Our Town Magazine May 2010 Gwinnett

The Gwinnett Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

Our Town May 2010

Lilburn l Lawrenceville l Snellville l Grayson

Meet the people behind

Three Blind Mice See cover story on page 5

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Hi, I’m David Futral, Doctor of Chiropractic at Scott Chiropractic Neurology and Rehab Center. Perhaps gentleness in chiropractic is a new concept to you. It was to me, before I began the eight years of college training necessary for my doctorate degree. But during those years, I learned the precise location where light pressure can bring great relief to chronic and acute pain. Our office specializes in this gentle, but powerful non-force technique in addition to traditional methods. We also offer physiological therapeutics, exercise rehabilitation, nutrition with healthy weight loss, and massage therapy.

In addition to my Doctorate, I am involved in a three year post graduate Chiropractic Neurology program and work with the only Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist in Gwinnett, Dr. Jane Scott, who has served the community since 1988. I devote one weekend a month attending chiropractic seminars to assure you the latest techniques, research and discoveries to better serve my patients.

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PAGE Page 3

The Gwinnett Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

Our Town

Lilburn

l

Lawenceville

Publisher/Editor D. Flores Norma Flores

Cover Photography Cheiu Lee Photography

Graphics

and

Our Town Jules Williams

Design

l

Snellville

l

Grayson

Contributing Writers: Susan Cadley, LPC Sagdrina Jalal, BS Ed, CPT Cassidy Johnson Althea Lawton-Thompson, CPT

May 2010 IN THIS ISSUE… About the Cover........................................................................5 Counselor’s Corner: The Simon Factor.....................................6 Calendar of Events.....................................................................7 Fitness: As Seen on TV................................................................8 More About the Cover..............................................................9 Education Corner: Summer Learning.....................................11

Kathryn Padgett, DVM

Wellness Corner: Free to Jump...............................................12

Ryan T. Sauers Carol Chandler-Wood

May Crossword..........................................................................12 Crossword Key...........................................................................14 Gardening: Mosquitoes............................................................15

O ur T own M agazine , I nc .

P.O. Box 644 l Snellville, Georgia 30078 Telephone: 404-824-5396 www.OurTownMag.org For reader comments or questions, please E-mail us at life@ourtownmag.org

Business: Business Sense............................................................16 Pet Page: Laparoscopy...............................................................17 Recipe: Tequila Lime Shrimp...................................................18

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the Gwinnett Area.

Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2010 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Page 4

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Our Town Magazine

About the cover

three blind mice F

inally- it’s spring! Welcome to warmer weather, and sunshine. It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes and get out of the house. You know that they say- “April showers bring May flowers…” and restaurants? For those of you who have been hibernating all winter, I am proud to announce the opening of a dining experience like no other you’ve seen here in Gwinnett. The Three Blind Mice Restaurant Wine Bar and Market is now open in Lilburn, Ga. But don’t let the name fool you; the owners had their eyes wide open throughout the construction and execution of this place.

The minute you set foot in the door, it’s as if you’ve stepped out of Lilburn and into a storybook setting. Vaulted ceilings, a fireplace mantle, books, wine bottles, and pastries galore! Every detail is stretched to its full potential. It will take all five senses to soak in everything TBM has to offer. But that’s just what owners August Perez and Monica Murphy-Perez had in mind when they designed the restaurant.

want this to be the place that’s thought folded, with our noses held, in the dark, of for where you go if you want to just be or after having spicy food,” Murphy said.

“The idea was to try to hone your palaround people.” ate and develop it using other senses.

Besides the standard dining areas, there The little translation of that is ‘blind are two large wooden tables and a lounge tasting.’” area that includes a sofa and a high back “We want to expose things to the comchair. They also offer wi-fi. munity, to help them find new things “We have created a setting where people that they really like; try that wine that can come in and enjoy a cup of coffee they might not normally try, pair it with with their morning paper, but also where something that they might not normally they can come in and have business pair it with,” Murphy-Perez said. “So meetings. We’d love to be a place for often you go into a marketplace and all women to host book clubs,” she said. you have to go on are these little notes “We want to get creative with events like ‘wine spectator’ or something. What and things because we want this to be we want to do is strip that away and let a multi-faceted outlet. The inspiration people pick things somewhat ‘blindly.’” behind the design was to make this a place you want to just spend time in; a So where does the number three come place that’s cozy- one you won’t want to in? Meet owners Tim and Carla Shannon; Carla is the restaurant manager. rush out of.”

So if the place is so visually appealing, why the name Three Blind Mice?

Monica’s brother, Matthew Murphy works as the head chef and is also an “We just wanted to create a very warm owner. He attributes the restaurant’s environment for people to just come in name in part to his own experiences and feel like they are in their own living while learning the business. room or on their front porch; to feel like this is a place where they can go to “I went to wine school in France, and network and socialize with people from one of the things we did was sensory the community,” Murphy-Perez said. “We deprivation; we would taste wine blind

“We’ve lived in Lilburn 18 years and were tired of driving every Friday or Saturday night to Decatur, Buckhead, or Midtown to enjoy a good food and wine atmosphere. It seemed like something we wanted as much as everyone else, so Tim and I made the decision to come on board with Matthew, August and Monica,” Shannon said. “I think that the strong point I bring to the business is I’m a people person.

Continued on pg. 9

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Counselor’s Corner

By Susan Cadley

I

n o m i S e Th Factor

f you haven’t heard of Simon Cowell by now, he’s the tough talking acerbic judge on the hugely popular television show American Idol and his own talent show in England called the X Factor. Simon is known for his callous comments which at times can be downright rude, even though he often preempts what he says with “I don’t mean to be rude…”. So why do the contestants that are being judged seem to put so much weight into what Simon says? Probably why most people wait to hear his assessment – he speaks his truth. His communication style is not always constructive as he says what is on his mind without much editing, good or bad. And because he is so brutally truthful, that seems to make the praise he doles out worth it to those being judged.

In the real world, how often do you speak your truth? Do you withhold what you are thinking or feeling to protect others? Do you speak your truth without editing to get heard?

Both are extreme communication styles. If you find it difficult to speak your truth to important people in your life or in business, consider how safe it was a child to express your feelings. Were your feelings honored or ignored in your family? If you find yourself in sticky situations because you blurt out your truth without tact, reflect on how you got heard in your family. Perhaps you had to become loud to get heard, or your parents modeled expressive, degrading communication. Whatever you experienced in the past has an effect on how you communicate and relate today.

Page 6

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If you are at either end of the spectrum of speaking your truth, you can begin to change this dynamic to create the opportunity to be heard. If you are withholding your feelings, you’re not being heard. If you are blurting out your truth without consideration for others, you are also not getting heard as others may not take you seriously. To move yourself out of the two opposite communication styles of passive-being quiet and aggressive-being bluntly direct, you can express yourself in a clear, adult manner utilizing this easy three step process: 1. When ______________ happens/ happened, name the situation 2. I feel/felt ________________ 3. I need you to/not to___________

If the recipient changes the subject or gets defensive, name that and repeat the three steps, requesting to be heard. If you hit a wall, use the three step process to express your frustration, disappointment, anger or whatever you are feeling.

The benefits of speaking up for yourself and your feelings in a clear, concise manner are immense. When you are true to yourself, your inner sense of well being and self esteem increases because you are in integrity with you. This is being in your personal power. Speak clearly, get heard and take yourself from zero to hero, as Simon says!

Susan Cadley, LPC, CSC, Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Soul Coach is available for couples/ adult individual counseling, Soul Coaching workshops, and book studies in Suwanee, GA. She may be reached directly and confidentially at 678-2961278; www.coachingforyoursoul.com.

Our Town Magazine

may Calendar Trolley Tour 2010 Through June 27, 2010 Times: 12:30pm / 3pm www.visitlawrenceville.com Location: throughout Downtown Lawrenceville Phone: 404-375-1496 Admission: $10 per week

Armed Forces Day May 15, 2010 Times: All Day southeasternrailwaymuseum.com Location: Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth Phone: 770-476-2013

Moms and Tots AThrough December 9, 2010 Times: 10:30am-12pm www.southeasternrailwaymuseum.com Location: Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth Phone: 770-495-0253 Admission: $7 per child

Centennial Heritage Celebration in City Park May 15, 2010 www.cityoflilburn.com Location: Lilburn City Park Phone: 770-921-3242 Admission: FREE

In The Water Boat Sale May 15, 2010 - May 16, 2010 Lawrenceville Ghost Tours Times: 10am-6pm Through September 25, 2010 www.boatatlanta.com Times: 8:30pm Location: Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 www.scarystroll.com Holiday Rd. Location: Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville Phone: 770-279-9899 Phone: 678-226-6222 Admission: $10 for Gate entry into Admission: $12 adults / $9 child Lanier / show is FREE Stone Mountain Park’s Lasershow Spectacular™ Through May 29, 2010 Times: 9:30 pm www.stonemountainpark.com Location: Memorial / Laser Lawn Phone: (770) 498-5690 Admission: Laser show is free 5th Annual Ride For The Ranch May 15, 2010 Times: registration from 8:30am-10am / ride all day www.agaperanch.org Location: Yellow River Baptist Church, Lilburn Phone: 678-313-9575 Admission: $25 per rider / $20 per passenger A Day of Hope 2010 May 15, 2010 Times: 10am - 6pm www.adayofhopefoundation.org Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Phone: 770-963-6522 Admission: FREE

Our Town Magazine

American Red Cross Blood Drive May 21, 2010 Times: 2pm - 7pm www.redcrossblood.org Location: Centerville Community Center Phone: 770-985-4713 Admission: FREE / Schedule an appointment Classic Car Show May 22, 2010 Times: 10am-4pm www.aplacetoimagine.com Location: Historic Downtown Norcross Phone: 770-448-2122 Admission: FREE Lilburn Idol Auditions May 24, 2010 www.cityoflilburn.com Location: Lilburn City hall Phone: 770-921-3242 Admission: FREE

Moonlight & Music Concert Series May 28, 2010 - September 24, 2010 Times: 8pm www.visitlawrenceville.com Location: Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Phone: 678-226-2639 Admission: FREE

Daughtry June 5, 2010 Times: doors 6:30pm / concert 7:30pm www.ticketmaster.com Location: Arena at Gwinnett Center Phone: 404-249-6400 Admission: $29.50 - $39.50

Memorial Day Weekend May 29, 2010 - May 31, 2010 Times: 10am-8pm; Lasershow 9:30pm www.stonemountainpark.com Location: Memorial/Laser Lawn Phone: (770) 498-5690 Admission: All included in the Adventure Pass ($27 adults and $21 children ages 3-11).

Snellville Farmers Market June 5, 2010 - October 23, 2010 Times: 8am-noon www.squidoo.com/ snellvile-farmers-market Location: Snellville City Hall Phone: 770-985-3500 Admission: FREE

Memorial Day Celebration May 31, 2010 www.cityoflilburn.com Location: Lilburn City Park Phone: 770-921-3242 Admission: FREE Troubadour Reunion with Carole King and James Taylor June 3, 2010 Times: 7:30pm www.ticketmaster.com Location: Arena at Gwinnett Center Phone: 404-249-6400 Relay For Life June 4, 2010 Times: All www.roadatlanta.com Location: Road Atlanta Phone: 800-849-7223

Community Garage Sale June 6, 2010 Times: 9am-2pm www.cityoflilburn.com Location: Old Town Lilburn Phone: 770-921-3242 Admission: FREE / Vendors pay a fee Lilburn Idol Auditions June 7, 2010 www.cityoflilburn.com Location: Lilburn City hall Phone: 770-921-3242 Admission: FREE Vacation Bible School at GBC June 7-11 9am-12pm Bring a friend / FREE www.gwinnettbiblechapel.org 3819 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lilburn (770) 972-4474

Art On The Square June 5, 2010 Times: 8am-5pm www.visitlawrenceville.com Location: Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Phone: 770-822-5450 Admission: FREE

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ith infomercials wooing us with the promise of “amazing” or “ in as little as one week” results, it is easy to become dazed and confused while making fitness related purchases.

Abdominal Gadgets: We are constantly presented with the next gizmo that promises to give us six -pack abs. They promise to take the discomfort out of the dreaded crunches. The truth is rocking may be soothing, but it does little for your abs! When done correctly, crunches are extremely effective.

Home Gyms:

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The premise behind this type of equipment makes sense: One compact unit that addresses different muscle groups in an easy to use structure. Despite the high price, many are disappointed by what comes out of the box. The set up is generally very complicated. After installation, the cables, pulleys, and weights may have to be adjusted many times. The exercise charts that come with the machines are usually quite basic and do not give feedback on important details like form and technique. The price, quality, and usability of home gyms vary significantly so make sure you research the machine that is best for you.

Cardiovascular Machines/DVDs: When it comes to cardiovascular exercise, the goal is simple: to get the heart rate up! If you enjoy “Sweating to the Oldies” then put on your dancing sneakers and have fun. $20 for a DVD is a small price to pay for a fat burning, heart healthy, good time. As for cardio equipment, I suggest committing to a ‘free’ workout plan before you make an investment. Consider setting a goal of walking X times in a month. As soon as you reach that goal, the treadmill can be a well-deserved reward.

Taking care of your body is a worthwhile investment. With research, patience, and a little buyer’s intuition, it is possible to make fit decisions that last!

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By Sagdrina Jalal, BS Ed, CPT, Fitness Consultant, Inner Strength Fitness, 404-271-0071 www.innerstrength-fitness.com

Our Town Magazine

Cover continued from pg. 5 So I felt like my people skills could come in and help run the front end of the house and work the staff and the servers and just kind of keep a balance here.”

Every detail was carefully planned to incorporate all aspects of the restaurant, from the logo, to the color scheme, to the staff themselves.

“I just wanted to create a backdrop, a palate that sort of supports our whole brand, and that is very continuous throughout all aspects of it,” Murphy-Perez said. “So if you look at our business card our palate is reflected, as well as in what our servers are wearing, and what’s outlaid within the restaurant. I feel like it’s a subtle thing that you don’t notice but I feel like it all really blends together.”

Monica works as a designer; she manages an architectural tile and stone showroom called Materials Marketing in Peachtree Hills, Atlanta.

“That is my full time job, but I am lucky to have this outlet to be able to sort of see some of my design come to fruition that’s a little different from my day to day design,” she said.

“A lot of the pieces in TBM have a history or a meaning behind them. For example, Matthew Murphy the sofa was made from an oyster bin/seafood style bucket. The jars that are made into lights are old wine casts from Portugal. The sconces on the wall are tops of wine barrels with the staves,” Shannon said. “A lot of these pieces have some character and history behind them.”

The restaurant menu itself is also a work of art.

Most of the bottled wines cost between just $7 and $18!

“We bake pastries in house such as chocolate banana muffins. It’s the kind of style cooking that is conceptually known as bistro, which is French,” Murphy said. “But TBM is a neighborhood restaurant where the menu is always changing. We make the dishes in house. It’s fresh, quality ingredients used well in a creative manner.”

“We are trying to really give people a good value,” Murphy-Perez said.

“We aren’t trying to alienate anyone with our prices.”

“Most people can’t believe our prices,” Shannon said. “They walk out going ‘is that all I paid?’”

“The menu offers something for everybody.

We don’t want people to think that it is too Perez Family Beginning May 12, TBM will host gourmet, or too far from what they might like,” weekly wine tastings from 7-9pm.

Murphy-Perez said. “I feel like we have tried hard to bring something here for people of all ages. It’s a place that can Each week will feature a different wine or region. easily morph to whatever it needs to be. It’s kind of like “Our first week’s theme is Spring Wines; there are always a blank canvas here.” six wines: two whites, two roses, and two reds,” Murphy In short, TBM offers a local upscale dining experience at said. “I am very passionate about European wines, but the average customer is a little intimidated by the coman extremely affordable price. plicated names, etc. We want our customers to hone their “We are a full service restaurant with a full service bar, own palate. I can’t tell you what the best wine is, because but we also house a retail wine and beer market with it’s all different for individuals.” some specialty items all under one roof,” Shannon said.

“We are unique because no other restaurant in Gwinnett In celebration of Mother’s Day, Matthew and Monica revealed that their own mother, Janet Hopper, was also County offers all three.” an owner.

“It’s a wonderfully “She does not live here yet, but hopefully she will soon,” unique environment Murphy said. “TBM is a labor of love; it’s a lot of fun, but where you can taste a lot of time and energy goes into it.” the wine before you buy it,” MurphyYou can learn more about the Three Blind Mice concept Perez said. by stopping in to say hello at 1066 Killian Hill Road or online at www.tbmrestau“Yes, we can open a rant.com. bottle, let you taste, and you can then decide if you want to purchase a bottle or Shannon Family not,” Shannon said.

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Page 9

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EDUCATION Corner Summer Time Learning!

By Carol C. Wood Founder/CEO, Total Learning Concepts, Inc.

W

oohoo! School is out for the summer so we can all take a break and sleep in late, splash around the pool, eat popsicles and ice cream, and go to the movies! Learning can stop now! Right? Wrong! Summer time provides the BEST opportunity students have to enrich their academic skills if they desire to get ahead before school begins again or catch up in skills if they ended the school year below average in an area. During the summer, because school has ended and teachers are not moving through any additional curriculum, students have the opportunity to gain ground in their academics and with their school’s expectations. Whereas, during the school year if students fall behind, they must catch up with what they have missed AND keep up with what is being taught on a day-by-day basis BOTH at the same time. This is very difficult to do and can be extremely stressful! So, mom and dad, give the students in your family the opportunity to do what they can not easily do during the school year, which is to CATCH UP or MOVE AHEAD in their academics and solve their STUDY SKILL weaknesses this summer!

What can you do during the summer to enrich skills or catch up in abilities?

First, locate your child’s most recent standardized achievement and cognitive test scores and determine in which areas they are performing below, on, or above average as compared to his or her grade level in school. This can be located in the column that reads GE for grade equivalency or PR for percentile. Any area(s) in which the student scored below 50 in the percentile column or below their grade and month level in the GE column when the tests were administered, these are ones in which the student was performing below average at that time and needs remediation this summer. If the student scored above 50, he/she is performing above average; if about 50, performance is in the average range. By examining your child’s most recent test scores and determining which areas are below, on, or above average, you will then know which academic areas need attention during the summer so the student can START SCHOOL SHARP!

l Caring for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years l Before/After School Programs for ages 5-12 l We serve Brookwood, Craig, Gwin Oaks, Knight & R.D. Head Elementary Schools l Implementing Creative Curriculum with each age group

Next, locate professional tutorial resources for your child. If you will be teaching them at home, purchase the appropriate materials and work with your child on a consistent, weekly schedule. Do not allow the student to skip around within workbooks and complete the “fun” pages first, as the material is purposefully presented in a sequential order. Select a study place for each student which is equipped with the learning supplies and tools needed. If taking your child to a professional tutorial center, make sure he or she attends sessions on a consistent schedule with the same warm and caring professional, adult instructor who has teaching experience, utilizes nationally recognized materials with proven track records, and provides individualized instruction in an environment free from distractions and interruptions. Know the credentials of the instructor; such as his or her areas of teaching experience and educational degree. For reading work, a teacher with experience and training in reading instructional methods would be best. In math, someone with a degree and/or teaching experience in math is ideal. Ask for references and contact them to learn about their experience with the professional tutor you are considering. Request to see the instructional area and observe sessions in progress.

Remember, SUMMER is the most ideal time for students to get a JUMP START on the next school year! I hope your children have a great summer sleeping in late, splashing around the pool, eating popsicles and ice cream, watching movies, AND participating in SUMMER LEARNING!!

Carol Wood is the founder and owner of Total Learning Concepts, Inc., a private, professional tutorial service located in Gwinnett County. Please email questions to ccwood@bellsouth.net or fax to 770381-1626. OTM

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Page 11

WELLNESS CORNER

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hen you were a kid, do you remember the house where all of the kids from the neighborhood hung out? Well somehow, that house became my house.

Last year, we put up a trampoline. At first, there were no more than 3 kids allowed on it at any one time, and the older kids directed which children, based on weight and height, could participate at the same time. It was very systematic and I proudly watched from my bedroom window – which overlooks the backyard - as they fairly managed equal amounts of jump time.

One afternoon, I was looking out the window, deep in thought, when the voices of about 5 boys running through the backyard distracted me. I watched as my sons and their friends dodged and ducked each other, running between trees and jumping over exposed roots.

Eventually, they all clambered onto the trampoline – and my heart skipped a beat.

Normally, only 2-3 kids jump at once, but there were 5 boys ages 7, 9, 10 and 11 jumping at once. All of a sudden I heard my 7-year old scream out and fall to the side. The other kids stopped jumping and ran to his side. I don’t think I took a breath during the 30 seconds that he lay still. All of a sudden he jumped up, laughing and screaming, “I got you, I tricked you!” And my breathing returned to normal and my heart starting beating again.

I continued to watch as they created games – grabbing stray balls from the ground below and aiming them at each other as they jumped and flipped on the trampoline. It was dangerous, but they didn’t care. They played with total abandon, not worried if 1 of them fell off. I watched amazed as 1 boy then another would topple over the edge onto the ground. He’d gingerly pick himself up, dust off the dirt, leaves and pine needles, and climb back up to return to the game.

As I continued to observe them, I wondered to myself… “Have I stopped playing with abandon and fear? When was the last time I allowed myself to fall off the edge, get up, dust off, and climb back in the game? When had I faced an oncoming ball head-on and jumped and dodged to stay out of the way, but was still laughing and excited about the challenge?

Sometimes I revert to the child I was. Playing hard, laughing hard, not caring if I fall down or get cut and bruised. But sometimes I’m concerned about how the game might affect my budget, my role as a mother, or my responsibilities as a business owner.

The trick for us adults is to find the balance – balance between playing with abandon and enjoying all that life has to offer (both the jump over the ball and the fall to the ground), and being mindful of the realities of being a responsible adult.

You don’t have to live life like a wild game of dodge ball on a trampoline with too many people, but it doesn’t hurt to get on the trampoline once and a while – enjoy the rush of jumping up, falling back on your butt, and bouncing back up again.

Althea Lawton-Thompson, Certified Fitness Expert, is the owner of Aerobics, Yoga & More Fitness Studios in Lilburn, GA and the Fitness Coordinator of the Johns Hopkins Youth Obesity Program in Baltimore, MD. See classes and workshops she offers at www.AYMFitness.com.

Page 12

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66. “Comme ci, comme ça” 17. Precisely Limited 67. “The ___ have it” 20. Accused’s need 21. Undertake, with “out” 68. Greek coin 69. Same: Fr. 22. Iced tea shower?

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slang 23. Call, as a game 24. Gift for Mom 27. A pint, maybe 28. Carry on 29. “A rat!”

31. Heads of household 38. ___ bread 39. Hawkeye 40. Palm used for thatching 42. Final: Abbr.

43. Ophthalmologist 45. “Why is the ___ always gone?”

46. Bank 48. “Acid” 49. Accord 51. Dagger

Down 1. Chest material 2. Archaic to anoint 3. Recurring theme 4. Commoner 5. May honoree 6. Dispatch boat 7. Extend, in a way 8. About to explode 9. “C’___ la vie!”

10. “Buddenbrooks” author 11. “Gladiator” setting 12. Kind of rug 13. Dispatch 18. M-1, for one 19. Artist’s stand 25. Poetry

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26. Control, symbolically 28. “Harper Valley ___” 30. Connections 31. Spanish column 32. Caused by 33. Unfair?

34. Cobblers’ tools 35. Domestic 36. Circulation 37. Expectoration 38. Hockey focus 41. ___ nitrate 43. Black cat, maybe 44. Ballet attire 47. Siouan speakers 50. Sarge, e.g.

52. Expertise 53. Blood carrier 55. On the safe side, at sea 56. Applaud 57. Copper 58. Marienbad, for one 59. ___ Day 62. Battering device 63. “The Catcher in the ___”

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GARDENING

Y

Are Mosquitoes Eating You Up?

ikes! It’s getting to be that time of year again when you can’t seem to step outside without becoming a meal for the mosquito population in general.

What are some things you can do to control the mosquito population in your area?

The first step in controlling and/or eliminating mosquitoes is finding and eliminating their breeding site. One thing that’s absolutely essential to mosquitoes is...you guessed it, water. So take a walk around your home and property and be on the look out for the following:

1. Make sure your rain gutters aren’t clogged. Mosquitoes LOVE to hang out in that moist, wet leaf and pine needle debris.

2. Do you have water standing in tires, barrels, cans, wading pools, on tarps? Mosquitoes figure you’re setting up fivestar accommodations for them. Dump that standing water.

3. Flush bird baths and wading pools once a week to prevent larvae from actually hatching. Kill those suckers before they hatch.

4. Put minnows in ornamental ponds. While goldfish are pretty, they don’t offer much in the way of mosquito control but those hungry top-feeding minnows will chow down on that mosquito larva appetizer.

5. Check your air conditioner condensation and make sure it’s not forming a nice mosquito puddle. A quick trip to the local hardware store for some PVC pipe can route that water out to your yard. Think of it as thwarting those devilish mosquitoes and gaining a little lawn irrigation.

6. Letting your grass grow too high or having weeds standing around can allow mosquitoes to harbage. Mow, mow, mow so the mosquitoes will go, go, go!

So, take a walk and see if you can’t eliminate much of your problem at the source. If you’re still a human feeding ground, call an expert or drop in at your local hardware or do-it-yourself store.

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BUSINESS

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Our Town Magazine

PET PAGE

PETS OF THE MONTH Available for Adoption:

Laparoscopy

G

winnett Animal Hospital now has the ability to perform minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic equipment. Studies show that laparoscopy makes abdominal surgeries less painful, while improving the speed of recovery, and greatly reducing post-operative pain.

Endoscopy is a branch of medicine in which the interior structures of a body cavity or hollow organ is visually examined through the use of an endoscope. Endoscopy can be used in the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, the nasal passages, and hollow organs such as the upper gastrointestinal tract, colon, and urogenital tract. Laparoscopy is a type of endoscopy involving the abdominal cavity. There are a variety of procedures, both diagnostic (biopsy) and therapeutic (spay, gastropexy), that can be performed either laparoscopically or laparoscopically-assisted.

There are several advantages to laparoscopic procedures. They are minimally invasive compared to traditional abdominal surgery; instead of a large incision into the abdominal cavity, two or more smaller incisions are made through which a laparoscope and tools are passed. These instruments are then used to perform procedures. Laparoscopic procedures cause less physiological trauma to the patient resulting in less pain, quicker recovery, and a shorter hospital stay. Laparoscopy is also an excellent way to acquire information. Images of organs or masses can be obtained as well as tissue samples for biopsy, cytology or culture.

There are a variety of procedures that can be performed using laparoscopy.

Here at Gwinnett Animal Hospital we commonly perform laparoscopic sterilization (spays and castrations involving retained testicles), laparoscopicassisted gastropexies (stomach tack), and laparoscopic liver biopsies.

In summary, laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery resulting in less pain and a quicker recovery for your pet. It also means less stress for the owner keeping their pet quiet after surgery. Gwinnett Animal Hospital is proud to be one of the few private practices in North Georgia performing laparoscopy.

Please visit our website at www.gwinnettanimalhospital.com or call 770972-0447 for more information about our hospital and the services we provide.

Kathryn Padgett, DVM, Gwinnett Animal Hospital

CHABLIS is a 3-4 yr. old SPECIAL NEEDS female baby-doll faced Silver Shaded Persian who we rescued from a local humane society. Sadly, she had previously contracted a severe eye infection that eventually required removal of both eyes. CHABLIS is a sweet girl with a delightful “purr”sonality who purrs away when she feels safe and comfortable, and who is going to need a family to care for her who is familiar with sightless animals and willing to show patience with CHABLIS while she makes her adjustment to being blind and being in a new home. CHABLIS will make a wonderful, loving companion when she learns to trust her new family and becomes familiar with her new surroundings. www.fancyfelinerescue.org.

Chablis

Fancy Feline Rescue of the South is a non-profit, no kill rescue, dedicated to individual attention and excellent care to homeless cats, working to find them good homes.

Rosco “Romeo”

Rosco, a.k.a. “Romeo” is a mischevious dwarf rabbit that we rescued off the roadside a few weeks ago. He is super sweet and loves the ladies!!

“We Come To You!” Comfy Critters Pet-Sitters Licensed, Bonded and Insured Veterinarian Technicians Able to Service Pets with Special Medical Needs & Dominate Breeds Members of: The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters The Lilburn Business Association The Georgia Network for Professional Pet Sitters

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Dione C. Boulton Owner

(678) 480-7043

Call or email to schedule your consultation.

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Page 17

6/30/10.

Recipe Tequila Lime Shrimp 2 pounds large shrimp, unpeeled Marinade: 1/2 cup olive oil 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup tequila 2 medium shallots, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh lime juice salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons cumin Thread 3 to 4 shrimp on the skewers. If using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak for an hour before threading shrimp. Place in a large shallow non-aluminum dish. To prepare the marinade: mix together tequila, lime juice, garlic, shallots, salt, cumin, and pepper. Add in olive oil slowly, whisking until mixture is combined. Pour over shrimp and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 to 4 hours. Preheat grill for medium heat. Place shrimp on grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill, take the shrimp off skewers, and serve immediately.

Page 18

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