Fri 12-6pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun 10am-5pm.www. atlantabeadextravaganza. com.Location:North Atlanta Trade Center.Phone:1-866667-3232.Admission:$5 27-28:22nd Annual JapanFest Times:Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm Sun.www.japanfest.org.Location:Gwinnett Center.Phone:404-926-3020 Admission:$8 (Children under 6 Free) 27:The Great Chili Cook-Off Times:10:30am-7pm.www. stonemountainpark.com.Location:Stone Mountain Park Phone:770-498-5690.Admission:Adults $10/Children 12 and under Free/$8 vehicle entry 27-28:26th Annual Duluth Fall Festival 58

Times:9am-6pm.www.duluthfallfestival.com.Location: Downtown Duluth.Phone: 770-476-0240.Admission: Free 27-30:”Nim’s Island” Suwanee Farmer’s Market Times:8am-Noon.www. suwanee.com.Location:Suwanee Town Center.Phone: 770-945-8996.Admission: Free

OCTOBER 1-4:11th Annual Petit Le Mans Times:8am-5pm.www.roadatlanta.com.Location:Road Atlanta.Phone:1-800-849RACE.Admission:$55-$295/ Kids under 12 FREE 1-31:Lawrenceville Ghost Tours Times:Sun-Thurs 7:30pm, Fri-Sat 7pm & 9pm.www. scarystroll.com.Location:Tour begins at Aurora Theatre Phone:678-226-6222.Admission:Sun-Thurs Adults $12 Children $9, Fri-Sat Adults $15 Children $12 3:Home School Day Times:10am-6pm www.stonemountainpark.com Location:Stone Mountain Park.Phone:770-498-5690 Admission:$8 vehicle entry 3-5:Custom Sewing Institute’s Couture Camp Times:Fri 9am, Sat and Sun 8:45am.www.csisews.com Location:Gwinnett Center Phone:713-697-4110.Admission:$395.00 for Fri only, $1195.00 for Fri-Sun

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3-26:6th Annual Pumpkin Festival Times:Fridays 10am-6pm, Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 10am6pm.www.stonemountainpark.com.Location:Stone Mountain Park.Phone:770498-5690.Admission:$8 vehicle entry 4-5:American Indian Festival Times:Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-6pm.www.vitwind.com Location:Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.Phone:770-9636522.Admission:$13 ages 13 and up, $4 ages 5-12, Free ages 4 and under 4:Amigos for Christ Fiesta Times:10am.www.suwanee. com.Location:Town Center Park.Phone:770-826-7112 Admission:Free 4-5:Harvest Rails Times:Sat 10am-5pm Sun. 12-5pm.www.srmduluth.org Location:Southeastern Railway Museum.Phone:770476-2013.Admission:Adults $8,seniors $6,children $4,under age 2 Free 4-5:Norcross Art Fest Times:Sat 10am-6pm/Sun 12-5pm.www.norcrossartfest. com.Location:Downtown Norcross.Phone:770-448-2122. Admission:Free 8:Injoy Catalyst Conference Times: 8:30am-5:15pm.www. catalystconference.com. Location:Arena at Gwinnett Center.Phone:1-888-3346569.Admission:$139-$239. Conference that merges young adults leaders with each other to share ideas, www.gwinnettparents.com

learn and worship. 10-11:City of Auburn Great American Clean Up Times:8am-5pm.www. cityofauburn-ga.org.Location:Downtown Auburn. Phone:770-963-4002.Admission:Free 10:Family Reunion Workshop Times:10am - noon.Location: Atlanta Marriott Norcross Phone:770-263-8558.Admission:FREE Advance reservations required 11:35th Annual Lilburn Daze Times:9am-5pm.cityoflilburn. com.Location:Lilburn City Park.Phone:770-921-2210. Admission:Free 12:Cross Pointe Church Family Day Times:10:30am.www.suwanee.com.Location:Town Center Park.Phone:678-8124500.Admission:Free

Buford’s Finest Family Recreation Center

12-19:USTA 2nd Annual PGA Tour Superstore Women’s 50K Tennis Classic Times:Vary by day.www. gcvb.org/tennis/index.htm Location:Collins Hill Athletic Club.Phone:770-814-6052

Skate Country Birthday Parties are the BEST! We Host: • Children & Adult Birthday Parties • Fundraiser Events • School Spirit Nights

16-18:Georgia Quilt Show Times:10am.www.georgiaquiltshow.com.Location: Gwinnett Center.Admission:$10 18-19:36th Annual Highland Games Times:9am-5pm.www. stonemountainpark.com Location:Stone Mountain Park.Phone:770-498-5690 www.gwinnettparents.com

Video/Arcade Games, Fun Shop, Cafe, Pro Shop 2700 Buford Highway Buford, GA 30518

678-546-1547

2276 Thompson Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30501

770-532-3248

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[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS ] Admission:Sat Adults.$15/ Child $4, Sun Adults $13 18:8th Annual Sugar Hill Fall Festival Times:11:00am-5:00pm www.cityofsugarhill.com Location:E.E. Robinson Park.Phone:770-831-7413 Admission:Free 18-19:Atlanta Exotic Bird Fair Times:Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm.www.northatlantatradecenter.com.Location: North Atlanta Trade Center Phone:770-279-9899 Admission:2-day pass $6, Adults one day $4, 12 and under free 18:Auburnfest Times:10am-6pm.www.

cityofauburn-ga.org.Location:Downtown Auburn Phone:770-963-4002 ext. 223.Admission:Free 18:Family Day at Hudgens Center Arts Center Times:10am-3pm.www.artsgwinnett.org.Location:Hudgens Art Center Phone:770623-6002.Admission:$5 18:Gwinnett Reading Festival Times:10am-4pm.www. gwinnettreadingfestival.org Location:Gwinnett County Fair Grounds.Phone:770978-5154 18:Taste of Suwanee Times:Noon.www.tasteofsuwanee.com.Location:Town Center Park.Phone:678-

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482-5980 21:I-Day Atlanta Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters Times:8am.www.atlanta. cpcusociety.org.Location: Gwinnett Center.Phone: 800-932-2728.Admission:$95 24:Sugar Hill 5K Sweet Run www.cityofsugarhill.com.Location:E.E. Robinson Park Phone:770-945-6716 24-25:Orvis Warehouse Sale Times:Fri & Sat 9am/Sun 10am.Location:Gwinnett Center Phone:770-8137500.Admission:Free

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25:Boy Scout Merit Badge Day www.srmduluth.org Location:Southeastern Railway Museum Phone:770-873-3770 25:Farm Fest www.gwinnettparks.com Location:McDaniel Farm Park.Phone:770-822-8840 Admission:Free 25:PugFest 2008 Times:10am-4pm.www.rescuepug.com.Location:Gwinnett County Fair Grounds Phone:770.963.6522 Admission:$5 per person, Ages 12 and Under:$2.50 25:Snellville Fall Carnival Times:6-9pm.www. snellville.org.Location:T.W.

Briscoe Park.Phone:770985-3535.Admission:Free

Admission:Free 29:New Kids on the BlockLive in Concert Times:8pm.www.ticketmaster.com.Location: Arena at Gwinnett Center. Phone:404-249-6400.Admission:$37.50-$77.50

25:Trek or Treat Times:11am-1pm.www. suwanee.com.Location: Suwanee Creek Park Phone:770-945-8996 Admission:Free 26:Kares for Kids KW FamJam Times:1-5pm.www. kares4kidspartners.org Location:Town Center Park Phone:678-775-2750. Admission:Free

29:Touch the Earth with Native People Times:9:30am-2pm.www. nativepeople.org.Location:T.W. Briscoe Park. Phone:770-985-3535 30:Taste of Home Cooking Show Times:4pm Location:Gwinnett Center Phone:770-963-9205 Ext. 1208.Admission:$12-$20

28:City of Lilburn Community Garage Sale Times:9am-2pm.www. cityoflilburn.com.Location:Downtown Lilburn Phone:770-921-2210

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